Story and photos by Low Zheng Yu/Red Sports
MVP Tan Kangyi (JS #12) with the offensive put-back. She tied with Valarie Lim (JS #5) for a team-high 15 points. (Photo 1 © Low Zheng Yu/Red Sports)
Jurong East Sports Hall, Wednesday, April 12, 2017 — Despite a slow start, Jurong Secondary (JS) dominated from the third quarter on to defeat Christ Church (CC) Secondary 50-36 in the final of the National B Division Basketball Championship.
With this win, Jurong ended the season with a perfect 14-0 win-loss record. This makes them one of the few teams in recent history to complete this feat.
Christ Church finished the Nationals with a 6-2 record.
Christ Church got the tip but Jurong quickly forced a turnover and Valarie Lim (JS #5) went all the way to score on the fast-break opportunity. Jurong scored two more baskets to pull ahead 6-0, making use of their defense to prevent Christ Church from scoring any.
However, captain Tan Hui Xuan (CC #25) of Christ Church decided something had to be done and drove in to make the tough basket. She got fouled in the process but could not hit the free throw to cut the lead. On the ensuing play, Tan Hui Xuan (CC #25) drove in and drew the foul again. She made one of two to bring their score up.
Despite that, Christ Church were still off in their shooting while Jurong continued their shooting streak to quickly bring their score to 10.
Christ Church managed to step up their defense to force turnovers and scored two quick baskets to cut the lead to just three. Valentia Wong (CC #21) went on to make back-to-back threes to give Christ Church the lead.
While Valarie Lim (JS #5) made two more free-throws to cut the lead near the end of the quarter, Christ Church were up 13-12 after the first quarter.
Alicia Quek (JS #9) made a three to start the second quarter. She made another three but Christ Church held their own as they continued to trade baskets. Jurong managed to go on a 5-0 run near the end of the quarter but Gladys Ng (CC #29) was able to answer with her own basket to end the first half. Jurong were up 29-27 at the half.
In the third, Jurong played excellent defense and went on a 7-0 run to quickly lead by nine. While Valentia Wong (CC #21) scored two quick baskets in attempt to cut the lead, Jurong made use of their height advantage to dominate in offensive put-backs. Jurong’s defense played a significant role in extending their lead as they limited Christ Church’s shots while making their own.
Most Valuable Player award winner, Tan Kang Yi (JS #12), played a huge role in this game by getting several offensive rebounds and put-backs throughout the game. She tied with Valarie Lim (JS #5) for a joint team-high 15 points.
Other than that, Valarie Lim (JS #5), who knew Valentia Wong (CC #21) was guarding her, drove in throughout the game to get Christ Church’s main offensive force into foul trouble. With four personal fouls, Christ Church decided to take the risk and continued playing Valentia Wong (CC #21) in an attempt to cut Jurong’s lead.
However, the risk did not pay off as Valentia Wong (CC #21) fouled out of the game at the end of the third quarter. This was a huge blow to Christ Church for they lost their point guard who was key in setting up plays for the other players. As Valentia Wong (CC #21) exited the court in tears, reality set in for the Christ Church players who knew they did not stand a fighting chance anymore.
Jurong led 45-32 after the third.
Entering the fourth without Valentia Wong (CC #21), the Christ Church players showed commendable fighting spirit and determination. While they knew it would be tough to score, they gave their all on the defensive end. They did not go down without a fight. They were able to stop Jurong’s scoring streak and limited them to just five points in the fourth.
However, with the lack of their main offensive point guard, Christ Church had no way of catching up. Jurong eventually took down Christ Church 50-36 to remain undefeated throughout their season and emerged as National champions.
Jurong’s captain Alicia Quek (JS #9) said after the game, “Christ Church played well. They never gave up even though their main player fouled out. They continued to fight and play well till the final buzzer sounded.”
“I want to thank all of my teammates for working hard this season. It’s my last season and I really thank them for making it a memorable one.”
Vice captain Valarie Lim (JS #5) added, “Their defense was quite aggressive but we focused on our game and pulled through. We just kept cutting in and trying to draw the fouls. It has been a tough journey as every school improved and played well, so every game was not easy. So I am very happy we managed to achieve what we did. I want to thank our teachers and coaches for being with us throughout the journey.”
MVP Tan Kangyi (JS #12) said, “I think I didn’t play well for the first two quarters, but afterwards my performance got better. I also think that without my teammates’ assists, I would not have been able to play like how I did in the last two quarters. Overall my team really put in 100% effort to play in the finals and we really wanted to win and make our efforts all worth it.”
Christ Church’s captain Tan Hui Xuan (CC #25) commented, “I am blessed and honored to be able to play on this court today. For my B division season the past two years, we have always rushed down to catch the finals as a spectator so it feels good to breakthrough and play in the finals today. I want my teammates to know that we always got each other back regardless. Sounds cliche, but I want to thank the school and teachers for the constant support throughout the season. Also not forgetting our coaches as well who kept pushing us to get us to where we are today. Lastly, to God be the glory.”
Scoring by Quarter
Jurong vs Christ Church
1st Q: 12-13
2nd Q: 17-14 (29-27)
3rd Q: 16-5 (45-32)
4th Q: 5-4 (50-36)
Top Scorers
Jurong
Valarie Lim (#5) – 15 pts
Tan Kangyi (#12) – 15 pts
Alicia Quek (#9) – 10 pts
Christ Church
Valentia Wong (#21) – 17 pts
Jurong Roster
Valarie Lim (#5), Ker Wen Qi (#7), Alicia Quek (#9), Kindra Sim Yuna (#10), Siti Suhaila (#11), Tan Kangyi (#12), Ng Luo Fei (#13), Le Yao (#14), Hannah (#19), Koh Yu Qian (#22), Richa (#24), Yu Xian (#29)
Christ Church Roster
Valentia Wong (#21), Wong Wei Li (#22), Chew Sheng Xuan (#23), Zafira Alyssa (#24), Tan Hui Xuan (#25), Shannevie Teo (#26), Mildred Por (#28), Gladys Ng (#29), Chen Xiao Juan (#30), Peggy Goh (#31), Kau Wen Qi (#32), Sharifah Fahimah (#35)
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