Seen through my eyes...
Gryphons Cup 2007 surely must be the most memorable for RI 05 (Ray Wen, Kenneth, Aaron, Yao Zhen, Wei Quan, Jing Wei, Qing Yuan, Sun Ning, Yi Qing). This is the batch that have never played in any National competition before (with exception of Ray Wen in his sec 1 year). Even their highly anticipated final year in Raffles colours was also disappointing as they crashed out in the 1st round to eventual champion and runners up Hwa Chong & Innova JC.
This championship is indeed a first (in more ways than one) for the boys. Facing the dominating RI 95 with Low Jia Ren anchoring the post, I went in to coach them with no pressure and no expectations, just looking to push them as much as possible.
As anticipated, RI 95 started the game firing on all cylinders. Long range bombs, turnaround scoop shots, conversions off offensive rebounds, the juniors soon found themselves trailing by 10 and this extended to about 16 points by the 3rd quarter.
That was when Jia Ren came off for a breather and to avoid foul trouble. Sensing a chance to strike back, the Juniors turned on the 221 zone press and the full court man to man. With an amazing sequence of forced turnovers and breakaway layups, they quickly made up for the lead that RI 95 enjoyed. By the time Jiaren came back into the game, the momentum was way too strong and even the key players on RI 95 could not stop the J2s.
RI 05 ran out winners by 2 points (I think).
A Salute to RI 95...
I found you guys very gracious in defeat - it reminds me of the classics and the pioneers, for whom victory is important, but secondary to sportsmanship + celebration of the younger Rafflesians' success.
Perhaps it is age, perhaps it is maturity - In any case I just thank you for making this such a memorable experience for the J2s.
A Word for the Organisers
Thanks to Jaron, Daniel, Shawn & gang for organising - I do not think we take this for granted, that every batch will step up to play their part. I am just proud and excited that another batch has value-added to the legacy of Raffles Basketball.
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