Raffles Institution vs Catholic High School (23-37)
Knowing
the outcome of this game would hardly affect our chances to advance, we walked
into the court with a “nothing to lose” mind-set. After the tip-off, neither team
was able to get their engines running as the points remained at zero. Unlike
previous games, we did not panic when faced with opponents’ full court
pressure. We were able to advance the ball fairly easily but had difficulties
meeting the basket. Then, we managed to break the tie. After being fouled, our
side was able to knock down both foul shots, taking the first blood of the
game. However, Catholic High School (CHS) returned us with a shot, tying the
game once again. CHS then had a little bit of foul trouble as we scored the
next 6 points all by free throws. While several mistakes made by us allowed
them to nail in a three pointer and several baskets. The first quarter ended
with both teams tied closely at 10-10.
In the
second quarter, things began to go downhill. CHS stepped up to the challenge, putting
in more effort on their full court pressure. More intensity was seen in their
defense and we had troubles moving the ball forward. Our attempts to score the
ball were seen futile as our point remained at 10. However in CHS’s side, they
were able to meet the basket and soon, a difference was seen between the
scores. CHS then sealed off the first half with a three pointer, which took
their lead to a further 6 points.
As we
stepped into the second half, we knew something had to be done. Our efforts to
close the gap were however valiant. Whenever we made a shot, CHS would respond
by returning one. This continued throughout the third quarter which ended with
a score of 26-19.
The
final quarter was where we had our downfall. It was our last chance to catch up
the point difference but we did not make use of it. Players were getting
lethargic and the defense was loosening up. CHS grasped this opportunity,
taking the lead to even higher and even manage to knock down an and-one. They were then able to drag the game on with a
steady lead. The final game of our season then concluded with CHS winning, with
a final score line of 37-23.
In the
first quarter, we were able to keep up with the pace of the game. However, we
lost up in the later parts due to our poor stamina. In CHS’s side, players were
frequently substituted in and out of the court, allowing all the legs on court
to be fresh and energetic. However, the players on our side were seen panting
for their breath after each chase and not able to keep up with the fast pace of
the game. This probably resulted in the downfall of our team in the second and
fourth quarter.
Even
though our season has come to a stop, we still had tons of good times with one
another, as a team. Growths were seen as a team throughout the entire season.
At first, we would panic at the sight of full court pressure and afraid to
attack the basket. Now, we are much better in those areas. Chemistry also
improved significantly in the team, with balls being passed through the court
more often. Alas, it was a real pity as these improvements were only seen later
in the season, with players peaking only at Round 2. As the team, blood was
bled, tears were dropped and sweat was shed. We really enjoyed these fantastic
games as a team, and the joy seeing one another improving.
We would
like to express our sincere gratitude to our teachers-in-charge, all those who
came down to support us during the games and most of all, our coaches. We would
not have even made through the first round if not for you. It really meant a
lot when our teachers-in-charge or old boys talked to us before and after the
games. We were better prepared and learnt about our mistakes, as well as how to
improve them. Our coaches did a phenomenal job, ensuring the team’s discipline,
plays on the court and the will to achieve our dream. Even though our goal was
not met, we still learnt many valuable lessons from this year’s season. This
would definitely allow us to have a better game next year, no matter if we are
B Div or C Div. It was wonderful to be
able to play by your side, thank you all for the fantastic season given!
Points by Quarter
1st ------- 2nd ------- 3rd ------- 4th
RI: 10 4 5 4
CHS: 10 10 6 11
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