Written by: Darren Chia
Edited by: Jared Rajiv
Photos by: EusoffWorks
Our Basketball (F) team opened their season yesterday against Raffles Hall.
The girls got off to a shaky start. The Raffles 3-2 zone defense saw them struggle to get inside the paint, instead being forced to take some tough perimeter shots. Raffles took an early 11-3 lead, but this was short-lived. A stretch of hyper-aggressive defending saw the Eusoff girls make two steals which were promptly converted, cutting the lead by half. A three-point shot capped off a 7-0 run, bringing it to a 1-point game.
Basketball captain Mabel calmly bringing the ball up for Eusoff
From there, Eusoff took over the game. Phenomenal defending by the girls saw three forced turnovers, and the girls took their chances. Three consecutive three-pointers by Ethel and Mabel saw Eusoff take a commanding 24-15 lead. Raffles simply didn’t have an answer to the high-press Eusoff defense, and the lead just kept growing. Ending off the game, Cynthia dropped a sick dime to a rolling Natasha who casually converted the layup. Natasha then busted out some of her paint moves, scoring four consecutive points to close out the game. FT 40-19 to Eusoff.
First games are never easy, and today’s unideal start was evidence of that. But our girls were quick to shake off the first-game jitters, adjusting and responding well to the Raffles tactics. They played elite defense and were more efficient in taking their chances. Unselfish passing and good ball movement created a bunch of wide open shots. In an earlier interview Mabel, the team’s captain, emphasised the importance of team basketball, and today it showed.
Natasha getting into motion for her mid-range jumper
Special mentions go to:
Mabel who led the team’s scoring and simply couldn’t miss from behind the arc. She ended the game with three 3-pointers made.
Arshia who made her presence in the paint known with some tough rebounds against the much bigger Raffles centers.
Han Xi who was clearly the most energetic player on the court. Her aggression and hustle both on offense and defense rattled the Raffles players, forcing turnovers which were promptly converted by the rest of the team. She ended the game with 4 steals (maybe more it was hard to keep track).
The girls will play their next prelims games against Sheares two weeks from now. Be sure to come down and give them your fullest support!
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