Story and photos by Low Zheng Yu/Red Sports
MVP Reuben David (NV #12) looks to create the perfect play. He knocked down four three-point shots to amass a game-high 20 points. (Photo 1 © Low Zheng Yu/Red Sports)
Jurong East Sports Hall, Wednesday, April 12, 2017 — North Vista Secondary (NV) dominated Unity Secondary (US) throughout the game to take the game 67-43 and successfully defend their National B Division Basketball Championship.
With this victory, North Vista ended their season with a perfect 8-0 win-loss record. Unity finished with a 4-4 record.
As soon as the ball was tipped, North Vista got to work. They played good defense to stop Unity from scoring and scored with a transition fast-break. However, Ethan Noronha (US #7) answered immediately with a layup of his own.
Despite that, Reuben David (NV #12) knocked down a three to give North Vista the lead once again. North Vista continued to play good defense to force turnovers from Unity. They started the game with a high intensity defense to dictate the pace of the game. As they continued to play excellent defense on Unity, North Vista further extended their lead as they limited Unity’s scoring while scoring on their shots.
Not letting that bother them, Unity just continued to play ball and slowly ate into North Vista’s lead. With a three from Jonathan Ng (US #35) before the first quarter ended, Unity managed to cut North Vista’s lead. However, North Vista were still up 19-13.
In the second quarter, Tiong Chuan Yao (NV #9) made a quick layup to start but both side could not capitalized on their shots after that. They went scoreless for seven minutes before Cheng Ye Hui (NV #7) broke the stalemate with a fast-break from Unity’s turnover. He was fouled in the process and sent to the free-throw line. While he missed the shot, Dorian Chin (NV #23) was there for the offensive rebound. He got fouled on the put-back and made one of two to add to their lead.
Dorian Chin (NV #23) led the charge for North Vista, securing rebounds and second chance points to increase their lead. North Vista went on to outscore Unity 11-1 and were up 30-14 after the first half.
In the third, Unity came out with every intention to catch up to North Vista. They played hard defensively and capitalized on their open shots. However for every shot they made, North Vista players were able to answer. Reuben David (NV #12) found his mark and got hot from the three-point range. He was able to hit the three whenever it seemed like Unity were gaining to dampen their spirits. Reuben David (NV #12), who was later given the Most Valuable Player award, had a game-high 20 points, including four three-point shots.
North Vista were up 49-28 after the third.
In the fourth, North Vista continued their dominance on both ends of the floor. It was evident that Unity could not make a comeback no matter how hard they tried. North Vista continued to answer whenever Unity scored and played good defense to get defensive stops. North Vista, who had four players who scored in double digit figures, outscored Unity throughout the four quarters to win 67-43 and emerge as National champions.
MVP Reuben David (NV #12) commented about the award, “My joy cannot be put into words. I don’t know what to say. There’s nothing else but I’m just very thankful for the team. We really played very unselfishly and we listened to our coach’s plan.”
Teammate Dorian Chin (NV #23) added, “After the North Zone break, I felt like the team was very focused on getting and defending out National title and I’m happy we managed to two-peat and defend our title.”
Emotion filled, Tiong Chuan Yao (NV #9) expressed, “I really just want to thank my teammates for working hard for one another. It’s obvious we need one another to get this trophy and defend the title. It was everyone’s effort that we got here today and I’m just very thankful.”
Captain Cheng Ye Hui (NV #9) rounded up the interview, “It has been a long and great journey. We started out slow in zonal and we weren’t focused but after we took some losses which got us third in zonal, we were more determined to prove others wrong and defend the title. And I believe it’s the first time a team who only managed to get third in Zonal emerged as National champions. I am proud and glad to have this team with me throughout this long journey.”
Scoring by Quarter
North Vista vs Unity
1st Q: 19-13
2nd Q: 11-1 (30-14)
3rd Q: 19-14 (49-28)
4th Q: 18-15 (67-43)
Top Scorers
North Vista
Reuben David (#12) – 20 pts
Cheng Ye Hui (#7) – 14 pts
Dorian Chin (#23) – 13 pts
Tiong Chuan Yao (#9) – 11 pts
Unity
Haran (#5) – 11 pts
Jonathan Ng (#35) – 9 pts
North Vista Roster
Justen Chiam (#0), Chan Qi Feng (#3), Vincent Gerard (#4), Sim Yi (#5), Cheng Ye Hui (#7), Willie Tan (#8), Tiong Chuan Yao (#9), Dillion Ong (#11), Reuben David (#12), Jarren Neo (#13), Lim Joe Yang (#21), Dorian Chin (#23)
Unity Roster
Stev Chua (#0), Ryan Hoa (#2), Hairie (#4), Haran (#5), Gabriel Khoo (#6), Ethan Noronha (#7), Brian Julian (#8), Marco (#11), Micheal Jordan (#13), Soh Zi Xuan (#15), Jonathan Ng (#35), Karl Brian (#71)
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