RI 70-54 Pei Cai Secondary School

South Zone CHAMPIONS!

We were eyeing for the gold. Even though we were the challenger for this game, we were determined to play our best on both offense and defense.

Throughout the game, we played a 3-2 zone defense. We knew that the opponents were very good at driving to the basket. Therefore, we ensured that there were always two men behind the ball. We managed to prevent them from driving to the basket. However, the opponents were very hot in the first quarter, and shot three 3-pointers and quite a few mid-range jumper. They lead by 3 points in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, our post started working inside the paint, and we outscored the opponents by 1 in that quarter. Nonetheless, we were still down by 2 points because Pei Cai still had the shooter’s touch and scored three 3-pointers.

In the third quarter, we finally took the lead with a 3 pointer from our forward. From then on, we held on to the lead by shooting a few more 3 pointers and playing solid defense.

People say ‘Offense entertains, Defense wins games, and Rebounds win championship.’ This was indeed true. We boxed out at the weak side, and unlike the other game we played against Pei Cai, we prevented them from getting the offensive weak side rebounds.

This game is indeed a great game for us, and probably the best we have ever played. All our starters played exceptionally well, the bench was extremely supportive and the supporters were simply wonderful. Both teams played well, but RI emerged victorious!


Scoring by quarters:
1st Quarter -- PCS 21 RI 18
2nd Quarter -- PCS 13 RI 14
3rd Quarter -- PCS 10 RI 17
4th Quarter -- PCS 10 RI 21

A'Division Basketball 2010

MJC 35 - 82 RI

Good defensive intensity was the bedrock of a match that saw improvements from the previous two matches. Our half-court offensive execution was also better, though many of our points came on the break off steals, an example of how good defense can lead to easy offense.

Without a doubt, the best game of our short season so far; with tougher opponents awaiting us, there is still plenty of room for improvements and none for complacency.

On a side note, the girls' team kicked off their season with a similarly good win.

RI 50-30 Guangyang Secondary School

This was the semi-finals of our South Zone Basketball Competition.

We were determined to go out there and get the win, especially when the all the RI basketballers and former RI Bballers were there to support us.

In the first quarter, we played good defense and sprinted back from offense to defense, thus limiting our opponents to 6 points in the opening quarter.

The second quarter was not that good compared to the first. We only managed to score 4 points, although we limited the opponents to 2. This was probably because our players were exhausted.

In the second half, we managed to get quite a few fast breaks, but we were sloppy on the passes, allowing to the opponents to get a few steals. Fortunately, the opponents did not manage to convert on all of them. On defense, we also allowed quite a few offensive rebounds and put backs. We outscored the opponents by only 1 point in the third quarter. Nonetheless, we lead by 14 points.

In the final quarter, we were determined to seal the victory for RI. We did so, and the game ended 50-30. The C' div team would like to say a thank you to all of you who came down to support us.

Our next game would the Finals against Pei Cai. It will be on Wednesday. Even though we lost the first game against them, we will definitely fight till the end, and become South Zone Champions!


Scoring by quarters:
1st Quarter -- GYS 6 RI 17
2nd Quarter -- GYS 2 RI 4
3rd Quarter -- GYS 11 RI 12
4th Quarter -- GYS 11 RI 17

RI 61 Yishun 78

We had to win this match by 10 points in order to qualify for the semis. We started off slowly, allowing them to take wide open threes, as well as transition points. We were down by 8 at the end of the first.
We played better in the next two quarters, hitting threes and scoring points off turnovers, and were within 4 points. But the opponents scored a couple of clutch threes to seal their win. We gave up too many second chance points and were outrebounded.

So, this is the end of our season. It has been a great run, with many ups and downs throughout the season. We have all worked hard to get this far and we are very proud of getting into the top 8. It doesnt matter whether we win or lose, these experiences taught us many lessons. I truly believe we've had an awesome time together as a team. We faced challenges together and fought together as one. We never gave up and continually pushed ourselves to the limit.

To the Sec4s, thanks for guiding and helping the team and giving your all during every match. Looking forward to the time when we play together again in the A Div.

To the Sec3s, make sure you learn from these lessons during the season and make use of them next season. We've gotta work hard to reach our goals next year.

In the meantime, study hard and all the best for your mid year exams (:
DTFW.

RI 50 Dunman 58

We got off to a slow start, allowing them to get fastbreak layups and open threes. we fought back and and tied the game at the end of the first. At the end of the half it was only a three point game.
Unfortunately, our third quarter was played badly. Our press was broken by their speedy guards and they continued to get easy buckets. On offense we had too many silly turnovers and missed layups.

RI 54-41 Bishan Park Secondary

This is the final game before the semi-finals of the South Zone Basketball Competition. Perhaps it was the complacency of having already confirmed a place in the semi-finals. Nonetheless, whatever the reason was, we were not ready for today’s game.

We wanted to go out and press them. However, the opponents managed to break our press and occasionally managed to score. Furthermore, our 3-2 zone defense was leaking badly. We allowed many uncontested shots, and even allowed the opponents to shoot at least one 3 pointer per quarter. Furthermore, we lost to them in the third quarter. They outscored us by 4 points.

Even though we won the game, it was still an unacceptable game, way below our normal standards. We definitely got be more prepared for the next game as the opponent is going to be tougher. The game will be on Friday and we will be playing against Guangyang Secondary School


Scoring by quarters:
1st Quarter -- BPS 7 RI 20
2nd Quarter -- BPS 7 RI 11
3rd Quarter -- BPS 16 RI 12
4th Quarter -- BPS 11 RI 11

RI 39-32 Catholic High

This was a make or break match. Either we progress to the semi finals of the South Zone Competition or Cat High move on. We knew that this was not going to be an easy game. Nonetheless, we were prepared for them.

We started the game well. Our first two baskets were 3 point shots. We sprinted back on transition, preventing any possible fast breaks and set up our zone defense. Our defense was also quite successful in preventing any drive to the basket from their forwards. We ended the first quarter well with a seven point lead.

In the second half, we played a full court press on them. On some occasions, we managed to steal the ball and get 2 points. However, on other occasions, Cat High managed to break through our press or we fouled them unnecessarily.

Throughout the game, both sides played their hardest. However, we managed to take the lead from the start of the game, and Cat High never managed to regain that lead. We ended the game with a score line of 39 to 32.

Our next game will be against Bishan Park Secondary School on Wednesday. It will be the final game of the second round before the semi finals.

RI vs CHS (1st Quarter)

RI vs CHS (2nd Quarter)

RI vs CHS (3rd Quarter)
RI vs CHS (4th Quarter)

Scoring by quarters:
1st Quarter -- CHS 5 RI 12
2nd Quarter -- CHS 8 RI 12
3rd Quarter -- CHS 7 RI 3
4th Quarter -- CHS 12 RI 12

RI 31-41 Pei Cai Secondary

We knew this was going to be a tough match.

When we first started playing, we were prepared to play hard 3-2 zone defense on them so that they would have a hard time driving to the basket. This defense proved successful. We also sprinted back on defense to prevent fast breaks. Throughout the game, we managed to stop them frequently from fast breaking and getting easy baskets. However, we could not stop them from getting offensive rebounds and easy put backs.

We played very hard, ran up and down furiously unlike all the other matches before this. We played great defense stopping their fast breaks and drives. However, we were unable to score because we missed rather easy but precious shots.

At the final minute, we were down by 3 points. However, we simply could not put the ball into the basket even though we managed to get the offensive rebound after the first shot attempt and to try again. After we took the second shot, we missed; the opponent got the rebound, fast break and scored. We were down by 5 with less the 40 seconds left. The chances of winning were extremely slim. Panicked, we went around trying to steal the ball. The opponents kept their cool, made good passes and found an open man ready for a layup. The opponent made that shot and was up by 7. We had zero chances of winning then. In the end, Pei Cai took the game by 10 points.

Though disappointed, whats done cannot be undone, and we can only prepare for the next game. It will be against Catholic High on Monday. If we want to qualify for the next round, we have to beat them. Thus this match will be extremely crucial and we will definitely do our best and emerge victorious.


Scoring by quarters:
1st Quarter -- RI 8 PCS 11
2nd Quarter -- RI 11 PCS 6
3rd Quarter -- RI 5 PCS 7
4th Quarter -- RI 7 PCS 17

A'Division Basketball 2010

RI 72-38 DHS

Offensively, we played with more composure and conviction than the previous game against Jurong, which was an encouraging sign of much demanded improvements.

Defensively, however, we were again poor and lazy; we were granting DHS easy points and needless fouls throughout the entire game, preventing us from further widening the scoreline.

11 days to our next match versus MJC; time enough to work on our deficiencies that have been woefully exposed but thankfully, not cost us (yet).

RI 64-20 Kent Ridge Secondary

This is the first game of the second round of the South Zone Basketball Competition.

Unlike the first round, we knew that the teams in the second round would be a lot stronger, especially so when we have two strong team in our group, Pei Cai and Cat High.

Even though we did not play against them today, we were still determined to play strong offence and defence. We played a full court press on the opponents. However, they also had a full court press for us.

Both teams tried to break each other’s press. In the end, we emerged victorious with a score line of 64 to 20.

Our next game will be on Friday against Pei Cai. This will be the strongest team we face so far in the competition. We will definitely do our best and get the win.


Scoring by quarters:
1st Quarter -- KRS 7 RI 14
2nd Quarter -- KRS 4 RI 17
3rd Quarter -- KRS 3 RI 17
4th Quarter -- KRS 6 RI 16

A'Division Basketball 2010

RI 57 - 38 Jurong JC

A match that could well have swung in either direction ended in a 19point win for us, much thanks to a late second half surge making up for an otherwise lackluster performance.

A good wakeup call for the entire team, insofar as to be ready to play at a high intensity from the get-go instead of assuming too little out of the opponents.

Game-by-game improvements are required before we know where we stand amongst the other teams; otherwise, focus on ourselves and take it from there.

Next game: Thursday 1645hrs against DHS

RI 39 North Vista 78

We could not stop their three pointers and could not get offensive rebounds. We were outmatched on both ends of the floor even though we were within 3 points in the first quarter. They played good defense and we could not get our shots off easily. Our offense was messy and our defense was weak, allowing them to drive past us easily and get layups. We will do our best on Monday against Dunman Sec and fight all the way to secure a place in the semis. This is our time. DTFW

RI 84-7 Bendemeer Secondary

This is the last game of the first round of the South Zone basketball competition.

On defense, we played a full court press. However, it might have been too aggressive as we had a number of fouls called against us.

On offensive rebounds and under-basket shots, we were also off the mark and missed a quite few too.

We will play in the second round of the competition next week, and we will definitely meet stronger opponents. Therefore, we got to correct our mistakes before it’s too late.


Scoring by quarters:
1st Quarter -- BS 0 RI 25
2nd Quarter -- BS 5 RI 9
3rd Quarter -- BS 0 RI 29
4th Quarter -- BS 2 RI 21

A'Division Basketball 2010

Hi all,

schedule for A'Boys:

1) 13th April, RI vs Jurong JC, 1645hrs

2) 15th April, RI vs Dunman High School, 1645hrs

3) 26th April, Meridian JC vs RI, 1415hrs

4) 30th April, Pioneer JC vs RI, 1300hrs

schedule for A'Girls:

1) 26th April, RI vs Millennia Institute, 1530hrs

2) 28th April, RI vs Serangoon JC, 1530hrs

3) 30th April, RI vs Saint Andrews JC, 1645hrs

Quarter-Finals: 4th, 7th and 11th of May

Semi-Finals: 14th May

3rd/4th: 17th May

Finals: 19th May at Yishun Sports Hall

All our games are held at SBC, save a potential Finals appearance.

Will update everyone on schedule and matches, see you there!

RI 62 Christchurch 51

We started off really well, converting our fastbreak points from our press. However, we somehow lost focus and energy towards the end of the quarter and the opponents came back to tie it at the end of the first.
In the second, we weren't concentrating on the game, and allowed the opponents to easily break our press and score in transition. They were sharp from the perimeter as well, scoring threes and jumpers. Our offense was messy and we had too many turnovers.
In the second half, we finally woke up. We started to press with more intensity and scored on many layups. Players started to hit their threes too. We ended the third 47-36.
In the last quarter, we managed to break their press a couple of times and pulled away at the end with fastbreak points and defensive rebounds.
The first half was horrible and we should learn to play with high intensity right from the start, not only in the fourth quarter. Whenever we have the lead, we should calm down and cannot rush our shots and use the shot clock to our advantage. Overall a good performance, especially in the second half, but we had way too many silly turnovers. We should take care of possession in the next match and communicate with each other.
Our next second round match is against North Vista. We will be up to the challenge and will fight till the last second. DTFW. Next up, the second round.

Scorers:
Law: 16 points
Alex: 22 points
Jordaan: 10 points
Justin: 8 points
Momo: 2 points
Yves: 4 points

From Coach:
Congrats to this team for the being the first team to qualify for B Div National Quarter-Finals for as far back as I can remember (at least since 2004).
We played well in spurts and below expectations at other times. When we are able to put together a consistent performance throughout the game, it will be our single biggest achievement this season.
Press on! I'm waiting to see it!

Respecting Your Opponents

I've received comments from well-meaning old-boys expressing concern for the huge score-lines for C Div games. I think it is worth clarifying what we aim to do in order to respect our opponents in games.

We can respect opponents by:

(1) Taking the game seriously and giving your best - playing around is NOT RESPECT

5 years ago we played a certain school in the National Semi-Finals, they had a vastly superior squad and beat us by 10-15 points. Yet during the game, a certain point guard made fun of the team by ridiculing our designated plays.

We called "warriors" for attacking the weak side and "spurs" for attacking the string side. The arrogant boy screamed "lakers", "celtics" during the game and played some fancy passes and laughed when out players got tricked.

That is DISRESPECT. The scoreline was not big, but it their attitude was humiliating.

(2) Not unnecessarily inflating the scoreline

We usually try to work on the weaker part of our game and field our weaker players to gain experience when we are leading by a lot. Yet despite some of these measures, we still win by a huge margin.

That is NOT DISRESPECT. That is a result of a very unbalanced competition field and format.

Would you rather stop trying to play the game properly, execute sloppily, try low-percentage fancy shots, in order to keep the margin smaller?

The scoreline can be one indication of RESPECT but that value cannot be judged by reading a report - one has to be involved in the game to really give a comment.

I remember bringing our A Div boys on a training trip to Taiwan, and we got beaten by an average of 55 points over 3 games. We had 3 national youth players and still ate humble pie. But I never remembered feeling humiliated during those 3 games - only a sense of awe, that our opponents are much better trained and conditioned than we were.

Sure it was not a nice feeling to lose, and maybe some did feel lousy about ourselves. But no one could say we were humiliated. We were certainly humbled, but credit to the Taiwanese, we were not humiliated.

It is not always possible to achieve team training goals and take care of everybody's feelings at the same time. But we have to do our best. And we do that by working on the above 2 approaches.

Having said all, if we unintentionally ran over anybody's sense of dignity, we are sorry and will strive to do better if you will give us good feedback.

RI 83-14 Mayflower Secondary School

At the start of the game, their players knock down many jumpers and they lead 8-2. We were quite upset because of our bad defence. Nevertheless, we stepped up on defence and put pressure on them through our press. By the end of the first quarter, we were leading by 14 points.

The following three quarter was quite smooth for us, and we even knocked down quite a few three pointers. With that, the game ended RI 83 and Mayflower 14.

Our next game will be against Bendemeer Secondary School on 9th April.


Scoring by quarters:
1st Quarter -- RI 22 MFS 8
2nd Quarter -- RI 26 MFS 4
3rd Quarter -- RI 18 MFS 2
4th Quarter -- RI 17 MFS 0

From Coach:

Mayflower took the game to us right from the beginning and exposed our mistakes in the zone defense. Credit to them, they also learnt through the game and actually broke our zone press quite a number of times.

On our end, it was a good game because we got our bench to play at a higher level of intensity than before. This will go a long way to deepen our bench for the later parts of the season.

RI 96 - 9 Balestier Hill Secondary

We played aggressive defense throughout the game. The opponents lost the ball many times and we managed to outscore them. Great effort put in by all our players on both offense and defense.

Our next game will be against Mayflower Secondary School on 5th April.


Scoring by quarters:
1st Quarter -- RI 37 BHS 0
2nd Quarter -- RI 21 BHS 2
3rd Quarter -- RI 21 BHS 3
4th Quarter -- RI 17 BHS 4

RI 74 Jurong 71 (OT)

Our main goals for the game were to take out the triple threat and play high pressure defense.
We raced off to an early lead, causing turnovers many times due to our press. Jurong's number 11 scored 8 points in the quarter alone, all layups. We did not get back on defense sometimes, and this led to easy baskets on the other end. The quarter ended 18-11.
In the second, we played better defense, limiting them to only 7 points in the quarter. We converted most of our fastbreak points and managed to control the boards in the first half.
The second half went all wrong. We let them score a ton of threes by not communicating on defense and allowed them to come back into the game. Their post players had plenty of offensive rebounds and second chance points. Our offensive plays were rushed and we had many turnovers due to their press.
The fourth quarter ended 61-61.
In overtime, both of the teams traded baskets. We got most of our points through fastbreaks as well. However we did not communicate on defense, allowing them to score easy points. We had too many fouls and two of our players fouled out. Jurong managed to convert their free throws. In the end, we managed to pull out a win. We should have finished them off in the second half but instead let them come back. We must learn our lessons from this game and cannot make the same mistakes vs Christchurch. DTFW.

Scorers:
Lawrence 16 points
Alex 17 points
Jordaan 21 points
Justin 8 points
Mahmood 6 points
Bryan 4 points
Yves 2 points

RI 44 Anglican High 52

We wanted to keep the game close throughout and keep up with the pace of the game for 48 minutes. In the first quarter, we did exactly that, causing a couple of turnovers and converting our fastbreak points.
In the second, we let our guard down and let in easy layups on the defensive end. The half ended 26 17.
At the start of the second half, we continued pressing and also played a zone defense. We forced them to take outside shots but we didnt get enough defensive rebounds, allowing them to have second chance points.
In the last quarter, our defensive intensity increased and we hit a couple of threes. We were within one but could not get any closer, as the Anglican High players hit a three of their own and then a few layups due to our costly turnovers.
We will be facing Jurong next and will give it our all.

Scorers:
Joel 2 points
Lawrence 5 points
Alex 8 points
Jordaan 10 points
Justin 8 points
Daniel 3 points
Ding 2 points
Mahmmod 4 points
Yves 2 points