BASKETBALL

National ‘B’ Division Boys Quarter-Final
Catholic High School vs Presbyterian High School
Wednesday, April 11 2007 at Clementi Sports Hall

The following match report and pictures have been kindly contributed by Mr Bernard Han.  Thanks, Bernard!


Presbyterian players were powerless to stop the lay-up by Catholic High. © Bernard Han.

Catholic High marched on with their second successive win over Presbyterian High with a score of 67-48. As always, the opening minutes were tense as both teams tried to get into the game. Eventually, it took two attempts each by both teams before the deadlock was broken by Catholic High. It was a one-way traffic from then on as the boys from Catholic High extended their lead point by point. The half-time score was 35-19.

The players from Catholic High were constantly kept on their toes by their coach, who was shouting instructions to them by the sideline. The match was far from boring as there were several brilliant plays in the third quarter. Hong Yao (10) of Catholic High found himself free at the three point line and let fly a beautiful shot that went straight through the hoop. The subsequent changeover saw Edwin (13) of Presbyterian High, who has been outstanding throughout, power his way towards the basket. His body feignt at the three point line fooled the defence and similarly, his shot sailed into the basket. There was another instance when Edwin showed off his masterful dribbling to dazzle his way through the defence, only to have his shot blocked by Yeong Wooi (12) from Catholic High.


Catholic High’s Yeong Wooi and Ming Xuan team up to score as the Presbyterian defenders look on. © Bernard Han.

The final quarter began with the score at 51-33. Another player who caught the eye was Xiao Hei (10) of Presbyterian High. He was nothing like what his name suggest as his imposing built posed a constant threat for Catholic High. More often than not, Yeong Wooi (12) had to use his height to gain the advantage whenever Xiao Hei has the ball. Catholic High emerged victorious as Yeong Wooi (12) ended the game with two free throws with less than 10 seconds left.


Hong Yao of Catholic High scores a three-pointer. © Bernard Han.

With this win, Catholic High has guaranteed themselves a place in the semi final slot. They were joined by Gan Eng Seng Sec, who beat Woodlands Ring Sec by 3 points in the other nail biting quarter final group match. The other 2 teams will be decided by their final 2 matches played 12 April Wednesday at the Clementi Sports Hall.