Cedar Girls’ survive last-minute comeback by RGS to win B Division Girls South Zone basketball semi-final

By Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports.

CCAB, Monday, March 2, 2009 - Cedar Girls’ School survived a last minute comeback attempt to edge out Raffles’ Girls’ School 71-66 in their B Division Girls South Zone Basketball Championship semi-final.

From the start, Cedar exposed the lapses in the RGS defense, charging in through the gaps to score basket after basket. Cedar led 17-12 at the end of the first quarter.

Cedar continued their rampage in the second quarter, raking up point after point. RGS struggled and could only put up a weak resistance. Cedar’s aggressive play saw them intercept several passes and jostle with the Raffles’ players for the ball. Cedar put in 23 points, with their #5 contributing 10 points in the second quarter. RGS could only play catch-up, as they managed only 17 points.

Cedar entered the second half with a comfortable 20-point lead but RGS started their comeback on the back of an eight-point contribution by Deanna Ng (Raffles, #11). Tight defending by RGS denied Cedar who were left to draw fouls and score via free throws.

With just 58 seconds left on the clock in the third, Vivien (Raffles, #5) executed a layup to ensure that RGS only finished two points behind at 50-52 heading into the fourth. It was an outstanding quarter for RGS who outscored Cedar 21 to 12.

The fourth quarter was a nail-biting affair. With slightly over nine minutes left on the clock, Hannah Ng (Raffles, #9) received a pass from teammate Vivien (Raffles, #5), and sunk a jump shot to level the score at 52-52.

Cheers from both team’s supporters erupted every time a point was scored. Cedar quickly took back the lead but RGS were always not far behind. Cedar extended their lead, and fought to hold off RGS.

With 53 seconds left on the clock and Cedar leading 67-63, a timeout was called. But upon resumption of the game, Hannah (Raffles, #9) promptly sank a three-pointer to bring the score to make it a one-point game at 66-67. Deanna (Raffles, #11) tried to sink another long-range shot but it bounced off the rim.

With only one point separating the teams, tensions were high with a place in the final against Yuying at stake.

But it was not to be RGS’ day as Cedar intercepted a pass from and their #5 executed a layup to make it a three-point lead. With just three seconds left on the clock, the Cedar #5 delivered the final blow as she sank another free throw to dash any hopes of an RGS win.

At the final whistle, the Cedar bench erupted into celebration while RGS had to reflect on their loss. It was definitely a painful defeat and tears were shed.

Cedar will now face Yuying Secondary in the South Zone Final at Yio Chu Kang Sports Hall on Tuesday, March 10th, 1pm.

Raffles’ on the other hand will play the Singapore Chinese Girls School in the 3/4th placing match at CCAB on Wednesday, March 4th, 1pm.

Top scorers:
Cedar #5 – 22 points
Cedar #13 – 16 points
Deanna (Raffles, #11) – 16 points (one 3-pointer)

Editor's note: 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 accordingly. Thanks!