Chapter 65: The Final Battle

After that meal, after that night, a new week began. For ninth graders, their routine consisted of just a few things: attending class, revising, doing homework, and getting harshly scolded by the teachers.

But this week was different—midterm exams!

Because of the midterms, basketball practice was significantly reduced. After all, they were students, and academics took priority.

The two days of exams flew by. Once they finished, it was the weekend again, and many students were planning big outings to celebrate.

But Class Thirteen had no mind to play. They had to face Class Two in the finals—the battle for the ninth-grade championship.

Last semester, they had faced Class Two and were utterly defeated, left with no room to fight back.

Back then, Ming Han was still a rookie without ball-handling skills, though he had a decent shot. But for Class Two, that was far from enough.

It was simple: you had to limit Lin Wei and Lin Shan to some degree and have the ability to go head-to-head with them.

Now, though Yu Hang and Ming Han were not their equals, the gap was no longer as insurmountable as last semester.

Of course, just because Yu Hang was confident didn’t mean Zheng Yuan and the others felt the same. In their minds, just reaching the finals was enough. For the last match, they were more focused on doing their best within their limits.

“Ming Han, what do you think about the game this time?” someone asked.

Ming Han smiled. “I have no particular opinion. No matter who the opponent is, I just hope I can play my best.”

Da Xu’s expression was a bit awkward. “Ying Huan Huan is coming to watch today. You have to help me show off a bit so she can see my extraordinary skills!”

Ming Han and Yu Hang replied in unison, “5G!”

Da Xu hesitated, feeling a pang in his heart, but finally gritted his teeth and agreed. “Fine. But make sure to pass me some good balls, help me score easily. Anyway, those girls don’t really understand the game.”

Yu Hang wasn’t being selfish. Today, Class Two’s defense would surely focus on him and Ming Han. After all, they’d trained together and knew each other too well.

To break the game open, others had to step up. Yu Hang certainly hoped that person would be Da Xu. The problem was, Da Xu’s shooting touch was wildly unpredictable—no one knew when he might catch fire.

Meanwhile, Class Two’s discussion was heated.

“Class Thirteen is just a fake strong team! They can’t possibly block our path to the championship,” boasted their point guard, Mu Di—a skilled slasher, though rather arrogant.

Lin Shan shot him a sidelong glance. “I know exactly what Class Thirteen is capable of. Honestly, if you go in with a careless attitude, our chances of winning are less than thirty percent.”

They all knew Lin Wei and Lin Shan’s strength, and his seriousness made them uneasy.

The final match was scheduled for Saturday afternoon at three, in the indoor gymnasium, which could seat nearly a thousand spectators.

Even the school newspaper and radio staff were present, planning to record the game and upload it online with live commentary.

Such an event would make the perfect promotional video, greatly enhancing the school’s reputation.

The dean of students attended as well, a plump man with glasses. He gave a brief speech, reiterating the school’s commitment to supporting student athletics and their tireless efforts for well-rounded development. While speaking, he reminded the school reporter, “Take a picture of me here, and make sure the school name is visible in the background.”

After the speech, the game officially began. For the first time, there were two referees and two high school students providing commentary at a table courtside.

As the commentators read out the starting lineups, applause occasionally broke out from the crowd.

Lin Wei and Lin Shan greeted Yu Hang and Ming Han. “Guys, let’s give it everything we’ve got.”

Yu Hang grinned. “If you don’t, you’ll lose.”

Winning the grade championship was one of Yu Hang’s greatest goals in middle school. Whether it was possible or not, today would reveal the answer. This was the last chance, and Yu Hang didn’t want any regrets.

Ming Han and Yu Hang bumped chests lightly. “Yu Hang, do you remember? I said I’d help you win a championship.”

Of course Yu Hang remembered. Back then, Ming Han had still been a rookie, but he’d pounded his chest and promised Yu Hang they would conquer the grade together and take the championship.

Yu Hang nodded. “Ming Han, this will be our first championship.”

Da Xu chimed in, “You two are getting sappy again. But this time, I want in on it too. We’re going to win…”

To put a perfect ending to their middle school years.

The game began.

Class Two won possession.

Lin Wei was direct—driving all the way to the basket for a smooth layup.

Da Xu was beaten in a single step, and Lin Wei scored with ease.

Yu Hang shot Da Xu a displeased look, signaling that his defense had been lacking.

Da Xu, stunned by how easily he’d been beaten, scratched his head. “Damn, that was fast. Scared me half to death.”

Indeed, Class Two’s strategy against Class Thirteen was all about speed. With Lin Wei and Lin Shan charging ahead, no one could stop them. Zheng Yuan’s presence in the paint was little more than decoration; he posed no threat to the two brothers.

On offense, Class Thirteen kept running into roadblocks. Even Yu Hang’s reverse layup was swatted away by Lin Shan from behind.

Attacking inside wasn’t working, especially against two athletic monsters.

Yu Hang tried to drive more, but ended up feeding the ball outside. Playing this way, the game finally started to stabilize.

After Mu Di of Class Two scored on a layup, he shrugged. “This is the level of play that makes it to the finals?”

Yu Hang overheard and was visibly annoyed.

Last game, Ming Han had exploded, and Yu Hang had played the supporting role. But that didn’t mean he was only a sidekick.

As a point guard, Yu Hang was the brightest star in the grade.

Next possession, Yu Hang used Zheng Yuan’s screen to penetrate the lane, drew a crowd, faked a shot to get everyone off their feet, then switched hands and floated the ball in from another spot—score.

The move was almost unreal in its beauty.

The commentators were ecstatic. “My goodness! What did we just witness? That’s the flashiest ball-handling I’ve seen in all my time commentating. This guy is ruthless to his opponents.”

Mu Di’s face turned ashen—he’d been humiliated. Though upset, he knew he couldn’t pull off a move like that. Maybe only Yu Hang in the whole grade could.

“So this is the standard of the best point guard in the junior division?” Mu Di was wary, but still didn’t believe his team would lose. After all, they had two unstoppable stars.

Two minutes later, Yu Hang faced Mu Di, executed a quick between-the-legs crossover, stepped back, and nailed another jumper.

The score remained tight.

Lin Wei sensed trouble. “I’ll guard him.”

The 170-centimeter Mu Di was reassigned to defend Da Xu. For Lin Wei, this was a tactical move. To Da Xu, it felt like a blatant insult.