ESF Basketball Final: WIS vs. SIS

Unfortunately, we were one step behind in our neck-to-neck fight with Canossa to be second from our HKSSF pool; thus the ESF games were the last for our season. Out of all the ESF schools involved, we won 3 games (IS, GSIS, KGV) and lost 2 (STC, SIS). We were able to make it to the semi-finals against GSIS and won a close 25-19 to WIS; allowing us to advance to the finals against SIS.

Despite the memory of our earlier loss and the more than likely winning outcome for SIS, we still braved ourselves for the match and put together a strong team chant that easily echoed louder than our opponents. The Year 13s were particularly fired, as there was a mutual understanding that this was their last match.

Our team took off with a great start, chasing up with SIS point for point. However when both sides reached the 10s, SIS began to pull ahead with some amazing consecutive three-pointers and fast teamwork. It was a bit disheartening, but with our coach Mr Gilchrist and team members' support, we decided that we would play not only to win, but also to enjoy the feeling of competitive basketball. In our timeouts we discussed how to strengthen our defence and jump for every rebound to prevent the opposition for getting another chance to put the ball up.

It was an intense match from the beginning, both sides were into team fouls in the first quarter already, and had to tread carefully to minimise the chances of the opposition gaining more points. In the third quarter, our teamwork and mindsets shone through as WIS made a breakthrough with two successful three-pointers and an unstoppable fastbreak - we could tell that SIS may've been worried as they immediately called for a timeout - to break our momentum possibly.

As expected, WIS lost to SIS; but it was one of the best and fiercest matches this year. We came 2nd overall in the ESF league - first time this has happened in all basketball history of WIS! Everyone left the gymnasium with proud gleams in their eyes and wide smiles on their faces - it was definitely a memorable team effort that emerged through continuous mutual support and collaboration. We persevered through all 4 tough quarters and it felt like we've achieved our own sense of accomplishment.

In terms of improvements, for the team it may've been that we haven't had much practice on individual shooting skills (free throws, shooting from the key) and perhaps we may've increased the success rate of our penalty free throws in the match. Nonetheless, much of the result of our training could be seen in the match, with fakes and screens that lent success to our shots. On a personal level, I was benched for the first half and understood that the coach wanted the Year 13s to be on as much as possible. However, I was admittedly a little disappointed to not be on the court unless a substitute really needed to be made. I am seen as a "utility" player, meaning that I could play any of the zone positions - though this does not necessarily mean I specialise in any of those. Perhaps I could either practice and improve my ability in all 3 positions; or pick a position to specialise and do well in, which could increase my playing time.

CAS L.O. addressed:

[04 . 12 . 15]

#Basketball