Story contributed by REDintern Shaun Neo. Photos by Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports.
Singapore Basketball Centre, Sunday, June 8, 2008 – Singapore Schools (Red) beat Tagawa 65-58 in a first round clash between two powerhouses in the U18 Junior Basketball Championship (Youth Cup).
Starting the game with a 3-pointer, Singapore Schools (Red) never looked back. On the other hand, Tagawa were bogged down by poor shooting at the line, missing all seven free throw attempt. As a result, they were unable to keep up with their opponents, who nailed four 3-pointers in the first quarter alone. The quarter ended with Tagawa trailing 8-18. However, Tagawa were far from done with the game.
Despite picking up two personal fouls in the first quarter, Shengyu (#15, Singapore Schools Red) started out the second quarter strongly on both ends of the court. However, he quickly picked up his third personal foul. At the same time, Tagawa also began closing the score gap. Going on a scoring run of 10-4, Tagawa managed to narrow the Singapore Schools (Red) lead to just seven points. In response, Colin Chou (#6, Singapore Schools Red) scored from beyond the arc and on a fast-break. However, Tagawa would not lie down. Jia Rong (#9, Tagawa) replied with a 3-pointer of his own, ending the second quarter trailing only by five points at 27-32.
It was a battle of the players’ mental and physical endurance after half-time. The third quarter was especially nerve wrecking with both teams scoring 13 points apiece. Showing great desire for possession, both teams forced a series of turnovers against each other during the 7th and 8th minute of the quarter. Given three fast-break opportunities, Tagawa failed to convert any. Despite a strong penetration by Jia Rong (#9, Tagawa) to score before the end of the quarter, the numerous missed opportunities earlier on had taken its toll on Tagawa.
The fourth quarter began much like the third. Tagawa’s defense continued to move well as they managed to shut out Shengyu (#15, Singapore Schools Red) while their offense managed to capitalise on the weak defense of the Singapore Schools (Red) team. Jinhong (#8, Tagawa) contributed all of his 12 points during this period. While they managed to narrow the gap to just two points at 45-47, Tagawa were unable to turn the tide once and for all. Singapore Schools (Red) gradually increased their lead once again, accumulating a nine-point advantage through contributions from Shengyu and Colin. Jia Rong managed to match Shengyu’s contributions in terms of points, but Tagawa were still edged out as a team and went down 58-65 when the final whistle blew.
Top scorers:
Colin Chou (#6, Singapore Schools Red) – 18 points (four 3-pointers)
Lim Sheng Yu (#15, Singapore Schools Red) – 17 points
Jia Rong (#9, Tagawa) – 17 points
More pictures in the gallery.
Ed’s note: If you recognise yourself or your team mates in any of the photos, feel free to leave the names behind in the comments section and we will update the captions accordingly.
Hi Uncle Les,
Just wondering if photos from this game are still available?
Hi Danny. We don’t have those photos anymore. Sorry.
Choong Poon lin also tagawa wan wad
lols colin also from tagawa but had to play for CSR
Tagawa #15- Andrew Zee
is kian leong.. not long~~
Photo 12: Colin floors Yongqiang, his CCHSM senior, junior beats senior.
Tagawa #15- Andrew Zee
Tagawa #15 – Andrew Zee
Jiarong is my friend.
Tagawa #7 Kian Leong
hey shaun, thanks for story. It was an engaging read. Pics look great on my mobile phone, jun wei. Cheers. Uncle les, in malaysia.
Tagawa#8 – Jinhong
Tagawa#7 – Kianlong
Singapore sch red #8 – Wei xiong