BASKETBALL

National Primary Inter-school Boys Quarter-Final
Kranji Primary vs Choa Chu Kang Primary
Telok Kurau Primary vs Maha Bodhi Primary
Nan Chiau Primary vs First Toa Payoh Primary
Kheng Cheng Primary vs Changkat Changi Primary
Wednesday, April 11 2007 at Kheng Cheng Primary School

The following match report and pictures have been kindly contributed by our very regular contributor Mr Ian Chew.  Thanks much once again, Ian!


Maha Bodhi players tussling with Telok Kurau.  © Ian Chew.

The primary sports scene is alive and kicking as well! I witnessed the excitement and passion of the teachers, coaches, parents and students during the national quarter final rounds of the Inter-School Primary basketball competition. Altogether, 4 matches for boys were played at Kheng Cheng School on 11 April Wednesday afternoon.

The first match I saw was between familiar rivals Kranji Primary and Choa Chu Kang Primary. Both come from the same West Zone and have competed with each other numerous times. The game was extremely close, with Kranji eventually winning 40-38 due to the superior heights and sizes of their players, especially No 4 and 14.

The primary school matches employ a system where the starting five players in the first quarter cannot play in the second quarter. The 5 players in the second quarter also cannot play in the first. From the third quarter onwards, however, the team may field any player they choose. The aim of this rule is to ensure that most of the team players have a chance to play some decent minutes. I think it is a good one.

At the same time, Telok Kurau was playing Maha Bodhi Primary. Markus, No 14 centre of Maha Bodhi was instrumental in leading his team to a 51-46 win over a hardworking and spirited Telok Kurau Primary team. He dribbled up court whenever he had possession and scored many points, showing off his good basketball skills.


Nan Chiau and First Toa Payoh players wait for the rebound.  © Ian Chew.

The next match between Nan Chiau Primary and First Toa Payoh Primary was a one-sided game all the way. The tall and skilful players of Nan Chiau Primary simply overwhelmed their opponents with quick fast breaks to win by a comfortable margin of 53-27.

The last match between Kheng Cheng Primary and Changkat Changi Primary was the most anticipated one, particularly as Kheng Cheng was also the hosting school. Many teachers stayed back to cheer on their team, and the team spirit of the school was commendable. Although the match was close throughout, a turning point came when Kheng Cheng’s No 11 was fouled out in the fourth quarter. Despite the valiant efforts of his teammates, especially Aaron No 7 and Kelvin No 4, the Kheng Cheng Primary team could not prevent their team from losing the game 24-25. Changkat Changi’s “twin towers” of No 14 and No 12 were simply too strong for the home team. However, the loss did not affect Kheng Cheng Primary as they still qualified for the semi finals due to their earlier good results.

Thus the 4 boys teams that qualified – Kranji Primary, Kheng Cheng Primary, Maha Bodhi Primary and Nan Chiau Primary will battle it out at the Toa Payoh Sports Hall next Wednesday on 18 April in the semi final matches. I will definitely be there to see the outcome!