Sunday, May 6, 2007

RJC versus HCI, 27th April

Our team lost to HCI today and is officially eliminated from the group stage. Nevertheless, it was clear that the team gave it their all and played well.

The game started off with both teams unsettled offensively. Trouble came quickly when our starting PG, Yao Zhen got into foul trouble. He collected 2 fouls in the 1st minute, and coach was forced to keep him out of the game. Fortunately, we held our composure and got off to a good offensive rhythm, gaining an 8 point lead in the 2nd quarter. HCI’s PG also got into foul trouble soon after and was kept at the bench. Despite this, their bench was deep as the other HCI players turned up their intensity and managed to reduce the lead to 1 at half-time.

In the 3rd quarter, both teams started to trade baskets. HCI slowly gained their offensive flow, and got into their usual run-and-gun game. I personally feel this was the turning point of the game. Eventually, they got the lead and build it to about 8-9 points. We also lost much of our offensive rhythm and struggled to contain them. Still, everyone fought hard, defended fiercely and never gave up.

In the 4th quarter, with both our PGs fouled out, Ray Wen was forced to handle the ball and this limited his offensive chances greatly. We then started using much of our press to force turnovers. It worked fairly well, but an experienced team like HCI did not let us take much advantage of it. Yup so the game was over, we lost.

Personally, I believe this has been the most memorable game for many of us. Despite the emotionally-crushing defeat last week, the team held each other together and fought truly hard today. We are all proud of ourselves. Every loss was painful, but the joy of fighting hard together and trusting each other will become precious memory for all of us. Yup so I thank the team for all the effort being put in throughout these months of training. Also, thank you Coach and Mr Quek for all the guidance and patience.

To the J1s, you guys have so much potential yet to be shown in your game. Keep your heads up and train hard for next year. The J2s will be down supporting u guys all the way.
Yup we have one more game next week. Let’s go down to the court with the right mindset and play our last game with all our hearts. Dream, Team, Fight, Win.

4th May, RJC versus YJC.

Our last match together as a team playing competitive basketball. Overall result was . Wasn't exactly a good way to end the season. First quarter ended off with a low score of 5-4. Got back to our feet after the 1st half and won by a margin of about 17 points.

Even though the season has ended. The J2s will definitely return and help out the juniors in any possible.

Rock on and Peace out.

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