Chapter 111: I Feel the Same Way

Forty seconds remained, and No. 1 Middle School was still trailing by three points.

They called a timeout. The coach of No. 1 Middle School urged the players to aim for a two-point basket and to defend fiercely, holding on for another chance to attack.

Though a direct three-pointer like Ming Han’s was undeniably impressive and could have tied the score immediately, in a match of this level, a team sinking five three-pointers in a game was considered an excellent performance.

Ma Jingtao took control of the ball, while Wang Mingkang set up a screen. As No. 1 Middle School’s two most reliable players, it was only fitting they coordinated this crucial offensive play.

Yuhang gave a subtle nod, signaling to lock down these two players with all their might.

Sure enough, when Ma Jingtao feigned a drive forward, Wang Mingkang suddenly appeared in Ming Han’s defensive path, effectively blocking him.

Ma Jingtao then drove into the paint. The Jinghua players immediately swarmed him.

Ma Jingtao passed the ball under his legs to Wang Mingkang, who was making a cut.

The pass was risky—if intercepted, it would end the game.

Wang Mingkang caught the ball smoothly, dribbled once, and charged toward the basket.

Given Wang Mingkang’s height and wingspan, once he breached the paint, it was tough to stop him. But Jinghua’s team was prepared; both Qiang and Lin Shan positioned themselves in his path.

Would Wang Mingkang opt for a mid-range jumper? Many wondered. He was skilled in shooting with excellent touch—his turnaround jump shot was renowned throughout the county.

Facing double coverage, Wang Mingkang showed no fear and pressed forward.

As Qiang and Lin Shan spread their arms to contest his shot, Wang Minghui gently tossed the ball into the air.

The angle was perfect, right where No. 1 Middle School’s power forward was cutting sharply toward the basket.

It was an exquisite pass!

Only then did Ming Han fully understand why so many fans on the forums likened Wang Mingkang to Garnett.

Not just because of his Garnett-like turnaround jumper, nor merely his defensive versatility covering every position, but also his exceptional passing ability.

At his peak, Garnett was a monster averaging 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists!

Unlike Ming Han, who could dribble and assume any role to dish out assists, Wang Mingkang mostly played low-post facilitator.

Watching the ball’s graceful arc and the power forward soaring high, many sighed, “No. 1 Middle School’s tactic has worked. This attack is nearly unstoppable.”

Yuhang was helpless; none expected their least conspicuous power forward to finish the play.

The No. 1 Middle School power forward caught the ball with almost no defender in front of him.

Ming Han was off to his side, no longer able to establish solid defensive position.

Lin Wei shouted anxiously, “Ming Han, let it go!”

Indeed, even if No. 1 Middle School scored this basket, they would still have another possession and remain ahead by one point.

What they feared most was if Ming Han made the slightest mistake, the opponent could potentially convert a two-point basket plus a free throw, completely changing the game’s complexion.

The power forward raised the ball, ready to shoot.

Ming Han still reached out...

“Spirits of heaven and earth, referee, please don’t call a foul!” Lin Wei closed his eyes, silently praying.

“Shh…” The whistle blew!

“Was it called a foul after all?” Lin Wei felt despair and frustration. “Ming Han’s still too young!”

The referee’s voice rang out, “Out of bounds. Possession to Jinghua No. 1 Middle School.”

Yes! Ming Han had successfully deflected the ball at a sharp angle, grazing the power forward’s knee.

Lin Wei looked at Ming Han with a warm, almost affectionate gaze.

Ming Han rolled his eyes. “Don’t look at me like that—I’m getting nervous…”

That call effectively sealed the game.

Wang Mingkang and his teammates protested, claiming Ming Han had fouled.

The referee shot a cold glance at Wang Mingkang and asked another official, “What’s your call?”

The second referee replied sternly, “Clean deflection. Original call stands.”

The game was decided.

Ma Jingtao was stunned. Before coming to the game, he had imagined a hundred ways to celebrate a victory—never once did he imagine losing.

He roared, “There’s a fix! This game is rigged!”

The referee, already annoyed, said, “Two technical fouls. You’re ejected.”

Ma Jingtao refused to leave and was almost forcibly escorted out by security.

The referee’s expression darkened. “Is this really the caliber of students at No. 1 Middle School? This incident must be reported to the Education Bureau with a county-wide reprimand.”

After being ejected, Ma Jingtao walked outside alone, lighting a cigarette in the biting cold wind, his mood heavy.

Meanwhile, Daxu waited outside for the game’s result. He had just bet three hundred yuan on No. 1 Middle School to win.

Seeing Ma Jingtao, he thought the face looked familiar.

Ma Jingtao glared at him for a long ten seconds. “Are you the one who stepped on me earlier?”

Daxu was startled. “Oh, it’s you! Sorry, I stepped too hard—I didn’t see your face clearly.”

Ma Jingtao was already in a foul mood, and seeing the person who had stepped on his face only stoked his anger further.

He lunged forward to attack Daxu.

Daxu, likely weakened from staying up late too often, was quickly pinned to the ground.

Struggling, he asked, “Did your school win? My internet bill next month depends on this!”

Mentioning this only fueled Ma Jingtao’s fury. As he struck Daxu, he cursed, “It’s your fault for stepping on me—ruined my touch…”

Only then did Daxu realize they had lost again.

Summoning some strength, Daxu flipped Ma Jingtao over and pinned him beneath himself. With a sorrowful expression, he punched Ma Jingtao and said, “Loser. You even lost to our school. Pay my internet bill.”

...

Reaching the semifinals, Jinghua had achieved the best result in the school’s history.

As soon as the game ended, Wang Mingkang crouched beneath the hoop, silent...

Tears glistened faintly in his eyes.

Though this defeat wouldn’t diminish his status as the county’s top middle school center, the pain of losing after such hard training was undeniable.

Every young basketball lover’s veins ran hot with an unyielding spirit.

Qiang approached and offered his hand.

Wang Mingkang hesitated briefly, then placed his hand in Qiang’s, letting himself be pulled to his feet.

“You’re truly strong,” Qiang praised. “Will you stay in the county for high school?”

Wang Mingkang nodded.

“Then I guess we’ll keep facing each other,” Qiang’s eyes sparked with competitive fire. “I was outplayed today, but next time, I’ll reclaim the court.”

Wang Mingkang smiled. “Bro, I won’t give you that chance. Next time, you’ll get crushed even worse.”

The two burst into hearty laughter.

“I hope next time it’s still you guys,” Qiang said regretfully.

“Ming Han will probably study in the city,” Wang Mingkang replied.

“That’s a shame. I always thought he’d be the strongest one in the end—the one worth defeating.”

Qiang glanced at Ming Han, surrounded by a group of girls, and sighed, “I think so too.”