Story by REDintern Arissa Pang. Additional Reporting by Zachary Foo/Red Sports. Photos by REDintern Laura Lee
Dorjee Lama (North Vista #4) shoots successfully against Ejin Tan (Presbyterian High #6). Dorjee’s aggressive play sent both him and Ejin crashing onto the floor. (Photo 1 © REDintern Laura Lee)
Singapore Basketball Centre, Wednesday, March 5, 2014 — Presbyterian High School (PHS) defeated North Vista Secondary School (NVSS) 83–82 in a final that went to overtime to take home the North Zone B Division Boys’ Basketball Championship. This is Presbyterian High’s first zonal title since 2011. North Vista claimed the title in 2012 and 2013.
Lim Zhi Cong (PHS #14) led all scorers with 23 points, while teammate Tng zhi Cai (PHS #7) had 18. Shiek Ridwan (NVSS #10) led his team with 25 points and teammate Sim Zhen (NVSS #13) had 18.
In the first quarter, the game was fairly intense with multiple lead changes. Sim Xuan (NVSS #9) managed to score a 3-pointer with less than 30 seconds on the buzzer to give North Vista a 24–22 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Presbyterian High performed well on defence during the first half, as they had a size advantage. Tng Zhi Cai (PHS #7) managed to score a 3-pointer buzzer beater which allowed Presbyterian High to take a 10-point lead (43–33) at the end of the first half.
During the third quarter, North Vista mounted a comeback with their strong teamwork and excellent ball movement. In the dying minutes of the third quarter, Dylan (PHS #13) managed to score two consecutive goal to reduce the deficit to just four points (54–58).
The game started to get exciting in the fourth quarter, as North Vista put up a 12–0 run. Shiek (NVSS #10) managed to tie the game at 68 apiece off a putback. Dorjee (NVSS #4) sank a crucial basket with one minute left to give North Vista a two-point lead. The game was so intense that coaches from both teams requested for a time-out after every offensive play. In the last five seconds, Dylan (PHS #13) took a 2-pointer which tied the game at 78 apiece, forcing extra time.
In the overtime period, it was nerve-wracking for the both teams as well as the spectators. Liau Li Jiang (PHS #11) managed to break the tie in the first minute of extra time. A see-saw free throw battle tied the game at 81 apiece. Sheik (NVSS #10) broke the tie with a free throw to give North Vista the lead at 82–81. With seven seconds left, Li Jiang (PHS #11) scored the winning basket which gave Presbyterian High the 82–83 victory.
Presbyterian High captain, Zhi Cai (#7), commented, “I think that we did well in the first and second quarters but not the third and fourth quarters where we allowed North Vista to catch up. I think that all my teammates have done well as a team as every one dares to take the open shot. I felt that our shooting and defense can still be improved. The opponent played a good game with a fast and sharp shooting and passing. I hope that we can clinch the North Zone championship again in the next season.”
North Vista captain, Dorjee Chokka Lama (#4), commented, “During the first quarter, my team played good defence, but in the second and third quarters, we were sloppy and gave up the lead. In the fourth quarter, we managed to get it back. I felt that my team has gone all out and given their best. The opponents were good and we did not give up even though they are bigger in size. I would like to wish my juniors all the best for the next season.”
Scoring by Quarter
North Vista Secondary vs Presbyterian High
1st Quarter: 24–22
2nd Quarter: 9–21 (33–43)
3rd Quarter: 21–15 (54–58)
4th Quarter: 24–20 (78–78)
Overtime: 4–5 (82–83)
Top Scorers
North Vista Secondary
Shiek Ridwan (#10) – 25 points
Sim Zhen (#13) – 18 points
Presbyterian High
Lim Zhi Cong (#14) – 23 points
Tng Zhi Cai (#7) – 18 points
North Vista Secondary Roster
Dorjee Chokka Lama (#4), Christian Co Pepito (#5), Nicholas Tay (#6), Jolo Emmanuel (#7), Fabian Low (#8), Sim Xuan (#9), Shiek Ridwan (#10), Sim Jun (#11), Lim Zhi Kang (#12), Sim Zhen (#13), Darius Ong (#14), Ng Jia Le (#15)
Presbyterian High Roster
Ryan Tan (#4), Warren Chua (#5),Ejin Tan (#6), Tng Zhi Cai (#7), Eugene Han (#8), Lin Sheng Xiang (#9), Jeryl Neo (#10), Liau Li Jiang (#11), Joel Kwok (#12), Dylan Lee (#13), Lim Zhi Cong (#14), Sana Adams Lizo (#15)
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[…] Vista were champions in 2012 and 2013, went down 82–83 in overtime to Presbyterian High last year, spoiling a possible […]
Actually, Dylan Lee scored only 3 points the entire game. The 2 pts at the end of 4th quarter to send the game into extra time and one more free throw during the extra period. The only who scored 14 pts for PHS was Liau Li Jiang. But the second highest scorer for PHS was Tng Zhi Cai, with 18 pts.
Hi ! Thanks for pointing out. Your information have been updated.
Thanks for the correct info! 🙂