Story and pictures by Lai Jun Wei.

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Lee Kun Yan (Anderson #15) does a lay up. (Photo © Lai Jun Wei)

Singapore Basketball Centre, Tuesday, March 18, 2008 – Nanyang Girls’ High survived a last quarter comeback attempt by the 2007 B Division champions, Anderson Secondary, to start their National Championship campaign with a 57-45 win.

Nanyang Girls’ took took the first quarter 14-8 as Anderson took some time to find their footing. In the second quarter, Nanyang stepped up their game. Their well-executed moves gave them a penetrating edge, limiting Anderson to only seven points in the second quarter as they built a 30-15 lead by half-time.

Anderson’s coach seemed a little agitated with his team’s performance and he was constantly shouting instructions to his players. This proved to have quite an effect as Anderson started performing like defending champions. The players stole possession of the ball at every opportunity and attacked Nanyang’s defensive zone. They made few mistakes, scoring point after point much to the screams and cheers from the Anderson supporters and bench. They out-shot Nanyang 13-10 in the third quarter, but still trailed 28-40 at the end of the third quarter.

The crucial fourth quarter saw Anderson put up a valiant attempt to wrestle the lead back from Nanyang. As the players started becoming more aggressive, nervousness set in for both sides. Anderson capitalised on the several fouls committed by Nanyang to sink in several free throws, earning valuable points for the team. As the gap started to close, the cheers from the Andersonian spectators grew louder, especially when Anderson gained possession and scored, executing spectacular lay ups and jump shots.

As the minutes ticked down in the final quarter, Nanyang proved to be stronger of the two, extending their lead by scoring several points. However, Anderson were quick to respond, with Tania, their #9, making fast breaks down the full length of the court and scoring lay ups. However, it was not enough to stop Nanyang’s outscoring them 27-17 in the quarter to walk off 57-45 winners.

Top scorers:
Sharlene Huang (Nanyang #13) – 14 points
Tania (Anderson #9) – 13 points

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Sharlene Huang (Nanyang #13) shoots for the basket while Kun Yan (Anderson #15) tries to block. (Photo © Lai Jun Wei)
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Shen Yang (Nanyang #15) looks for an open teammate to pass to. (Photo © Lai Jun Wei)
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Shen Yang (Nanyang #15) has no problem going past Tania (Anderson #9) for a lay up. (Photo © Lai Jun Wei)
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Anderson’s #6 tosses in a ball. (Photo © Lai Jun Wei)
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Tania (Anderson #9), the second highest scorer of the match. (Photo © Lai Jun Wei)
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Cherylin (Nanyang #4) in action. (Photo © Lai Jun Wei)
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Tania (Anderson #9) making no mistake in converting the free throws for her team. (Photo © Lai Jun Wei)

Ed’s note: If you recognise yourself or your teammates in any of the photos, do leave your names behind in the comments section and we will update the captions accordingly. Thanks!