BASKETBALL

Red Sports 5

Interview and pictures by Leslie Tan. © Red Sports/soulbreath pictures

Zoe Eng of Anglican High was recently voted into the Red Sports 5, an online poll conducted on this website, and she received the highest number of votes for the position of Centre. Captain of the Anglican High team, Zoe and her teammates had a heartbreaking loss to Raffles Girls’ School in the quarterfinals and missed out on the semifinals.

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Zoe Eng was voted MVP in the 2006 ‘C’ Division Basketball Championship. © Leslie Tan/Red Sports

Red Sports: How long have you played basketball for your school?
Zoe: I've been playing basketball for about four and a half years, two and a half years during my primary school days, and the remaining two years with my current secondary school, Anglican High.

Red Sports: What is your most memorable, happiest moment playing for your school?
Zoe: My most memorable and happiest moment playing for Anglican High was winning the East Zone Championship with my team. To some it may not be a big deal, but to me, it definitely was the happiest moment. We were previously defeated by Dunman Secondary by quite a big margin, but we were not undaunted by this failure. Instead, it boosted our morale and made us even more determined to beat them in the East Zone Championship Final. We also did not want to disappoint our coach because he held high hopes for us! During the training which to prepare us for the final, I could see the determination and willpower in my team mates as they were training so serious and hard. In the end, we did it, and I'm extremely proud of my team. Apart from basketball, they are the ones who bring a smile on my face too. To me, they make up a Dream Team.

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Zoe Eng in action during the 2007 National ‘C’ Division Basketball Championship. © Leslie Tan/Red Sports

Red Sports: How did you get started with basketball?
Zoe: 4 years ago when I was in Primary 4, I was not involved in any Co-Curricular Activity (CCA). I had Mdm Lawrence as my PE teacher and she was the one who recommended me to join basketball as a CCA because she found that I had the potential and talent for basketball when she observed me playing Captain's Ball during PE lessons. I strongly protested against joining Basketball because at that time, I felt that basketball was such a rough game and there had to be body contact most of the time. I really didn't like the idea. But then I thought there was no harm trying out so in the end, I still went for the selection trial. Surprisingly, I got into the school team. And that marked the start of my basketball journey. What I am today, what I've achieved in basketball, I owe all this to this special person whom I give my sincerest gratitude and appreciation to, Mdm Lawrence. Thank you, Mdm Lawrence.

Red Sports: What is the hardest thing you had to overcome as a school player?
Zoe: No hesitation, the answer is managing my time, balancing the time I require for my studies and basketball, that is. It's not easy because as a school player, we have to possess self discipline and we must handle time management well. Also, we lag behind the others and we have to catch up on the lessons we miss due to tournament matches.

Red Sports: Any advice to the juniors who are trying to break into the school team next year?
Zoe: No matter how tough trainings are, no matter how arduous this journey is, no matter how many lectures you are given by Coach, no matter how many setbacks and failure you experience, don't give up for this is your passion. Remember, keep training hard and keep trying.

Red Sports: Are you hoping to play on in the ‘B’ Division?
Zoe: Studies are actually my priority. Nevertheless, I hope I can play in the ‘B' Division. After all, it's a commitment as well as my passion. And I doubt I can ever give it up or even stop playing! 😀

For more stories on the Red Sports 5, please go to:

Red Sports 5

Interview with Benny Lam of Catholic High

Interview with Dominic Lim of Catholic High

Interview with Jabez Su of Catholic High

Interview with Randy Ng of Jurong

Interview with Goh Kong Tat of Catholic High

Interview with Olivia Lee of Unity

Interview with Hannah Ng of Raffles Girls School

Interview with Tung Yee Nei of Chung Cheng High

Interview with Rachel Wang of Anglican High