Story by REDintern Samantha Yom. Photos by Chan Hua Zheng/Red Sports.

Crystal Nathasha D/O Mathi Vanan (SCGS #9) drives to the hoop against the defense. She finished with a game-high 15 points. (Photo 1 © Chan Hua Zheng/Red Sports)

Singapore Basketball Centre, Thursday, February 22, 2018 — Singapore Chinese Girls’ School (SCGS) are en route to reclaim their North Zone B Division Girls’ Basketball Championship title after their convincing 65–17 victory over Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary (AI) in the semi-finals.

With this win, SCGS secured a spot in the final. This gave the 2016 North Zone Champions a shot at bringing home the title they had narrowly missed out on in last year’s final, where they went down 54–52 to North Vista Secondary School.

The match was equally important to Ahmad Ibrahim too – it was their first appearance in the semi-finals since 2014. Making it to the semi-finals came as a pleasant surprise to the team, but it was by no means an easy feat.

“I can’t believe it myself. It was pretty tough, but we managed to squeeze into the top four,” said Ahmad Ibrahim’s top scorer Marilyn Yap (AI #8).

Marilyn’s (AI #8) contribution of 10 points meant that she raked up more than half of her team’s total points. Her remarkable ball control and agility was evident from the first quarter, as she aggressively manoeuvred past SCGS’s defence on a number of fast breaks.

However, SCGS demonstrated that they were a league above the rest from the moment second-highest scorer, Tori Chua (SCGS #7, 14 points), made a basket just 15 seconds into the quarter. Strong and accurate passing, coupled with thoughtful positioning, helped SCGS cement a considerable 15-point, 20–5 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The second quarter saw Ahmad Ibrahim falter as a result of poor communication, which unfortunately led to a couple of missed passes that gave SCGS possession of the ball.

“We didn’t really communicate today. SCGS communicated way better,” Marilyn (AI #8) recounted.

SCGS also recognised that Ahmad Ibrahim were relying heavily on their two stronger players, Marilyn (AI #8) and Marilene Ang (AI #24), and responded by doubling up defence on the two. It seemed to have paid off, as they outscored their opponents 16–4 in the second quarter to build a comfortable 36–9 lead at halftime.

SCGS’s top scorer Crystal Nathasha’s (SCGS #9, 15 points) basketball prowess shone through in the third quarter. With her fiery pace, shooting accuracy and control over the ball while driving to the basket, she was able to sink a few baskets and assist her team mates on other occassions.

This further widened SCGS’s lead in a quarter that saw Ahmad Ibrahim manage a lone two-pointer. The quarter ended with a scoreline of 14–2.

In a commendable display of sportsmanship, Ahmad Ibrahim never gave up despite trailing 50–11. They were still seen fighting for the ball and making valiant attempts at the basket till the final buzzer. In a quarter that often sees teams trail off, Ahmad Ibrahim scored the most points in the final quarter compared to the first three.

Powered by Fatin Nazura’s (SCGS #4) explosiveness on court and solid teamwork, SCGS were able to capitalise on offensive rebounds to finish off the final quarter with a scoreline of 15–6.

Fatin (SCGS #4) was pleased with her team’s performance. “Although we were a bit unstable at the start, I think we did pretty well because the teamwork and the spirit was there,” she commented.

“There were many ups and downs and not every process was perfect. But overall, I think we tried our best, and fought very hard to the end. Up till the final buzzer, we can still see people falling and people diving for the ball, so it shows how hungry we were,” said Crystal (SCGS #9), offering further insight.

SCGS will go on to play against North Vista Secondary School in the finals, in a re-match of last year’s finals. Ahmad Ibrahim will feature in the 3rd/4th match against Yishun Town Secondary School.

Scoring by Quarter
SCGS vs AI
1st Quarter: 20–5
2nd Quarter: 16–4 (36–9)
3rd Quarter: 14–2 (50–11)
4th Quarter: 15–6 (65–17)

Top Scorers
SCGS
Crystal Nathasha D/O Mathi Vanan (#9) — 15 points
Tori Chua (#7) — 14 points

AI
Marilyn Yap Shu Shan (#8) — 10 points

SCGS Roster
Fatin Nazura Bte Mohammad Rafi (#4), Haziera Bte Hairudinsah (#5), Jovys Woo Sze Lee (#6), Tori Chua (#7), Rachel Tan (#8), Crystal Nathasha D/O Mathi Vanan (#9), Freda Wee (#10), Rachel Ang (#11), Margaret Suriya (#12), Nur Nadia Bte Abdul Ghani (#13), Alisa Sarah Bte Jefri (#14), Hillary Yeo (#15)

AI Roster
Dania Ervianny Nah Wei Lin (#4), Nur Asyura (#5), Eunice Koh Shu Ning (#6), Jing Yi (#7), Marilyn Yap Shu Shan (#8), Nur Hairunnishah (#9), Damia Tarisyah (#10), Eunice Tan (#13), Chloe Toh (#15), Marilene Ang Jia Xin (#24), Chang Wai Chain (#25), Caren Chia Jia En (#49)

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