Singapore Schools (Red) thrash Nanyang CSC to top quarter-final group in U18 Youth Cup

Story and photos contributed by reader Melissa Tan.

An easy basket for Hock Sing (Singapore Schools Red, #11), recording a double digit score. (Photo 1 © Melissa Tan)

Singapore Basketball Centre, Sunday, June 15, 2008 – Singapore Schools (Red) conquered opponents Nanyang CSC by a convincing score of 120-29, their largest win thus far at the Under-18 basketball Youth Cup. Having won all their games in the quarter-finals, Singapore Schools (Red) are topped their group, having beaten Admiralty CSC 120-38 and the Singapore Schools (White) 78-49.

Singapore Schools (Red) started off a little shaky with the team struggling to find their rhythm. Within the first two minutes, the score was a mere 2-0 in favour of the Singapore Schools (Red) team. After settling down, the court was theirs to dominate. The margin quickly widened as Singapore Schools (Red) forward Wei Xiong (#8) capitalised on the numerous mistimed passes made by Nanyang CSC, igniting many fast breaks by the team. Notable finishes also came from Colin Chou (#6, Singapore Schools Red), who contributed to the massive margin.

Though disadvantaged in terms of height and depth of the team, the nine-man Nanyang CSC team attempted to convert as many baskets as they could, mainly relying on their #9 to score. However, it was just not enough to topple the red giants.

At the end of the first quarter, the score was 29-5. It was more of the same for the rest of the match and by the end of the game, Singapore Schools (Red) won with a telling score of 120-29.

Lim Shengyu (#15, Singapore Schools Red) topped the score charts with at least 30 points with well-executed moves, winding up multiple plays with varied finishes.

Calvin Chia (#4, Singapore Schools Red) played exceedingly well that Sunday given that he had missed the game against Singapore Schools (White) due to an injury. Calvin was most satisfied with his team’s commendable efforts. He acknowledged, “The team showed promising signs that we are beginning to gel (together), especially after putting up a decent defensive display in yesterday’s game”.

Looks like Singapore Schools (Red) have stepped up their game by a notch to face stronger teams in the final round. Good luck!

One of the many successful attempts by Lim Shengyu (Singapore Schools Red, #15), contributing 30-odd points for his team. (Photo 2 © Melissa Tan)

Poon Chonglin (Singapore Schools Red, #7) with a left handed layup. (Photo 3 © Melissa Tan)

A solo fast break by Colin Chou (Singapore Schools Red, #6) after a steal. (Photo 4 © Melissa Tan)