Chapter 38: Strike at Class Three!

The fifth day after the holidays was a significant one for Ming Han.

Proof!

As it was said in “My Own Swordsman”: Why do people live in this world?

To defend their pride! Not for steamed buns, but for dignity…

If so many believe our Class Thirteen’s runner-up title was undeserved, then we’ll show them the truth! Let our prowess silence the doubters.

The five of them—Yu Hang, Zhao Yang, Da Xu, Ming Han, and Zheng Yuan—had gathered early to discuss tactics.

“Class Three’s Wang Feng, known as the ‘agile fat man,’ is famous for his hook shots and mid-range jumpers. More importantly, he uses his body well. Zheng Yuan might not be able to hold him off, so we’ll probably have to play fast!” Yu Hang analyzed their opponents’ strengths.

Many nodded in agreement. Wang Feng was a well-known center and deserved extra attention.

“Their starting point guard is Fang Huijian. His moves are big and dirty. Everyone, be careful,” Yu Hang said, his tone grave.

“And their greatest threat tonight is Liu Hai, number four, who’ll be matched up against Ming Han. He’s a muscle-bound powerhouse. Ming Han, try to use skill rather than brute force against him, or you’ll be at a disadvantage,” Yu Hang advised.

Clearly, Yu Hang took this match seriously and had done his homework.

“When we face them, we have our own strengths. We’re the most coordinated team in our grade. Play more pick-and-rolls and screens, seize opportunities decisively, and the game will become simple.”

Everyone nodded in agreement. After all, a team that reached the finals must have its own advantages and style.

Soon, both teams took the court for warm-ups.

About a hundred spectators sat in the stands, clearly drawn by the tension and excitement of this match.

Fang Huijian jogged over and said coldly to Ming Han, “Looks like you’ve prepared a lot, but it’s useless. Our class’s style is made to trounce soft teams like yours.”

Da Xu wanted to retort, but Yu Hang stopped him. “What’s the point of talking? Just beat them so badly they won’t know what hit them.”

Yu Hang’s calm words left Fang Huijian simmering with frustration.

The game was about to begin; both teams were already on the court.

Ming Han stretched his legs, preparing himself, and smiled at Chen Li who stood off the court. “Today, I’m scoring twenty points!”

Chen Li nodded, her eyes filled with gentle encouragement.

Yu Hang reminded the team once more: “Run your plays and work together, play at a fast pace, and don’t let them force us into a half-court game.”

The tip-off!

Wang Feng seized the first offensive possession.

Fang Huijian handled the ball, and Wang Feng immediately set a pick. As Fang Huijian drove off the screen, Zheng Yuan quickly rotated to help, but Fang Huijian, experienced as he was, bounced a pass to Wang Feng at the left elbow.

This was Wang Feng’s rhythm—he rose and shot, sinking the first basket of the game.

Fang Huijian high-fived Wang Feng, excitedly. “Bro, let’s blow them out.”

The opening minutes are crucial; basketball hates a one-sided run.

Yu Hang brought the ball past half-court, and the two big men started setting screens for the wings. Zhao Yang cut backdoor, Yu Hang bounced it beneath the basket, and Zhao Yang finished the layup.

“Remember to switch on defense; they run a lot of plays,” Liu Hai called out, having watched Class Thirteen’s games before.

In the next possession, Fang Huijian kept it simple—after the team spaced out, he fed the ball to Wang Feng, posting up low.

Wang Feng was tall and bulky, easily overpowering Zheng Yuan. Honestly, few in their grade could muscle Zheng Yuan like this; Wang Feng was one of them, perhaps the toughest.

Once he got deep enough, Wang Feng hooked it in. Class Three started strong, and the crowd cheered loudly.

But Zheng Yuan was unhappy, as Wang Feng had used his elbow while backing him down. “Damn, you pig’s trotters!”

The referee, hired from outside, ignored Zheng Yuan’s complaints. Some physical contact is normal in basketball.

“Don’t rush, stick to our game plan!”

Just as Yu Hang predicted, Class Three forced lots of physical battles, never giving you easy shots or passing lanes.

Midway through the first quarter, Yu Hang and Ming Han ran a pick-and-roll. After the switch, Fang Huijian faced Ming Han!

Ming Han protected the ball with his body, suddenly drove left, and as Fang Huijian lost balance, pulled back for a jump shot.

Fang Huijian tried to recover, but slipped and dropped to his knees.

Swish! The shot was good.

Cheers erupted!

Ankle breaker—Fang Huijian became a mere backdrop. It stung.

Fang Huijian’s face darkened, but he couldn’t lose his temper; the score was close, and morale was crucial. No matter what, winning was everything.

Da Xu ran over, high-fived Ming Han, and joked, “Ming Han, did you just recruit a new disciple? He even knelt to salute you.”

Everyone burst into laughter.

If you’re upset, we’re delighted—just how we are…

The first quarter ended quickly, with only a single point separating the teams. Both sides played fiercely, displaying their strengths.

After leaving the court, Yu Hang said, “Let’s try to keep this pace through the second and third quarters. Their style obviously drains their stamina. That’ll be our advantage when it matters.”

That was the plan, but no one knew if they could execute it. The opponent’s defensive pressure was intense; it was tough for them, too.

Ming Han took few shots in the first quarter, making two of three. The other was a mid-range jumper.

The new Ming Han was transformed: calm with the ball, making full use of his physical gifts.

Some had begun calling Ming Han “Durant.”

“We’re going to win!” They slapped hands.

The second quarter began quickly.

For them, playing meant giving it their all every minute. Stamina? A two-minute break was enough to recover.

“Brothers, if we win, I’ll take everyone out for karaoke tonight. I’ll call three princesses!” Fang Huijian shouted.

Ming Han was bewildered and asked Zheng Yuan, “What’s a princess?”

Zheng Yuan was a bit embarrassed. “They’re staff at the karaoke place, responsible for teaching people to sing.”

“Oh!” Ming Han was hearing about this job for the first time. The world is full of surprises.

As the second quarter started, Class Three pressed hard, putting great pressure on Class Thirteen.

After Liu Hai bulldozed Ming Han for two consecutive baskets, Ming Han raised his hand to signal Yu Hang for a timeout.

It was just four minutes into the second quarter. Each quarter lasted ten minutes.

“Liu Hai is too strong—I can’t hold him off!”

Liu Hai’s skills weren’t outstanding, but his sheer strength was overwhelming. And in these games, offensive fouls weren’t strictly called.

“Any good ideas?”

Ming Han thought for a moment. “Let’s double-team him! When he’s done dribbling and about to shoot, the nearest player should disrupt him. That’ll work for sure.”

Everyone’s eyes lit up, agreeing to the plan.