What a game!

I may have had the most dramatic game ever today.

It was a basketball match between us, (Salesian), and Ukima Junior high school. The winner of this match would become best 8ths in Kita ward, Tokyo, so there was some pressure weighing on us.

Salesian was a team that got absolutely destroyed by other teams last year, often getting beaten by quadruple scores. Now, I am confident in saying that we've grown a lot and are capable of beating strong teams. In fact, today, we beat a team that was a former best 4 in Kita ward (Ukima).

There were multiple times where there was a certain flow for one team, in which they scored as much as 10 points without deceiving any. This possession of the flow kept on changing between the two teams, and was the gateway to winning the game for us. 

By the time the first quarter ended, we were getting heavily pressured by losing with a double score (15-30). However, no one in our team gave up, as we knew that we were pressing upon the other team as well. So, we managed to catch the flow, and ended 2nd quarter at only 5 points difference (52-57).

From here, the game only went more and more entertaining. 3rd period was an exchange of points, and felt as though both teams were in the flow. At some point, we were as close to turning the game with only 4  points. We knew that we had a chance. We believed in the work we put in during practice. We never gave up, and kept on pressuring the other team.

4th quarter was an absolute show for any spectators. Each and every member of our team, whether they were in the court or not, was together as one. Everyone on the court was sprinting for the ball, defending with all they had, and scoring with perfect precision. Those who were on the bench gave their best advice they had, and gave their loudest voice for cheering. With some swishes on the 3 pointers, and put backs after an offensive rebound, we made the game to a 3 point game with just 5 seconds left (65-68).

Coach took a time out, and we gathered on the bench. Everyone knew that the next play was the most important play of the match. 

Not many words were said, except for millions of "don't give up"s and "you got this". Only plan we made for the last 5 seconds was for 3 of us to move out of the way for the one ace player to make the Three.

5 seconds. It was not a long time to make turn the game around. But as everything happened, from the initial throw into the court, to when the ball escaped from his hands, it was in slow motion. As the ball rose to the air, all cheers died down, and all eyes on the gym were set upon the ball.

Deafening silence fell.

SPLASH

The ball made its way through the net, as the loudest roar the gym heard yet was made. Our bench exploded, and everyone stood up in joy. The players ran towards the ace player, all absolutely shocked by the ultimate shot.

The game was now even for the first time since the first quarter. With only 0.7 seconds on the clock, the other team had no chance of getting another bucket.

The game went to overtime. Although everyone was astounded by the last 3, we knew that the game wasn't over. It was only tied. There was no plan needed or wanted, as we knew that everything we've been working on, everything we've been practicing was for this 5 minutes. 

As soon as the overtime started, we pressed upon the other team and stole a bucket. The bench let out a roar once again, pushing us as a team one more step further to the win. 

Everyone gave everything they had for the last 5 minutes. We created another flow, and bounced our lead to 5 points.

After the sickeningly slow 5 minutes, the final buzzer rang. The players collapsed in their spot, overwhelmed with emotions. The bench erupted another roar, and ran towards the players, hugging and patting them as they collapsed as well. 

We won with a score of 75-70. It was a result of a united team who believed in themselves for the work they put in. Today, I found the strength of teamwork and the spirit of never ever ever giving up.