Story by Lim Yi Fei/Red Sports. Photos by Stefanus Ian/Red Sports.

Caton Chong (CCHY #10) being fouled by Bryan Ong (NCH #17) as Nan Chiau High School attempts to stop the clock in the fourth quarter of the North Zone B Division basketball match between Chung Cheng High (Yishun) and Nan Chiau High School. (Photo 1 © Stefanus Ian/Red Sports)

Caton Chong (CCHY #10) being fouled by Bryan Ong (NCH #17) as Nan Chiau High School attempts to stop the clock in the fourth quarter of the North Zone B Division basketball match between Chung Cheng High (Yishun) and Nan Chiau High School. (Photo 1 © Stefanus Ian/Red Sports)

Singapore Basketball Centre, Monday, January 29, 2017 — Chung Cheng High (Yishun) [CCHY] dominated the last quarter to beat Nan Chiau High (NCH) 31–24 in Round 1 of the North Zone B Division Basketball Championship.

With this win, Chung Cheng High (Yishun) improved to a 2–1 win-loss record and will play Pei Hwa Secondary next. Nan Chiau dropped to a 2–1 record.

Ryan Lee (#15) of Chung Cheng chipped in nine points while teammate Wayne Tay (#7) had eight. Keane Liew (#34) of Nan Chiau led his team with 11.

As the game started, both teams were off to a slow start.

With Chung Cheng having the height advantage, rebounding was child’s play for them as they dominated under the basket. However, Nan Chiau were calm and looked for open targets.

Calling for a full substitution, Chung Cheng played a different set play to turn the tide.

The first quarter ended with Chung Cheng leading 9–5.

Small in stature, Nan Chiau’s rebounding suffered but they made it up through their fastbreaks. Often, they went coast to coast, easily outrunning their opponents and narrowing the lead, taking advantage of turnovers. This proved insufficient as Chung Cheng were still slowly dominating their rivals with their game plan.

Nan Chiau trailed 11–14 at halftime.

Nan Chiau began to heat up after halftime, downing two layups to take the lead while their foes fumbled with misplaced passes.

Realising their mistakes, Chung Cheng stepped up their defence and limited their opponents to forced shots, guarding them into tight corners.

By the third quarter, Chung Cheng were up 18–17.

It was neck and neck during the last ten minutes, with both teams fighting hard to gain the upper hand.

Both teams were nervous and missed shots were aplenty. It was as though it became a game of luck.

Proving to be the stronger team, Chung Cheng pulled away with free throws and layups to seal the game with a final score of 31–24.

“Our teamwork was bonded and we played well today. We can definitely improve on our shot percentage and look out for more open shots as our offense lacked at times.” said Chung Cheng captain Wayne Tay (#30).

Scoring by Quarter
Chung Cheng High Yishun vs Nan Chiau High
1st Q: 9–5
2nd Q: 5–6 (14–11)
3rd Q: 4–6 (18–17)
4th Q: 13–7 (31–24)

Top Scorers
Chung Cheng High Yishun
Wayne Tay Guo Wei (#7) – 8 pts
Ryan Lee Ming En (#15) – 9 pts

Nan Chiau High
Keane Liew Yik Cheung (#34) – 11 pts

Chung Cheng High Yishun Roster
Poh Yi Xiang (#4), Chua Zhong Yu, Gavin (#5), Goldwyn Neoh Zhexi (#6), Wayne Tay Guo Wei (#7), Kwok Si Qiang (#8), Heok Yee Shin, Justin (#9), Chong Jia Yi Caton (#10), Goh Ming Han (#11), Lin Rubin (#12), Terence Chong Yi Yang (#13), Ching Yi Jie (#14), Ryan Lee Ming En (#15)

Nan Chiau High Roster
Koh Wei Zhe (#5), Xavier Phu (#7), Bryan Heng (#9), Tan Chuan Rae Jovan (#11), Ong Ye Kai Bryan (#17), Wong Yao Wei Matthias (#20), Ng Chng Kai, Joven (#23), Wong Jun Xi (#25), Lee Boon Wee (#27), Lim Wee Keat (#32), Keane Liew Yik Cheung (#34), Sng Zheng Ye Anders (#35)

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