Story by Jiexin Neo/Red Sports. Photos by Matthew Lau/Red Sports

WZ C DIV BBALL Kranji vs New Town

A New Town player tries to block Chan Yi Qing (KSS #8). (Photo 1 © Matthew Lau/Red Sports)

Clementi Sports Hall, Monday, July 14, 2014 — Kranji Secondary (KSS) defeated New Town Secondary (NTS) 30–24 in the West Zone C Division Boys Basketball Championship.

With this win, Kranji finished second in the group to secure a spot in round two. On the other hand, this is New Town’s final game of the season.

Ryan de Mello (KSS #9) paced his team with a game-high 20 points, while Aaron Poh (NTS #10) had 13 points.

Both teams appeared to be evenly-matched from the first quarter. Ryan de Mello (KSS #9) had a good start to his game and registered eight points in the first quarter alone. Kranji led 16–12 at the end of the quarter.

In the second quarter, Ryan (KSS #9) continued to make good offensive choices and pulled down several defensive rebounds to initiate fast breaks for his side. On the other hand, New Town’s Aaron Poh (#10) led his team’s attacks and was the only scorer on the team this quarter. He had eight points in this quarter alone. Both teams were tied at 16–16 and Kranji took a slight 21–20 lead going into the halftime break.

Wong Han Wei (KSS #6) scored one by the baseline to open the scoring for the third quarter. Lee Quan Xuan (KSS #11) then followed up to score one on the elbow. It was a fast-paced game then on, with both sides running for fast breaks and trying to put in points. Both Kranji and New Town appeared to be evenly-matched with their fair share of mistakes, and were level at 25–24, before Ryan (KSS #9) scored on a fast break to end the third quarter 27–24.

New Town’s Ong Hwee Yong (#11) converted an underbasket shot to put in the first two points in the fourth quarter. Edison Tan (KSS #15) then scored one on the key to return a two (29–26). New Town were chasing the points and managed to level at 29–29 midway through the quarter.

After sitting out the first three quarters due to foul trouble, Edison Tan (KSS #15) proved to be the difference in the final quarter, as he pulled down offensive rebounds to give his team second chance points, and also converted on fast breaks to give Kranji the 33–29 lead. Ryan (KSS #9) also continued with his good offensive game and contributed a significant five points this quarter.

On the other hand, although New Town’s Faazil (#14) was putting in good effort offensively, it was not enough to take the lead over from their opponents. Kranji then ended the game 40–34 to secure their spot in the second round.

Kranji’s top scorer, Ryan (#9), said, “At first we were leading, but then halfway through the game we lost a lot of points. Towards the end we caught up and won. I think we have to improve on our team work and communication on court.”

Kranji player, Edison (#15), said, “I made too many fouls in the first quarter, so I couldn’t play for three quarters. But then I came back to help in the final quarter. I guess we have to improve on our team work and the handling of ball.”

Scoring by Quarter
Kranji vs New Town
Q1: 16–12
Q2: 5–8 (21–20)
Q3: 6–4 (27–24)
Q4: 13–10 (40–34)

Top Scorers
Kranji
Ryan de Mello (#9) – 20 points (1 x 3-pointer)

New Town
Aaron Poh (#10) – 13 points

Kranji Secondary Roster
Ang Kai Jun (#4), Keann Neo (#5), Wong Han Wei (#6), Bryan Seng (#7), Chan Yi Qing (#8), Ryan de Mello (#9), Jordan Koh (#10), Lee Quan Xuan (#11), Tan Chi Kang (#12), Johnson Chin (#13), Alloysius Goh (#14), Edison Tan (#15)

New Town Secondary Roster
Sean Siva (#4), Wei Jie (#5), Magdiel Lim (#7), Aaron Poh Xi Wen (#10), Ong Hwee Yong (#11), Teja (#14), Faazil (#14)

More photos next page