By REDintern Lim Yu-Han
Zhong Han (Presbyterian #10) drives to the cup against Lakksman (Ahmad Ibrahim #13). Zhong Han scored a game-high 24 points, including an impressive five three pointers to propel his team to victory. (Photo 1 © REDintern Lim Yong Teck)
Clementi Sports Hall, Monday, April 4, 2013 — Presbyterian High School outplayed Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary 82–36 in the second round of the National B Division Basketball Championship.
Right from the start, Presbyterian High employed their full-court press to secure many intercepts and successive fast-breaks. This strategy proved to be fatal to Ahmad Ibrahim’s attack attempts throughout the game. Nigel Ng (#15) of Presbyterian High left no chance in the paint either as he sunk in two consecutive baskets to lead his team 10–2. In addition to Presbyterian High’s Jonas Tay (#7) and Wong Zhong Han (#10) concerting steals and fast-breaks, they finished the first quarter at 24–10.
The second quarter unfolded in a similar manner, as Ahmad Ibrahim struggled in getting the ball past the half-court line owing to their opponents’ full-court defence. Despite Khigbe Aigbokhaivbho Ikhide (#8) of Ahmad Ibrahim finally sinking in a jumper, Presbyterian High’s Zhong Han (#10) rebutted with a seven-point combo, complete with two fast-breaks and a trey. Teammate Lin Shengxiang (#9) exasperated Ahmad Ibrahim further by scoring all three free throws. Ahmad Ibrahim lost their cool and fumbled with their rebounds, resulting in four consecutive turnovers by Presbyterian High. Unnecessary mistakes caused Ahmad Ibrahim to trail 15–46.
Ahmad Ibrahim’s Wee Zhi Ming (#11) introduced the second half with a three-pointer. Spurred on, teammate Nikos Go (#12) did another jumper. However, their brief attack did not last and Presbyterian High sealed off their opportunities with their impenetrable full-court press. This defence was a thorn in the flesh for Ahmad Ibrahim as it left them chasing the scores 27–64.
Presbyterian High was relentless with their full-court defence even through the last quarter, leaving Ahmad Ibrahim both fatigued and dispirited as they tried unsuccessfully to break through. Tng Zhi Cai (#8) of Presbyterian High shone with his three-pointer and swift fast-breaks, helping them prevail 82–36 eventually.
Keith Chua (#5), captain of Presbyterian High, said: “Our players put in good effort for today’s game, especially so for defence. We achieved greater accuracy in our layups and shots. It is our aim to be the National Champions.”
Ahmad Ibrahim captain, Nikos Go (#12) commented: “We lacked communication on court, and we were off-form with our shots today.”
Score by Quarter
Ahmad Ibrahim vs Presbyterian
1st Quarter: 10–24
2nd Quarter: 5–22 (15–46)
3rd Quarter: 12–18 (27–64)
4th Quarter: 13–18 (36–82)
Top Scorers
Ahmad Ibrahim
Wee Zhi Ming (#11) — 8 points (1 x 3 pointer)
Go Yun Liang Nikos (#12) — 6 points
Presbyterian
Wong Zhong Han (#10) — 24 points (5 x 3 pointers)
Tay Zhi Kang Jonas (#7) — 11 points
Lin Shengxiang (#9) — 11 points (1 x 3 pointer)
Ahmad Ibrahim Roster
Samuel Ang Wee Teck (#4), Choo Yi Zhao (#5), Lau Beng Yew (#6), Benedict Oh Sheng Yang (#7), Akhigbe Aigbokhaivbho Ikhide (#8), Leong Jun Yuan (#9), Cohen Chong (#10), Wee Zhi Ming (#11), Go Yun Liang Nikos (#12), Lakksman S/O Ganapathy (#13), Cuison John Michael Diaz (#14), Wong Chee Kian (#15)
Presbytarian High Roster
Liau Li Jiang (#4), Keith Chua Song Lin (#5), Tan Ejin (#6), Tay Zhi Kang Jonas (#7), Tng Zhi Cai (#8), Lin Shengxiang (#9), Wong Zhong Han (#10), Lee Wee Jin Dylan (#11), Lim Zhi Cong (#12), Kiri Ng Yong Wen (#13), Abel Lim Han Yang (#14), Ng Huai Xi Nigel (#15)
2013 National B Division Boys’ Basketball Championship — fixtures and results
More photos next page
Leave A Comment