Battling it out on the Court

Brian Hiew  

Sounds of joyful screams and shoes screeching against the court floor echoed through the gym as teams battled it out in pick-up games during an open gym session. Students from different schools in Penang come over to Dalat to take part in open gym sessions every week. Kids ranging from elementary to high school take time off the daily stresses of school to play the game they love: basketball.

“Playing in open gyms allow us to interact with guys from different schools as well as play against or alongside them,” says Sheldon Ang (11).

Before starting pick-up games, Dalat coaches begin with drills that primarily focus on basketball fundamentals, such as dribbling, shooting, and passing. In addition, players also participate in drills that put their basketball IQ and footwork to the test, such as playing mini games of 2-on-2.

            “I’m open!” screams Calvin Thompson (12) repeatedly, as he cuts past his defender and heads towards the hoop for an open look. Catching the ball with both hands, Thompson springs from the ground and lays the ball into the hoop, giving his team a one point advantage. With a point left to score, Thompson bullet passes it to Shawn Lim (12), where he takes a wide-open three-pointer to win the game. “Who’s got next?” asks Lim as his shot smoothly went through the hoop, winning his team the game.

Pick-up games proved to be fun, but competitive, during open gym sessions.