The buzzer had just echoed.
The first quarter was over—but no one on Horizon was relaxing.
The moment they stepped into the bench zone, Sayaka was already there, moving with practiced precision. Towels. Water bottles. Focused eyes.
"Nice game," she said, her voice light—but proud.
Dirga took the towel with a small nod. The sweat still clung to his neck like heat-soaked chains.
Coach Tsugawa stepped in, clapping once to bring everyone's eyes forward.
"Good first quarter," he said, tone calm but sharp. "Dirga, keep anchoring the pace. That was solid defense."
Dirga wiped his face and answered in a breath, "Yes, coach."
Then Coach turned.
"Taiga. Rikuya. I want Masaki tagged every second he's on the floor. Shadow him. No space. Don't fall for his rhythm. Break it."
"Understood," both replied in unison, sweat dripping off their brows.
"Rei, keep doing what you're doing. Play clean, control the weak side," Coach nodded at the shooting guard, who responded with a firm nod.
