Story and photos by Low Zheng Yu/Red Sports
Tan Hui Xiang (DHS #7) drives to kick-start the transition offense. (Photo 1 © Low Zheng Yu/Red Sports)
Jurong East Sports Hall, Monday, May 22, 2017 — Dunman High School (DHS) cruised past Hwa Chong Institution (HCI) 60-40 in the semi-final of the National A Division Basketball Championship.
With this win, DHS successfully advance to the final with a win-loss record of 6-1 since round one. This is the first final appearance for DHS as they go up against defending champions Raffles Institution (RI). Having lost to RI previously in their second round, DHS looks to dethrone RI in their final rematch.
On the other hand, HCI will play for third against National Junior College. They have a 6-1 win-loss record since round one and their only loss came from this game against DHS.
Knowing that this was a match they must win to secure a spot in the final, both teams got off to an aggressive start. DHS got the tip and with a simple drive-in kick-out, Sophie Tan (DHS #6) knocked down the three to put DHS in front.
Unfazed, Natasha Ng (HCI #9) of HCI knocked down a three of her own to tie things up. On the ensuing play, she drove aggressively into the DHS defense to draw the foul. She went on to make the two free-throws to give HCI the lead.
However, DHS answered by scoring six straight points to be up 9-5 after the first quarter.
Going into the second quarter, both sides came at each other aggressively with neither letting up. They traded baskets but it was DHS that came out on top. DHS drove in on several occasions to set up plays and to draw the fouls. This caused some of the key players of HCI to be in foul trouble, limiting them defensively which allowed DHS to score. DHS led 25-19 at the half.
Despite that, HCI were able to convert whenever they have the offensive opportunities to keep things close. Things took a turn when Tan Qi Qing (HCI #12), one of the key players of HCI, got called for a foul which placed her at four personal foul. As she wanted to play and fight for the team, this foul would severely restrict her playing minutes. Emotions ran high as Tan Qi Qing (HCI #12) protested to try and get the call to be reversed. Instead, she got called for her final technical foul which ended her playing minutes. Tan Qi Qing (HCI #12) fouled out of the game with eight minutes left in the third.
Not letting that affect them, HCI continued fighting. However, with one of their key rebounder and scorer out for the game, it was clear HCI were having trouble securing the rebounds. While they outscored DHS 12-10 in the third, DHS capitalized on their size advantage to go on a run in the fourth quarter.
Teh Wen Jan (DHS #4) of DHS knocked down two three-point shots as DHS dominated 25-9 in the last quarter. They secured rebounds to push for transition baskets. DHS were able to capitalize on these baskets to pull ahead and eventually take the game 60-40.
DHS captain, Selina Ang (DHS #8), commented, "I am very proud of the team for pushing through the 40 minutes game. Hopefully we can keep up the momentum and show up in the finals. The ball movement today was much better than the previous game and we managed to keep our composure despite the aggressive defense on HCI's part."
Co-captain, Teh Wen Ruey (DHS #5), added, "We will work hard to put up a good fight against RI this Friday even though we lost to them previously."
Scoring by Quarter
DHS vs HCI
1st Q: 09-05
2nd Q: 16-14 (25-19)
3rd Q: 10-12 (35-31)
4th Q: 25-09 (60-40)
Top Scorers
DHS
Tan Hui Xiang (#7) - 20 pts
HCI
Natasha Ng (#9) - 12 pts
DHS Roster
Teh Wen Jan (#4), Teh Wen Ruey (#5), Sophie Tan (#6), Tan Hui Xiang (#7), Selina Ang (#8), Sonia Tan (#9), Lim Zhi Jia (#10), Gladys Leng (#11), Audrey Chrysilla (#12), Kolette Lim (#13), Tabitha Tay (#14), Li Ruohua (#15)
HCI Roster
Glades Tan (#4), Lavelle Wong (#5), Soon Wei Wen (#6), Adeline Wong (#7), Jacqueline Yang (#8), Natasha Ng (#9), Sophia Marani (#10), Tan Qi Qing (#12), Ho Wei Lin (#13), Lan Ran (#14), Si Yihan (#15)
More photos next page
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