Jurong East Sports Complex, Monday, April 23, 2012 — Kranji Primary rode on a 19-10 run in the fourth quarter to pull away decisively for a 51-40 win over Teck Ghee Primary. With the win, the basketball powerhouse in the west clinched the third position in the National Inter-Primary Schools Basketball Championship for the senior boys category.

Yet the win was by no means a walk in the park for Kranji, who are also the defending champions. The Kranji players eked out a 7-6 first-quarter advantage, but Teck Ghee stormed back in the second quarter to equal the scores at 20-20. The Teck Ghee players were especially impressive off the boards, dominating both the defensive and offensive rebounding with their height and athleticism.

The third quarter was a closely fought affair as well, with Kranji edging in front 32-30 by the end of the quarter.

Yet the experience of Kranji soon told as they took their chances well in the fourth quarter for a hard-fought win. Teck Ghee, on the other hand, could not convert their opportunities into points and were especially profligate at the free throw line.

Kranji’s most impressive player was Gabriel Khoo Wei Long (#13). Despite his lack of height, he led his team with 13 points off a variety of shots and contributed with numerous assists as well. He attributed his success on the court to the influence of his family.

“My brother had introduced the sport of basketball to me when I was young,” he explained. His brother is no longer involved in the sport of basketball and is currently training with the national handball team.

The win though was a bittersweet one for him as his team had lost out narrowly to rivals Chua Chu Kang Primary in the semi-final.

“We lost in the end by two points due to a buzzer beater (by Chua Chu Kang Pri),” he lamented.

Chua Chu Kang Primary will take on Telok Kurau Primary in the final at Jurong East Sports Hall on Wednesday, April 24th.

Scoring by Quarters
Teck Ghee Pri v Kranji Pri
1st Q: 6-7
2nd Q: 14-13
3rd Q: 10-12
4th Q: 10-19

Top Scorers
Kranji Pri
#4 Christian Ramaguera — 18 points
#5 Jolo Rafael D Mendoza — 14 points
#13 Gabriel Khoo Wei Long — 11 points

Teck Ghee Pri
#5 — 12 points
#11 — 10 points