Jr. Island Shootout Champions

By Mark Ho

After a busy school day, the JV boys’ basketball team got ready to play in the Dalat Jr. Island Shootout Tournament. Right when the clock hit 3:10, the boys pushed aside their math homework and hurried straight to the gym. 

At 5 pm, all thirteen boys and their coaches huddled in before their first game against Oasis. The boys were keen on showing what they were capable of. The game was tense and close. For every point Dalat scored, Oasis scored too. Unfortunately, the boys just barely fell short of the win, and it ended in Oasis’ favor 48-46. Team captain Caleb Jun (11) said, “We were sloppy and missed many layups that we shouldn’t have.”

After the disappointing first game loss, the team focused only on what lay ahead. Instead of looking back on their previous game, the boys were prepared to win against their next opponent, Chung Ling Private. With their newfound mindset, they were able to crush Chung Ling in a thirty-point blowout. 

With two games played by the boys, the day ended, and they would have to rest up for the games tomorrow. 

After having a whole night of rest, the JV boys were eager to win the rest of their games and take home the gold. With their revitalized energy, the boys cruised past POWIIS twice with a comfortable thirteen, then twenty point lead. 

Beating POWIIS put the boys in the finals. Once again, they were up against Oasis, whom they lost to just a day ago. Before the game, Coach Latham pulled the boys aside and worked his magic. He told the team about the game plan he was cooking up. Jun said, “When I heard the game plan, I knew we were going to win.” 

The gym was packed with students, teacher, and parents. Their cheers were resounding. The boys played hard and made up for the mistakes they made in their first game. They were ready to get their revenge. The game wasn’t easy. Oasis fought hard, but Dalat fought harder. This time, the JV boys came out on top with a ten point victory. Winning them first place in the Jr. Island Shootout. As soon as the final whistle was blown, the crowd went wild and their claps were thunderous. 

For now, the team will be preparing for their journey to The Jungle, to face ISKL once again. They will be working to fix the faults in their gameplay and in their individual skill to take home another first place for the Eagles.