Seng Kang oust Presbyterian High for place in North Zone basketball semis

Story and pictures by reader Ian Chew

Russel Low of Presbyterian High was unstoppable in the fourth quarter where he scored most of his 18 points. (Photo © Ian Chew)

Singapore Basketball Centre, Monday, February 25, 2008 – Presbyterian High crashed out of the North Zone Basketball Championship when they lost 61-66 to Seng Kang Secondary in a game where the winner would secure a semi-final spot at the other’s expense.

Presbyterian High’s key centre Russel Low (#5) top scored with 18 points, but it was not enough to prevent his team from succumbing to a late charge by Seng Kang in the last few minutes who ensured for themselves a place in the national rounds, to the jubilation of their supporters.

Both Seng Kang and Presbyterian High had been drawn into the North Zone’s “group of death”, with Ahmad Ibrahim Secondary also in the line up. As both teams had previously lost narrowly to Ahmad Ibrahim, it was a game both teams had to win to ensure qualification.

And what a match it was! Both teams rose to the occasion to produce a high level of basketball performance, and it was a pity that one team had to eventually lose the game.

Presbyterian High drew first blood by taking the first quarter 16-15. They then extended their lead to 35-27 at the half time break.

Seng Kang were not be outdone. They roared back to take the third quarter 18-11 to close the gap to 45-46, setting the stage for a tense fourth quarter.

Most of the Presbyterian High team members tried to feed the ball to Russel, who was scoring confidently in drives to the hoop. Russel did a creditable job of carrying his team by scoring most of his points in the final quarter but he soon began to tire as Seng Kang’s vice-captain Kun You (#10) was doing as excellent defensive job on him.

With the score tied at 61-61 with two minutes to go, Presbyterian High committed two crucial turnovers to allow Seng Kang to go ahead 65-61. A subsequent desperation three-point attempt by Presbyterian High’s Kok Wai (#11) was spectacularly blocked by Kun You, much to the cheers of the Seng Kang bench. Seng Kang’s #5 then converted a free throw to complete the 66-61 scoreline. Kun You also top scored for his team with 23 points.

Presbyterian High’s coach Liu Tong took comfort in his team’s performance, however.

“Most of our players are only 15 years old and they still have another year to compete. We lost out to Seng Kang because of their greater composure and playing experience. Nevertheless, we will be back stronger next year!”

With Woodlands Ring topping the other group, Seng Kang will next face them in the semi-final to played on Wednesday, February 27. Ahmad Ibrahim will face Chung Cheng High (Yishun) in the other boys semi-final to be played on the same day.

Russel Low with a reverse layup. (Photo © Ian Chew)

Kai Jie (#12) of Presbyterian High had a relatively quiet game. He goes on to miss two free throws here, a result of a flagrant foul call on Seng Kang. (Photo © Ian Chew)