Hoops on the Island

Calvin Thompson

The crowd went wild as Shawn Lim (12) scored yet another 3-pointer against ISKL (International School of Kuala Lumpur). The Island shootout in Penang was underway. Schools from Singapore and KL came to compete in the most competitive tournament of the year. Dalat’s varsity boys’ team competed against Youngsters club earlier in the morning but the competition was not tough.

 “We had played against the Youngsters and won, but the team we played this morning did not have their full squad because apparently they were sleeping or taking college exams,” commented Adrian Nonis (10).

The game against ISKL later that afternoon was tough and exciting because ISKL was still looking for revenge after losing against Dalat twice last season in their own home tournament. The gym was packed during that game, with the bleachers completely full. “Let’s go Eagles. Let’s go,” chanted the crowd.

“It was really awesome to finally have a really big home crowd, normally there is hardly anyone, so this was a real treat,” said Andy Ewe (12). Dalat beat ISKL 54-25 to improve their standings to 2-0 in the tournament.

The next day was another day filled with intense basketball. Dalat played two games, one being against AIS (Australian International School) and the other against ICS Singapore (International Christians School Singapore), and they won both games. Dalat boys lost, though, in the finals against Chung Ling Butterworth.

 They took 2^nd place in the tournament, while the Dalat girls were 3rd place overall. “The tournament was a good experience and team-bonding event. I really felt like the team finally found its identity, and I think this was a big step forward in the development of our team,” reflected Titus Hwang (12).

The Island Shootout brought many teams together to compete and bond yet it was the experience and lessons learned that were valued most. The players and coaches all left with smiles and grins on their tired faces, still looking forward to the rest of the season. They all shared the same common hope of victory etched in their hearts for the season to come.