Story and photos by Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports.
Singapore Basketball Centre, Friday, August 15, 2008 – It was more of a game about pride rather than the result when Ngee Ann Secondary (NAS) beat Jurong West Secondary (JWS) 42-39 in the final Group Y game of the C Division Girls Basketball Championship quarter-finals. Prior to this match, both teams had 0 wins and 2 losses, leaving them out of the contention for the championship title. However, the passion in the players still could be seen.
The two teams started rather evenly in the first quarter. JWS tried to make their shots from within the paint, often finding themselves sandwiched between NAS players. NAS chose to take things slow, careful not to commit any fouls. NAS had a slightly different approach, choosing to make long shots with Joy (NAS, #5) scoring a 3-pointer early in the match. The quarter ended with JWS leading 13-10.
The second quarter started almost like the first. However, each team started putting up a stronger defence, denying each other chances to score. There were also several turnovers resulting from the aggressive defending. Possession changed hands quickly but the players still managed to put some points on the scoreboard. Joy (NAS, #5) and Ying Ying (#10) contributed all the points scored for their team in the second quarter, sinking in a combined total of seven points. NAS on the other hand put in a respectable eight points to trail by only 17-21 at half time.
The third half saw NAS make a comeback. Ru Huan (NAS, #9) scored three consecutive baskets to earn six points for her team. JWS on the other hand seemed to be struggling. The JWS bench and supporters were not short of showing their support, yelling, “Ball! Ball! Ball!” every time the JWS players were in their offensive half and on the verge of scoring. However, it didn’t seem to be enough as NAS flexed their superiority and snatched many rebounds. During turnovers, they charged through the JWS defense to put in lay ups or jump shots at close proximity. By the end of the third quarter, NAS had narrowed the JWS lead to just one point, trailing 28-29.
It looked set to be a nerve-wracking final quarter for both teams as JWS fought hard to maintain their lead. NAS finally took the lead when their #5, Joy scored. She scored six points, scoring them one after the other. JWS on the other hand put up a fight to retake their lead. The lead changed hands several times. JWS #11 scored several points for her team, but it was not enough as NAS rampaged on. Ying Ying (NAS, #10) sealed their victory when she converted a free throw in the last few moments of the game to make it 42-39.
Top scorers:
Joy (NAS, #5) – 18 points
JWS #11 – 11 points
Ying Ying (NAS, #10), Ru Huan (#9), JWS #6, #7 – 9 points
More pictures in the gallery.
If you recognise yourself or your team mates in any of the pictures, please feel free to leave the names behind in the comments section and we will update the captions accordingly. Thanks!
NAS#5 name is Joy. NAS#9 is RuHuan. Photo 4 state that she is #8 but it’s #9. Nas#7 is Camille. NAS#13 is Priscillia. NAS#10 is YingYing.
jurong west will come back stronger than before.
if they are participating in the under14milo cup,i think they will be stronger than now.
all the way jurong west,i support you guys although im not from jurong west.=)