Out of hundreds of schools, only three teams could advance to the finals and compete for the basketball crown.
Every season, the competition was fierce.
For Eastwest, the challenge was even greater. Burdened by a tarnished reputation, they had always been overshadowed by stronger teams. Whether it was morale or resources, they were always a step behind.
Although their victory in the Whitewall friendship match had given them a morale boost, it also meant that more formidable teams were now paying close attention to them.
The upcoming matches…
Would undoubtedly be a true test of strength.
—
**Inside the gymnasium.**
Holding the match schedule in his hand, Cole analyzed their first opponent for the team.
“Leize Academy is our first opponent. Last year, their strength was slightly below Whitewall’s. However, they reportedly have a new PG this year named Aaron. He’s someone we need to watch out for. Aaron is said to excel at defense and has incredibly precise passing skills.
“For this match, we’ll make some adjustments to the starting lineup. Avira Nassy will sub in during the second half. Ashton, focus on scoring from the perimeter. Samuel, keep your eye on defense. Orson, the rebounds and dunks are your responsibility. At the start of the game, we must aim to widen the score gap and establish dominance.”
At moments like this, Cole’s commanding presence was unmistakable.
“Remember, never place too much trust in the stats. The court is unpredictable, and underestimating your opponent is the worst mistake you can make. We cannot afford to be careless.”
Cole’s gaze swept lightly over the assembled players. “Do any of you have questions?”
“I have one.”
Samuel, who had been keeping his head down, finally lifted his gaze slightly. His expression was calm, devoid of any discernible emotion. “If the goal is to overwhelm the opponent’s momentum from the start, wouldn’t it be better to have Nimca Leon as the starting player?”
“Exactly! Just leave it to Nimca Leon!”
“Nimca Leon is so strong—she could crush their confidence right at the beginning. If we go in first, wouldn’t we just get in the way?”
Several substitutes quickly voiced their agreement with Samuel’s suggestion.
Cole rested his chin on one hand, a gentle smile in his amber eyes. “Are you saying that none of you want to play in the match?”
Though his tone sounded like a question, there was not a hint of surprise in his gaze.
“Of course we do!”
The delicate-looking boy who spoke up was Nixon. Because of his cute appearance and shy nature, others often teased him by calling him “Nix.”
“But since we’re all on the same team, as long as we win… it doesn’t matter who plays, right?”
The air seemed to still for a moment.
“Nix, that was unexpectedly manly of you!”
One of his teammates stared at him in surprise before quickly slinging an arm around his neck.
“Senior! Please don’t make fun of me!”
Blushing furiously from the compliment, Nixon immediately started prying at the arm choking him half to death.
“Yes, that was quite the impressive statement.”
Cole chuckled gracefully. “But don’t you realize—you’ve already started relying on her.”
His words brought an immediate hush over the team.
“It’s undeniable that the most outstanding player on the team right now is Avira Nassy.”
Cole’s gaze fell on Avira Nassy, who was lazily yawning, looking as though she could barely manage to stay upright.
“But basketball isn’t a game one person can carry alone. More than relying on someone’s individual skills, teamwork is the most critical element. You all clearly recognize the gap between yourselves and her. So ask yourselves—if she does take the court, will you even be able to keep up with her?”
“Never let anyone become someone you depend on too much. Because once you have someone you rely on excessively, you create a weakness for yourself. If you lose that support one day, the whole game collapses. The court is a battlefield—hesitation or poor judgment can cost you a scoring opportunity.
“Remember, you are a team, but you are also individuals. On the court, trust every teammate unconditionally, but don’t lean too heavily on any one person. Understood?”
Nixon and the others froze in place as they processed Cole’s words.
Trust and reliance—at times, the two were tightly intertwined.
In their hearts, they believed Avira Nassy’s skills were strong enough to contend with champion teams like Sandfield. As long as she was on the court, there would be no issues, right?
They had been so fixated on winning, so obsessed with the idea of victory, that they had forgotten something crucial—they couldn’t even match her pace.
No matter how amazing Avira Nassy was, if they continued to rely on her completely, they would never improve themselves.
Someday, Avira Nassy would leave the basketball team. And when that time came, if they were still dependent on her, would they be doomed to repeat the same mistakes?
No, they couldn’t let that happen. They *refused* to let that happen.
“We understand!”
Their response to Cole was loud and brimming with determination.
“Then, let’s begin training.”
Cole’s smile was gentle, but his voice carried an unmistakable authority that demanded compliance.
Everyone headed toward the training area. Samuel’s steps faltered for a moment.
He glanced at Avira Nassy, who was walking just ahead of him, a faint crease forming between his brows.
