Story by Alan Chiang/Red Sports. Photos by Vanessa Lim/Red Sports.
Mohamed Noora (Bahrain, #6) fails to slow Hannah (Singapore, #9) from getting closer to scoring. (Photo © Vanessa Lim/Red Sports)
Anglican High School, Friday, July 3, 2009 - The Singapore girls team may have bowed out of the competition, but they certainly stamped a mark in the Asian Youth Games with their impressive trouncing of Bahrain. They accomplished the mission within just 4 minutes and 35 seconds to thump Bahrain 33-2.
For the record, China had to overcome the girls from Bahrain with a longer period at over 5 minutes and 20 seconds.
Singapore's team manager, Yu Long Nyu was contented with the record. She said, "We reached the target to finish the game within the first period and not to drag too long."
The record could not be fulfilled if not for an all-round performance for Singapore as the trio of Tok Hui Min (#7), Hannah Ng (#9) and Nicole Lau (#11), who respectively contributed 14, 9 and 10 points to reach the 33-point mark to seal the game.
Singapore began the match viciously as they romped to a 10-0 lead within the first minute of play. As Singapore took a wider lead with 2:50 minutes left in the first period, Sharlene Huang (#13), Singapore's captain was introduced into the game. Her presence was felt as Singapore continued to dominate throughout the first period.
With 1:00 minute remaining, Singapore was honorably in front at 29-2. Technically, Singapore would need another four points to clinch a victory and they did just that courtesy of Nicole Lau (#11).
Bahrain became the latest victim of the FIBA rules as time and again, they did not pass to at least another team mate before making an attempt at basket. The consolation points for Bahrain were contributed by Ebrahim Jameela (#5), who was left open in the paint.
Singapore’s captain, Sharlene Huang said after the match, "It was a memorable experience for all of us and we will be catching the quarter-finals and beyond to learn more about the other Asian teams."
Singapore coach, Chiang Chih Ning discussed about the changes before the Youth Olympic Games. She said, "There will definitely be a re-shuffle in the squad and more overseas trainings will be organised to better prepare the girls for next year's Games."
The Singapore girls were overwhelmed earlier in the competition against powerhouses China and India, but a victory against Bahrain was without doubt a comfort for the Singapore squad, who did perform to their best.
Nonetheless, the girls would like to extend their appreciation to the supporters, teachers, friends and especially, the coach and team manager in their journey at the first Asian Youth Games.
Match Statistics:
Scores by period:
1st: BRN 2 - SIN 33
*Match concluded within first period
Scorers:
BRN
Ebrahim Jameela (#5) - 2 points
SIN
Tok Hui Min (#7) - 14 points
Nicole Lau (#11) - 10 points
Hannah Ng (#9) - 9 points
Hui Min (Singapore, #7) assists Nicole (Singapore, #11) in scoring in a layup. (Photo 2 © Vanessa Lim/Red Sports)
Jameela Ebrahim (Bahrain, #5) fails to intercept the ball from Nicole (Singapore, #11). (Photo 3 © Vanessa Lim/Red Sports)
Top scorer Hui Min (Singapore, #7) scores 14 out of the 33 points. (Photo 4 © Vanessa Lim/Red Sports)
HEY hey! The girls use size 6 basketballs!
hey yo u no wad hannah came to the swissotel cultural booths n visit our booth on timor leste:) so cool:)omg..:)
hi i would really like to know if they use ball size 6 or 7 for the girl’s match. someone tell me please? thanks(:
why will there be a reshuffle of players!?!?!?
wad about china? they thrashed Bahrain a nil-game. And they gt DQ-ed in the first game
Interesting perspective hello, but if I’m the Bahrain girls, I don’t think I would want my opponent to “let me score”. It is meaningless because it wouldn’t be an honest measurement, and can in fact be a form of insult if my opponents think that they have to “let me”. : )
In the true spirit of youth and of sports, I think for the Singapore girls, giving their best against their opponents is a form of respect towards them. Its never enjoyable to lose, but I hope both sides had enjoyed this game in their own little ways. : )
I felt that SG girls team should have let Bahrain score more points. They came from such a long way to play with us and we let them score only 2 points. Im sure they are feeling very dejected now. I know that this is a competition but there is always an exception. Anyway, congrats to SG gals team.