Meiho is competing in the Winter Cup for the fifth time in three consecutive years, and Chiharu Hirakura (3rd year) is currently being described as the one who is improving the most. From the stands, he is a player that catches the eye with his dynamic drives and powerful shots, but the three years leading up to that point were by no means smooth sailing.
Although he was on the bench since his first year, he did not have many opportunities to play. There was a time when he was compared to the ace of his previous team, and he almost lost confidence. Still, this year, as a senior, he was determined. “I will be the player who leads the team.” With that thought in mind, Hirakura continued to stand on the court.
Coach Mayumi Sugiyama asserts, “He is one of the players who has improved the most over the past year.” He has no hesitation in heading towards the ring the moment he picks up the ball. Drive with horsepower. Strength to screw into the ring. Each of them has a look on the main character’s face that didn’t exist before. Hirakura himself says, “I’ve loved scoring points since I was in elementary school.” When he returned to his basics, threw away unnecessary comparisons, and decided that he was himself, his instincts as a scorer were finally unleashed.
The team’s ace and captain, Ayaka Nakajima (3rd year), is not at her best due to an injury. Who will fill that hole? This was a big challenge for Meiho. Hirakura did not turn away from this reality, but rather faced it head-on. “Up until now, I’ve relied heavily on Ayaka. That’s why I have to lead the way this time.” Those words convey a sense of responsibility.
Hirakura’s experience of competing against strong teams from all over the country in the U18 Nissin Foods Block League and the National High School Championships gave Hirakura a solid sense of confidence. Every time they scored more points, the team’s balls naturally started to flock to Hirakura. Then, Nakajima suddenly blurted out the words, “This team needs you.” The moment Hirakura received the captain’s thoughts directly, his hesitation completely disappeared.
Once you get into the rhythm, there’s no stopping you. Once he decides on a drive or a shot, his expression changes and energy rises from his entire body. It’s no wonder that coach Sugiyama comments, “Hirakura is unstoppable when he’s doing well.” At the Winter Cup, he sets himself a goal of “averaging 30 points.” For Meiho, whose strength is defense, Hirakura’s scoring ability is the team’s lifeline.
For two years, he continued to watch the backs of his seniors from the bench. Using that frustration as fuel, it’s now my turn to become the main character. The coveted stage Winter Cup. Hirakura pours out all his thoughts from the past three years.
(Shinya Yuno)
