In the quarterfinals, Lincoln High School faced the veteran team, Austin High School, a team known for cultivating skilled big men. Their opponent had a five-star Center with solid low-post footwork and ample strength, who went back and forth with Bosh, neither able to truly dominate the other.
But on the Perimeter Defense... Lincoln High School, with Link, completely crushed their opponent.
During the game, Austin High School tried to limit Link with various types of defensive players: "small and agile," "long-limbed freaks," and "jumpers." But Link perfectly demonstrated what "undifferentiated isolation" meant.
Although Link's first step wasn't fast, it was sufficient for the High School League.
His mid-range and static talent were also off the charts.
Playing 38 minutes, Link put up a spectacular stat line of 56 points, 4 assists, 5 rebounds, and 4 Steals, shooting 19-of-24 from the field, 4-of-9 from Three-Point Shot, and 3-of-5 from the free-throw line.
It's worth mentioning that several heavyweight guests attended this game.
The Minnesota Timberwolves' box office draw, Kevin Garnett, had been urging the team's management to find a way to acquire Link ever since he watched Link play live at the ABCD Training Camp.
As a big-name NBA star, he was naturally hounded by multiple media outlets for interviews after the game.
"Link, he surprised me again in today's game."
"He has made tremendous progress in many aspects; his jump shot is more stable, his body looks stronger, and his dribbling is more solid. Without a doubt, he is fully capable of playing in the NBA."
Garnett was unsparing in his praise for Link. In addition, media reporters present also interviewed scouts from several NBA teams.
"OMG! Honestly, my first thought after watching the game was that Lincoln High School should expand its basketball gym... it would be best to move the game venue to a university arena that can accommodate more fans."
"That way, more fans can enjoy Link's performance."
A scout from the Washington Wizards said humorously.
Every game at Lincoln High School was packed, and to generate revenue, the school even charged 3-5 dollars for tickets, but it still couldn't deter the fans' enthusiasm. Furthermore, reporters with their long and short lenses surrounded the locker room, all hoping to gather information on Link as soon as possible.
However...
Even with 56 points, Link still couldn't shut up the leader of his haters, Sophia Clarke.
"Hmm, yes, 56 points is indeed an astonishing score, but he probably only has this one time in his life. Also, their opponent tonight, Austin High School, is an inside-oriented team and doesn't have quality Perimeter Defense players."
"Just watch, their opponent in the semifinals is the formidable Duncanville High School, which has many players with excellent physical attributes."
...
...
Regarding his hater, the beautiful reporter, Sophia Clarke.
To maintain his "scholarly general" persona, Link never confronted her in public; on the contrary, he acted exceptionally magnanimous.
"Regarding Ms. Clarke's skepticism, I have never held a grudge, but rather taken it as motivation on my path to becoming stronger."
"Here, I also hope Ms. Clarke will continue to supervise me!!!"
This almost perfect response made Sophia Clarke feel a bit embarrassed when she heard about it. This also reached the ears of NBA scouts, who all thought Link was a gentleman player, just like Grant Hill.
Only they didn't know that...
Behind the scenes, Link used his alt account, grim reaper loves chasing dreams, to fiercely argue against Sophia Clarke online.
"Ms. Clarke, I suggest you get your eyes checked."
"Big-breasted airhead, now all you have left is your stubborn mouth!"
...
...
And so on.
And this time...
Link changed his strategy for trolling.
"Dear Ms. Clarke, did you say that Link would never get 50 points in future games? If he gets 50 points in the next game, how about you give him a kiss on the spot? Of course, Link might not be interested in you, after all, you're big-breasted and brainless."
...
...
And so on!
And so on!
Link wrote thousands of words, mainly to provoke the girl.
Even though grim reaper loves chasing dreams was Link's alt account, its clear thinking and logical replies made it quite popular online, gaining many followers.
Sophia Clarke, who was put on the hot seat, eventually agreed after a night of deliberation.
To be fair.
As a high school star, Link was not lacking in girls throwing themselves at him. After all, in their eyes, Link would definitely enter the NBA in the future and was very likely to be a first-round pick. Entering the NBA meant he would be a millionaire at the very least.
For girls from ordinary families, let alone an NBA first-round pick, even a second-round pick would be approached by various beauties.
Link just wanted to give his hater a little punishment.
...
...
Three weeks had passed since Link competed in the Texas High School Championship.
One game a week!
In 3 games, he gained a total of 310 Goat points.
[Goat Points: 320/5,020]
Link didn't immediately draw a prize; instead, he saved up to buy a physique and sports special training card (monthly).
Currently, the physique and sports special training card (monthly) had expired, and all sparring partner cards were used up.
The All-Star peak Green sparring partner card still didn't win the 5-star reward.
Now, there was only 1 All-Star (Kevin Durant 07-08 season) sparring partner card left, which he planned to try tonight...
Of course, during these three weeks, although the improvement wasn't as exaggerated as before, it was still significant.
[Shooting and Finishing Category]:
Three-Point Shot base attribute +8, increased to 68 (89); Mid-range Shooting base attribute +4, increased to 84 (96); Close-Range Shot +1, increased to 66 (93);
[Defense and Organization Category]:
Link focused on rebounding in the past 3 weeks, as the potential for rebounding was immense.
Ball Handling base attribute +2, increased to 77 (88); there wasn't much potential left to tap, so the rate of progress slowed down.
Offensive Rebound base attribute +14, increased to 40 (70); Defensive Rebound base attribute +8, increased to 58 (88)
[physical movement]:
Link focused on training his Speed, he had no choice... According to Matt Babcock, a good friend he met at the ABCD Training Camp, who was a connected individual at the time. He learned from his uncle, who was a senior executive, that even if a team drafted Link, they wouldn't let him play Point Guard.
Too slow!
If he were in the NBA, he would definitely be a sitting duck, a target.
Speed base attribute +8, increased to 60 (76);
By training Speed, Link's Stamina also improved. Stamina base attribute +1, increased to 67 (84).
In addition...
Link's static talent also saw an improvement.
Hmm...
That's right!
Link, he grew taller again!!!