Story by REDintern Ryan Lim. Photos by REDintern Adeline Lee

(PHS #6) goes up strong against his defenders for a layup. (Photo 1 © REDintern Adeline Lee)

Louis Teh (PHS #6) goes up strong against his defenders for a layup. (Photo 1 © REDintern Adeline Lee)

Singapore Basketball Centre, Wednesday, February 17, 2016 — Woodgrove Secondary (WGS) showed great tenacity in a 48-36 comeback win against Presbyterian High (PHS) in the North Zone B Division Basketball Championship.

Woodgrove continued in their rich vein of form with a third win in as many games. Despite trailing for half the match, they fought hard to leapfrog Presbyterian High in the final two quarters.

Woodgrove had more than a few talented players, with captain Andy Liow (#14) and top scorer Owen Liow (#11) the most apparent. The twin brothers are both strong in build and have great chemistry between them. Over the last few matches, they have terrorized the opposing team’s defence with a combination of skill and strength. This game was no exception.

Owen (#11) yielded 23 points for Woodgrove, while Louis Teh (#6) and Javiel Chew (#30) had 13 and 12 respectively for Presbyterian High.

Presbyterian High started the game brightly, draining a trio of three-pointers. They were also swift and efficient in their passing, dominating most parts of the first quarter. Presbyterian High threatened to extend their lead, but failed to do so as they were wasteful with chances. The quarter ended with Woodgrove trailing by three points.

Four minutes into the second quarter, the two teams were inseparable at 15-15. Lapses in concentration led to careless passing and disrupted play. Javiel (PHS #30) converted three free throws in the quarter with ease.

For most parts of the game, Presbyterian High struggled with the physicality of their opponents, while Woodgrove could not cope with the pace of Presbyterian High. The sides went into half-time two points apart.

Woodgrove began their resurgence in the third quarter. The colossal trinity Owen (#11), Andy (#14) and Jack (#15) of Woodgrove wreaked havoc in their opponent’s defense. The three players took markers away from each other, engineering space for scoring opportunities. At times, Jack (#15) even had three Presbyterian High players marking him.

It was a quarter to forget for Presbyterian High as they were overtaken by their foes.

Presbyterian High entered the final quarter with real intent, racking up a few solid points. However, Presbyterian High’s poor defence left them vulnerable.

Presbyterian High simply could not deal with Woodgrove’s compact defense and deadly counter attacks and eventually went down 36-48.

Woodgrove captain, Andy (#14) commented, “We improved on our defense for the last two quarters, and our determination helped us to win the game. We will be looking to secure a top-four finish in the coming matches.”

Score by Quarter
Woodgrove vs Presbyterian High
1st Q: 10-13
2nd Q: 11-10 (21-23)
3rd Q: 14-8 (35-31)
4th Q: 13-5 (48-36)

Top Scorers
Woodgrove
Liow Cheng Xun Owen (#11) – 23 points
Liow Cheng Lin Andy (#14) – 10 points

Presbyterian High
Louis Teh Huichao (#6) – 13 points
Javiel Chew (#30) – 12 points

Woodgrove Roster
Edwin Soo Ian Zhang (#4), Sean Por (#5), Aw Kai Jie (#6), Lacsado Jack William Santiago (#7), Seah Jin Yong (#8), Renneth Tan Zi Jun (#9), Tech Rong Kai, Avin (#10), Liow Cheng Xun Owen (#11), Andy Lim Jia En (#12), Lim Jin Long (#13), Liow Cheng Lin Andy (#14), Yap Chun Jack (#15)

Presbyterian High Roster
Eng Kai Jun Darren (#3), Louis Teh Huichao (#6), Ibrahim B Zulkefli (#8), Tan You Jun (#9), Tan Yan Ming Richie (#10), Jerel Tan Chong Jun (#13), Lee Rong Jun Dylan (#20), Dillion Yap (#23), Andy Tan Hao Zhi (#24), Javiel Chew (#30), Kievan Chang Kai En (#35), Chaw Junxiong Aaron (#91)