Story By Jiexin Neo/Red Sports. Photos by Laura Lee/Red Sports

NorthVista_GMS_BDiv_Boys_Nationals-1

Kenneth Ang (GMS #10) eyes the basket in attempt to shoot against Shiek Ridwan (NVS #10) and Fabian Low (NVS #8). (Photo 1 © Laura Lee/Red Sports)

Clementi Sports Hall, Thursday, March 27, 2014 — North Vista Secondary School (NVS) led from the start of the game to defeat Geylang Methodist Secondary (GMS) 75–26, securing their second win in the National B Division Basketball Championship.

Nicholas Tay (NVS #6) led his team with 15 points, while Benny Yeo (GMS #4) scored eight points for his team.

North Vista employed a full court press from the start of the game, putting pressure on Geylang Methodist as they intercepted passes on their strong side to go up for easy baskets. By the five-minute mark, North Vista had already utilized a 12–1 run to build an early lead. North Vista took good shots in the first quarter. This was especially so for Sim Zhen (NVS #13) who nailed most of his jumpers and enjoyed good finishing in the paint.

Ho Zheng Xian (GMS #8) played a huge part in his team’s offensive plays, as he took strong drives to the basket and dished the ball out to his open teammates. However, Geylang Methodist were unable to convert most of their scoring chances, and they trailed 8–23 going into the second quarter.

In the second quarter, Geylang Methodist found ways to get past North Vista’s defence but continued to squander their scoring opportunities. As such they only managed to tally three points this quarter through Xue Zhi Qiang (#9) and a free throw from Benny Yeo (#4). North Vista continued with their good game to lead comfortably at the end of the first half (41–11).

In the second half, North Vista capitalized on Geylang Methodist’s mis-passes to go on fast breaks, scoring effortlessly through good teamwork. On the other hand, Geylang Methodist gradually added points to the score sheet through free throw attempts, when they drew fouls on their drives. They played a better game in the final quarter, when Benny Yeo (#4) became more involved during offensive plays. He scored six points in the last quarter alone and connected well with Kenneth Ang (#10) and Zheng Xian (#8). Even so, North Vista proved to be the better team as they secured a 75–26 win.

This is North Vista’s second win in the first round of the season, while Geylang Methodist have recorded two losses.

North Vista captain, Dorjee (#4), said, “The team played well today, as we did better than the previous game. Our defence was good and we really played as a team. Our opponents also gave us a fight. We are playing Bukit Panjang for our next game. We are just going to play our best and let the better team win.”

Scoring by Quarter
Geylang Methodist vs North Vista
1Q: 8–23
2Q: 3–18 (11–41)
3Q: 4–23 (15–64)
4Q: 11–11 (26–75)
Final score: 26–75

Top Scorers
Geylang Methodist
Benny Yeo (#4) – 8 points
Kenneth Ang (#10) – 7 points

North Vista
Nicholas Tay (#6) – 15 points (3 x 3 pointer)
Shiek Ridwan (#10) – 13 points
Sim Zhen (#13) – 13 points (3 x 3 pointer)

Geylang Methodist Secondary Roster
Benny Yeo (#4), Lem Wai Soon (#5), Khoo Peng Soon (#6), Chua Yi Xuan (#7), Ho Zheng Xian (#8), Xue Zhi Qiang (#9), Kenneth Ang (#10), Kevin Cheong (#12), Ponlawit (#13), Zhen Cong (#14), Brendan Soh (#15)

North Vista Secondary Roster
Dorjee Chokka Lama (#4), Christian Co Pepito (#5), Nicholas Tay (#6), Jolo Emmanuel (#7), Fabian Low (#8), Sim Xuan (#9), Shiek Ridwan (#10), Sim Jun (#11), Lim Zhi Kang (#12), Sim Zhen (#13), Darius Ong (#14), Ng Jia Le (#15)

National B Division Boys Basketball Championship — Fixtures and Results

More photos next page