Story and pictures by Koh Yizhe/Red Sports

Anglican High vs River Valley Basketball

Chee Khan Liang of Anglican High was key to their success. (Photo 1 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)

Jurong West Sports Hall, Friday, March 25, 2009 – After three tight quarters where no more than six points separated the teams, Anglican High dominated much of the fourth to emerged 69-55 victors over River Valley High in the opening round of the B Division National Basketball Championship.

River Valley’s tall center # 15 Xu Meng was a key contributor until he went down with a knee injury after a hard challenge with eight minutes left to play. Although he returned to action after some time, the damage had been done as Anglican easily wrapped up the match.

"I believe the turning point in the match came in the fourth quarter when River Valley were tired and Xu Meng went down with the injury. We were able to play a much more open game after that," said Ho Hong Kai, the Anglican High captian.

It wasn't all smooth going for the East Zone champions. They were sluggish as River Valley raced quickly to a six-point lead to start the match. This woke Anglican High up and they began to match River Valley with similar attacking flair.

With both teams trading points, Anglican High only took the lead for the first time in the match with less then a minute remaining in the quarter. Even so, River Valley were able to draw level to end the quarter 11-11.

Anglican High #7 Chee Khan Liang began the second with a long three-pointer despite immense pressure from his marker. He was key for them throughout the match as he dictated each of their attacks.

But they still failed pull ahead despite the burst of form from Khan Liang. The second was a mirror of the first as the match remained tight with both teams matching each other point for point.

With a Leslie Loh layup at the end of the quarter giving Anglican High a slim 25-24 lead at half-time, the match was set for an exciting second half.

Fatigue seemed to get the better of River Valley at the start of the second half as Anglican High were able to score four consecutive points to take a quick five-point lead. But it didn't take long for River Valley to cut the lead to one thanks to lapses in concentration in the Anglican High defence.

Choon Zuan of River Valley then took the game to his opponents with two quick baskets midway through the quarter to give his team the lead.

Not to be outplayed, Anglican High responded with Chi Min downing two free throws to level the match at 40-40, ending the quarter.

With the score level once again, both teams came out fighting in the final quarter. Xu Meng of River Valley got things started with a three-point play, but Anglican High replied in the form of #11 Jeremy who downed a three pointer setting the tone for the rest of the match.

However, with eight minutes on the clock, disaster struck for River Valley.

The outstanding Xu Meng went down clenching his knee after a hard challenge. Sensing the opportunity, Anglican High pushed for the lead. Sherwin Yen spinned his way to a layup and followed it up with a three point play to give his side a 53-45 lead with five minutes remaining.

Despite returning for his team, Xu Meng wasn't able to make an impact with his knee visibly giving him trouble. Momentum had clearly shifted in favour of Anglican High with fatigue plaguing the River Valley team. To make matters worse for River Valley, Yi Thong also went down with cramps and had to be helped off by his teammates.

Anglican High eventually ended the match with a 14-point victory, their biggest lead they managed in the game.

"I don't think we played as well as we did in the East Zone and there is definitely room for improvement. We are not quite use to playing at this court as we usually played our matches in our home court, but of course, this is not an excuse," said Anglican High Captain Ho Hong Kai.

When asked about their chances of qualification, he said, "Should we play our normal game like we usually do, I believe our chances will be high."

Anglican High will next play Queensway Secondary on Monday, 23 March.

Anglican High vs River Valley Basketball

An Anglican High player eyes the basket as he is closely watched. (Photo 2 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)

Anglican High vs River Valley Basketball

Chee Khan Liang of Anglican High drives to the basket. (Photo 3 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)

Anglican High vs River Valley Basketball

A nervous look as an Anglican High player protects the ball. (Photo 4 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)

Anglican High vs River Valley Basketball

Tan Jun Wei of Anglican High was also an asset for his team. (Photo 5 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)

Anglican High vs River Valley Basketball

Xu Meng of River Valley drives to the basket. He was vital to his team’s ability to keep up with Anglican High.. (Photo 6 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)

Anglican High vs River Valley Basketball

… until he went down in the fourth quarter. (Photo 7 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)

Anglican High vs River Valley Basketball

The River Valley #6 receiving a pass from Yi Thong. (Photo 8 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)

Anglican High vs River Valley Basketball

The River Valley #6 looks for someone to pass to while being blocked by Chi Min of Anglican High. (Photo 9 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)

Anglican High vs River Valley Basketball

Xu Meng of River Valley goes down again after coming back into the match. (Photo 10 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)

Anglican High vs River Valley Basketball

Yi Thong of River Valley had to be helped off the court by his teammates late in the fourth. (Photo 11 © Koh Yizhe/Red Sports)

Editor’s Note: If you recongise yourself or your teammates in any of the photos, feel free to leave the names behind in the comments section and we will update accordingly. Thanks!

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