Story and photos by Low Zheng Yu/Red Sports
Alayna (US #11) drives all the way in for the contested layup. She had a game-high 10 points. (Photo 1 © Low Zheng Yu/Red Sports)
Clementi Sports Hall, Thursday, March 23, 2017 — Unity Secondary (US) played well on both their defensive and offensive end to overcome Chung Cheng High (Main) (CC) and secure the 42-26 victory in the National B Division Girls Basketball Championship.
Alayna (#11) of Unity led the game with 10 points while Shannon Chong (#5) of Chung Cheng had a team-high nine.
With this win, Unity currently have a win-loss record of 1-1 in the Nationals. They look to play Guangyang next and have to win to get a chance to advance.
Similarly, this loss gives Chung Cheng a 1-1 win-loss record. They will play against Singapore Chinese Girls’ School next and also have to win to stand a chance to advance.
As soon as the ball was tipped, Unity got to work. With a few quick passes, Esther (US #23) got a wide-open look from beyond the arc and made the three-point shot.
On the ensuing possession, Unity’s excellent ball movement led to another made three from Nazirah (US #5).
Chung Cheng tried to fight back but could not capitalise. While the players were able to get all the way into the paint area, they were not able to make the shot. Their only made shot of the quarter came from Thalia Tan (CC #8).
Unity led 10-2 after the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Unity continued to put pressure on Chung Cheng’s defence. They drove in and dished the ball out to the open shooters.
Knowing it would be a tough fight, Chung Cheng increased their defensive efforts despite the pressure from Unity. They were able to force a few turnovers and convert them to fast-break points to cut the Unity lead.
However, the disciplined Unity players stayed calm and played their game. They continued to find the open shooter to make the open shots. Unity’s three-point threat led to open lanes to drive as Chung Cheng players closed out to contest the shot.
On the defensive end, the Unity players upped their defensive intensity and were active with their hands which disrupted the Chung Cheng players from making their moves. This messed up Chung Cheng’s rhythm which prevented them from making their shots.
The first half ended with Unity up 22-9.
Unity continued to play at a very high level on the defensive end. They were messing up Chung Cheng’s rhythm and their players were demoralised as they saw their shots rim out despite their efforts.
While Chung Cheng were able to slow down the Unity offense on the defensive end, they did not capitalise on their chances while they were on the offense. This lack of scoring demoralised Chung Cheng.
Unity continued to pull away as they scored whenever there was a lapse in Chung Cheng’s defense.
Scoring by Quarter
Unity vs Chung Cheng
1st Q: 10-2
2nd Q: 12-7 (22-9)
3rd Q: 8-6 (30-15)
4th Q: 12-11 (42-26)
Top Scorers
Unity
Alayna (#11) – 10 pts
Esther (#23) – 8 pts
Chung Cheng
Shannon Chong (#5) – 9 pts
Elke Goh (#7) – 6 pts
Unity Roster
Nazirah (#5), Videl (#6), Jeslyn (#7), Nadirah (#8), Alayna (#11), Adilah (#12), Celest (#13), Eunice (#15), Syazwani (#17), Esther (#23), Bonnie (#77)
Chung Cheng Roster
Vernice Lim (#2), Cheong Winyee (#3), Zhang Shuning (#4), Shannon Chong (#5), Erika Sim (#6), Elke Goh (#7), Thalia Tan (#8), Poh Bao Zhen (#9), Quek Ning Xuan (#10), Gwen Ng (#11), Huang Lizhen (#12), Quek Jing Ting (#15)
More photos next page
