C Division South Zone Round 2 Game 5: Raffles Institution vs Catholic High School (23-37)

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

C Division South Zone Round 2 Game 4: Raffles Institution vs Pei Cai Secondary School (39-25)

Raffles Institution vs Pei Cai Secondary School (39-25)

               The game began with both teams not being able to pull away. Struggles were seen on the court as our players forced offences and failed to defend Pei Cai properly. They were left many open spaces and they took the opportunity to close the gap. After the end of the first quarter, we were only 1 point ahead. The 2^nd quarter did not work out too well either. Not a single basket was made for the first 5 minutes or so. Only 6 points were managed to be scored by us while Pei Cai just nailed a single three pointer. Seeing our attempts to increase the lead were not working, we knew the next quarter was going to be crucial.

               With a steadfast resolve, we moved on to the 3^rd quarter, where things were getting only better and better. Our point guard, Bryan clicked well with our left handed forward Jia Wei. Pei Cai’s offence was getting lazier and we grasped this chance, intercepting many passes. These passes were then outleted to our PG, who then made many wonderful passes to Jia Wei, allowing him to go on a 12 point scoring spree, stretching the gap further. By the end of the 3^rd quarter, we were already leading by an assuring 13 points.

               In the final quarter, things were taken slowly as we slowed our pace down. Shots were pouring in from both side, but we still maintained the lead and we eventually took this lead to the final whistle. The game concluded with us winning by 14 points.

               Even though this game was not really welled played, we could see chemistry building up in the team, especially from the PG. What could have been an easy game we instead faced difficulties and struggled to take a steady lead. We hope to see a better performance next game which would be against Catholic High School. The match between Fairfield and CHS concluded with CHS emerging as victors, a score line of 39-36. It would definitely be a tough game on Wednesday and we would put in all of our effort, no matter we advance into Top 4 or not. 

Points by Quarter

                                           1st ------- 2nd ------- 3rd ------- 4th

RI:                                         9                6            15               9

PCSS:                                  8                3              6               8

C Division South Zone Round 2 Game 3: Raffles Institution vs Henderson Secondary School (56-32)

Raffles Institution vs Henderson Secondary School (56-32)

               The game started off pretty well for our side. Despite them putting on quite a pressure on us, we were able to advance the ball rather easily. Our shots were also falling in with a high percentage from the inner area. However, Henderson’s key players, #6 & #7 did not give up. #6 is a skillful right hander while #7 is an adept at left hand. #6 stepped up to the challenge, managing to drive into our defense and knocked down all 9 points Henderson scored in the first quarter. Our box-out was not working out too, allowing Henderson to get many offensive rebounds, going for another try at offence. At one point of the 2^nd quarter, we were only leading by a mere 4 points. The first half then ended with us taking a steady 11 point lead.

               Coming into the second half, we came back strong and adjusted our defense, closing down the lane for #6 or #7 to drive. This forced them to take 3 point shots instead which did not fall in as successfully as their drives. Even though our defense began to click, we did not overlook our offence. We were able to break their defense with ease and also went for many fast breaks. More rebounds, both offensive and defensive, were seen in our hands and this helped us to stretch the lead to even more. In the 3^rd quarter, we only allowed Henderson to score 4 point while we increased the lead by a further 11 points.

               But in the final quarter, our offence started to fell apart. Everyone was rushing the ball for offence, resulting in low shot percentage and many unnecessary turnovers. Henderson grasped these chances well; making quite a number of lay ups and even an and-one. The game then ended with us emerging as victors, taking a closer step to Top 4 while Henderson is unfortunately eliminated.

               Although we beat Henderson with a high lead, players are reminded not to get complacent. We have to consider the factor that Henderson was already eliminated before playing with this, this could cause their players to have a low morale, not giving all they got. But on the bright side, we also did wonderful as compared to previous games. Even more improvements were seen as players started to show more confidence in offence. The next game would be against Pei Cai. They are not to be belittled as they defeated us last year and emerged as South Zone 2^nd. This victory has drawn us closer to a spot in Top 4. Fairfield will be playing Catholic High next Monday, before our match, this will be crucial as it would decide our chances in advance. We would definitely not give up and continue to fight hard for our common dream.

Points by Quarter

                                1st ------- 2nd ------- 3rd ------- 4th

RI:                            14             15            15             12

HSS:                          9                9              4            10

C Division South Zone Round 2 Game 2: Raffles Institution vs Holy Innocents' High School (50-37)

Raffles Institution vs Holy Innocents' High School (50-37)

               The game began to our disadvantage as HIHS nailed in two baskets, leading the game at 4-0. At first, we were facing difficulties in advancing the ball due to their half court pressure. However, we fought back hard and soon caught up with them. Our offence then went at a steady pace and we ended the 1^st quarter with a 7-7 tie.

               As the 2^nd quarter began, energy filled our players and we soon picked up our rhythm. We were successful in breaking their defence and the shots started pouring in. But HIHS did not give up. The 2^nd quarter ended with neither team being able to pull away. But in the 3^rd quarter, we were able to attack with ease and our offence ran off like a well-oiled engine. Soon the gap was stretching further and further as we outscored them a total of 12 points.

               In the last quarter, both teams began to slacken and the foul trouble came in. With 4 team fouls on both teams, we were both granted with many easy free throws. As compared to previous games, our shot percentage rose and we earned most the point scored by free throws. The game concluded with us as victors and we currently stand with a 1-1 win loss record.

               Overall, some improvements were seen, mainly with the offence. More players were seen attacking the basket and our offence ran off at a steady pace, unlike last time when we tend to rush the ball under pressure. The next game would be against Henderson. It would be important as we have to win that so that we would not we knocked out of Round 2. It would definitely be a challenge to us but we would keep the fighting spirit and work towards our dream of being in the Top 4.

Points by Quarter

                               1st ------- 2nd ------- 3rd ------- 4th

RI:                             7             17             14            12

HIHS:                       7             13               6             11

C Division South Zone Round 2 Game 1: Raffles Institution vs Fairfield Methodists School (27-66)

Raffles Institution vs Fairfield Methodists School (27-66)

               The game started off badly for us as Fairfield got hot on their hands. Their full court pressure killed off any attempt by us trying to advance the ball. Our weak defence plus messy passes allowed Fairfield to take a huge lead, going on a 14-0 run. We were unable to make any successful offences and only managed to score 2 points in the 1^st quarter, whereas Fairfield scored 17.

               The onslaught continued on in the 2^nd quarter, where the same situation happened: errant passes, lazy defence, and weak offence. Fairfield increased their lead further by knocking down three 3-pointers in a row. As the 2^nd quarter ended, Fairfield was already leading us by a total of 28 points. The situation did not get any better in the second half, where the players on court were all out of breath, due to their weak stamina. This resulted in slackly movement and passes of the ball, granting Fairfield loads of scoring chances, and they 

grasped them well, scoring a total of 21 points in the 3^rd quarter. In the last quarter, the situation got a little bit better. Fairfield was slower in their full court pressure and this allowed us to make a few baskets. Our players then picked up momentum and shots started pouring in, mainly from fast breaks. The game soon concluded with Fairfield emerging as victors with a 39 point win.

               Overall, our defence was rather weak in the match, allowing Fairfield to pick up many easy baskets, both from the 3 point line and inside. Fairfield knocked down a total of 9 three pointers, which added up to more than one-third of their total score. As usual, we also made loads of turnovers under the pressure of the opponent’s full court defence. However, some improvements were seen in this game as players started to attack the basket more daringly unlike the last few games, where little people were actually going for the shot. The next game with Holy Innocents’ will be crucial as it will decide whether we stay, or go home. The next few games would also be challenging, but we would not give up easily and fight our best for a spot in the Top 4. 

Points by Quarter

                                     1st ------- 2nd ------- 3rd ------- 4th

RI:                                   2                4              6             15

FMS:                            17              17            21             11

C Division South Zone Round 1 Game 3: Raffles Institution vs Guanyang Secondary School (23-40)

Raffles Institution vs Guanyang Secondary School (23-40)

 

Points by Quarter

 

                            1st ------- 2nd ------- 3rd ------- 4th

RI:                           0              5            13              5 

GSS:                       3            16              8             13

 



The game started off with neither teams being able to attack well. Both teams did not manage to get their engine running as the point remained 0-0. Guanyang then grasped their chance well, scoring a three pointer after a minor mistake in our defence. The first quarter then ended with only a score line of 3-0.

Second quarter was where the onslaught began. Guanyang’s full court pressure was working out extremely well and many bad passes were made by our team. With each inbound we tried to make, Guanyang went up hard against us, forcing us to make many weak passes. The opponent then made lots of easy lay ups from these turnovers. We were managed to score a mere 5 points in the second quarter, compared to Guanyang’s 16 points. The problem continued on in the third quarter. But however, towards the end of the third quarter, energy started getting back to us as we picked up momentum, getting a 6-0 scoring streak, dragging the point difference to 9 points.

Unfortunately, the problem that we encountered previously came back haunting us in the fourth quarter. Most of the time, we were unable to bring the ball up to half court and when we did, all it took was an errant pass to get the ball on Guanyang’s possession. From these mistakes, Guanyang went on a 9-0 run, completely killing off our momentum from the previous quarter. Eventually, Guanyang emerged victors with a final score of 40-23.

Today’s game was very poorly played, this resulted us as 2^nd in our group. Guanyang was able to shut down our attempt to advance the ball with their full court pressure. This made our players panicked and not dare to offend, thus resulting in many weak passes and turnovers. Our offence was also extremely weak, with no one daring to go for the basket. Also we have lost this match; we would still be advancing into Round 2 as 2^nd in the group. Here’s our match ups for Round 2:

Fairfield Methodist School

Holy Innocents' High

Peicai Secondary School

Henderson Secondary School

Catholic High School

The challenging opponents we would be facing would be Fairfield and Catholic High. We understand that this would be hard for us, but we would not give up and cotinue to fight on. We already have nothing to lose and would fight hard for a spot for Top 4.

C Division South Zone Round 1 Game 2: Raffles Institution vs NJC (31-25)

Raffles Institution vs NJC (31-25) OT

The game started off with NJC winning the tip-off and making the first basket. The two teams started trading baskets with neither sides being able to pull away. Neither our defense nor offence was working out very well. This resulted in many turnovers being made by us while attacking. Once again, the same problem occurred in Game 1 happened with this game too: our 2-2-1 full court press. The opponent easily dribbled and passed past our defense and made several easy baskets, while our offence still did not work out. By the end of the 1^st half, we were only leading by a mere 5 points.

As the 2^nd half began, both teams were not making any baskets and the 3^rd quarter ended with us scoring only 1 point and NJC reducing the gap to only 3 points. This was caused by our poorly executed offence. We were not playing according to the plays. We were also not able to make many easy baskets. Overall, the whole offence was played in a very rush manner. Both teams made a lot of team fouls and we were awarded with a lot of free-throws. However, we were not able to grasp these chances and had low percentage foul shots.

As the fourth quarter began, NJC made a fierce retaliation, diving for every loose ball. The bad defense by us and a few easy drives by NJC were the only thing needed for them to tie us. With around 30 seconds ticking on the clock, and the scores tying at 23-23, we tried to make one last offence. However, this was proved futile as the last drive of the quarter made by us got rejected by the NJC post. Now with just around 2 seconds on the clock, NJC made a shot and the shot merely missed by inches, bouncing off the metal.  As the whistle marked the end of the 4^th quarter and the beginning of overtime, we knew it was either win or go home.

In the OT, we stopped our full court press and instead retreated back to playing 2-3 zone. We slowed down our offence pace and not long after, a basket was made by us and we were back in the lead. A few more interceptions and fast breaks increased our lead and we finished OT winning 8-2. The game concluded with the final score of 31-25.

This game was played rather poorly and a lot of improvements could be done. Our 2-2-1 full court pressure and defense needs a lot of adjustment. Another weak point of our team was our foul shots. We were granted a lot of free-throws in the game and our shot percentage was only around 50%. The next game against Guanyang will be at 11.10am, 8^th July at CCAB. It would definitely be a challenge to us but it is a must win game as the victory would give us a better chance of emerging into Top 4 from Round 2. 

Points by Quarter

                     1st ------- 2nd ------- 3rd ------- 4th ------- OT

RI:                   9               9               1             4              8

NJC:                8                5                3              7               2

C Division South Zone Round 1 Game 1: Raffles Institution vs Outram Secondary School (67-27)

Raffles Institution vs Outram Secondary School (67-27)

The game started off well with us driving in and attacking the basketball with ease. Our offense was working out smoothly with high percentage scores from the drives. However, our full court 2-2-1 pressure was not working as well as it was the first time that we were using it. Even though we made a few interceptions and steals, we had also allowed the opponent to break our defense and score quite a number of easy fast breaks. Also, a lot of fouls were made during the full court pressure and due to the high number of team fouls, the opponent team were awarded with several easy free-throws. Despite that, we had a steady lead of 14 points by the end of the 3^rd quarter.

It was the last quarter that some improvements were seen in our full court pressure. We made many excellent interceptions and efficient fast breaks, bringing up our lead to even more. Still, we still made several mistakes and allowed easy fast breaks by the opponent teams. The game concluded in us emerging as victors, winning by 40 points.

Overall, the main problem faced in this game was the full court pressure and the rebounds. We were very unfamiliar with the 2-2-1 pressure and made many unnecessary fouls in the process. Many of us also lacked the stamina to play 2-2-1 for 4 quarters, resulting in us not able to chase for every fast break. For the rebounds, we had neither a great number of defensive rebounds nor offensive rebounds. In order for improvements to be made, more effort must be put into the training, with us paying extra attention to the 2-2-1, stamina and the boxing out.

Though we had won this season opener game with a significant lead, we must not be complacent and must play well in the next two matches. It is a must for us to win the next two matches as emerging the top in Round 1 would make Round 2 easier for us, thus granting us a greater chance of advancing to Top 4. 

Points by Quarter

                 1st ------- 2nd ------- 3rd ------- 4th

RI:             17             10            10            30

OSS:          7               9               7              4