Contributed by reader MK

Deyi (in yellow) saw off the challenge of Naval Base to secure their semi-final spot in the North Zone B Division Championship. (Photo courtesy of MK)

Singapore Basketball Centre, Friday, February 25, 2011 — Do you believe in miracles? After losing their first two matches to Woodgrove Secondary (33-39) and Yishun Town Secondary (37-47) in the second round of the North Zone B Division Girls’ Secondary Championship, Deyi Secondary had only one way to secure a semi-final spot — beat Naval Base Secondary by 19 points and hope for Woodgrove to beat Yishun Town.

This they managed to do with a 53-26 victory over Naval Base while Woodgrove finished unbeaten and top of the group when they saw off Yishun Town 47-41.

This was a tall order for Deyi before the match because Naval Base, under the leadership of coach Edmund, has been moulded into a tight defensive unit with great physique and determination. Naval Base were expected to come out fighting because victory over Deyi would ensure qualification for the semi-finals as they had already beaten Yishun Town 26-24. Both teams needed the win desperately.

The first quarter ended with Deyi taking a one-point 9-8 lead over Naval Base). Deyi’s defence was having problems shackling the Naval Base Point Guard #5. Deyi managed to widened their lead to five points to 19-14 at the end of the first half.

However, Deyi’s Vice-Captain Lim Li Xin (#6) was having foul trouble with 4 personal fouls. In a concurrent match on the next court, Yishun Town had taken a two-point lead over Woodgrove at one stage. Things looked bleak for Deyi.

Deyi Sec’s determination to qualify for the semi-finals showed in the 3rd quarter as they pushed forward, with two 3-pointers to lift the team to an 11-point lead. This momentum carried on into the 4th quarter, with Koh Ching Wen (#5) adding nine points with three 3-pointers. Deyi’s Winnchis Yap (#15) also contributed with multiple defensive and offensive rebounds.

Deyi eventually managed a 27-point, 53-26 win over Naval Base. However, it wasn’t over yet. Deyi had to endure a nail-biting two minutes before Woodgrove cemented their 47-41 victory over Yishun Town on the other court.

Despite the defeat, Naval Base proved themselves to be the team to watch for 2012 and they can be proud of their overall performance in the qualifying campaign.

How will this fairy tale end for Deyi? Their championship journey continues in the semi-finals.

North Zone B Division Girls’ Basketball Championship – Fixtures & Results