Story and photos by Low Zheng Yu/Red Sports
Choo Jie Ying (RI #8) spins for the easy under-basket. She led the game with game-high 29 points. (Photo 1 © Low Zheng Yu/Red Sports)
Jurong East Sports Hall, Friday, May 26, 2017 — Raffles Institution (RI) showed why they were the defending champions against Dunman High School (DHS) and took the final 64-38 in the National A Division Basketball Championship.
With this win, RI successfully defend their title to emerge as the champions once again. They have remained undefeated since their first first round games with a 9-0 win-loss record. RI will look to three-peat in the National A Division Basketball Championship next year.
On the other hand, this is the second loss of the season for DHS with a 6-2 win-loss record. Their first loss came in their previous match against RI in the second round. While it was a loss in their final match-up, DHS have had a historic season, taking home their first National A Division Basketball Championship silver in the school’s history.
Knowing this was the most important match of their season, both teams were affected by anxiety and got off to a slow start. RI and DHS went scoreless for the first three minutes and 20 seconds before Choo Jie Ying (RI #8) of RI made the first basket of the game. This kick-started the RI offense to a quick six-point lead.
Tabitha Tay (DHS #14) drew the foul on a play and made one of two free-throws to score the first point. But RI were quick to answer. They played good defense to stop the DHS offense, altering their shots by closing up fast on the shooters. RI were up 12-4 after the first quarter.
Aisling Lum (RI #18) knocked down a three to start the second quarter for RI but Tan Hui Xiang (DHS #7), who was later named Most-Valuable-Player (MVP), quickly answered with a three of her own. Despite that, it was RI’s two towers, Choo Jie Ying (RI #8) and Shannon Tiong (RI #76), who dominated on both the offensive and defensive boards to give RI several offensive opportunities to pull ahead.
DHS, who still could not find a shooting rhythm, made use of their out-of-bounds play to get open for jumpers which they capitalized on. This helped to keep things close for DHS as RI led 30-17 at the half.
Making use of the first half to find their rhythm, DHS found their stroke in the third quarter. They made three three-point shots with one coming from Gladys Leng (DHS #11) and two from Selina Ang (DHS #8). DHS were also able score on their shots, cutting the RI lead to six at one point in the third. This caused the DHS supporters to erupt in cheers which thundered throughout the hall.
However, Rachel Yeo (RI #21) of RI answered with a three-point shot which silenced the crowd. RI were up 41-30 at the end of the third.
Heading into the fourth, DHS still had a chance despite being down 11 points. However, RI stepped up defensively as a team while Choo Jie Ying (RI #8) led the way on offense as she scored 12 of her game-high 29 points to seal the deal. RI went on to take the game 64-38, successfully defending their title.
RI captain Choo Jie Ying (RI #8) said, “I’m really proud of my team. We came a long way to get to where we are today. In the semis, we didn’t play up to our personal standards, but this game, our fighting spirit was there throughout the game. All of us gave 100 percent throughout. It’s a team effort thing. To my teammates, thank you for being supportive and encouraging the whole season. We wouldn’t have made it here without each and everyone of us. I really enjoyed myself playing with all of you and I am proud to call us a family.”
DHS captain, Selina Ang (DHS #8), This journey hasn’t been an easy one but I’m proud that we have come so far together. I am sure the team will work hard and aim for a better placing next year. As this is DHS first ever A division silver, I hope it can serve as an inspiration for our juniors to work harder to come back stronger next year.”
Co-captain, Teh Wen Ruey (DHS #5), added, “While the outcome of the finals wasn’t what we had hoped for, it was nonetheless a very good improvement from our previous match with RI, and I’m proud of the girls for not giving up and playing till the last second. Thank you seniors for leading us through this season. We will definitely work harder and come back stronger next year.”
MVP Tan Hui Xiang (DHS #7) expressed surprise on getting the award, “I didn’t expect to get it cause I didn’t play very well during the finals. However, this confirms my hard work and definitely helped in instilling confidence in me. I am also motivated to work harder and will definitely come back stronger next year.”
Scoring by Quarter
RI vs DHS
1st Q: 12-04
2nd Q: 18-13 (30-17)
3rd Q: 11-13 (41-30)
4th Q: 23-08 (64-38)
Top Scorers
RI
Choo Jieying (#8) – 29 pts
DHS
Tan Hui Xiang (#7) – 10 pts
RI Roster
Jeannine Tang Kai Wen (#5), Rhianne Caitlin Vaz Xin Ying (#7), Choo Jie Ying (#8), Sophia Isabelle Ang Su Min (#9), R Shalleeni (#10), Kelly Tan Si Qi (#11), Lin Yi Han (#12), Tan Jia Hui Sofia (#13), Shriya Chettiar (#15), Lum Chee Ching, Aisling (#18), Rachel Yeo Pei Shan (#21), Tiong Zilin, Shannon (#76)
DHS Roster
Teh Wen Jan (#4), Teh Wen Ruey (#5), Tan Yi Xuan Sophie (#6), Tan Hui Xiang (#7), Selina Ang Sze Han (#8), Tan Zhi Xuan Sonia (#9), Lim Zhi Jia (#10), Leng Yun Hui Gladys (#11), Audrey Chrysilla (#12), Kolette Lim Yi Qi (#13), Tay Zi Qi Tabitha (#14), Li Ruohua (#15)
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