Swish, Cramps, and Cheers

By Pranjal Malik

The court, once again, came alive with competitive spirit as Dalat International School hosted the annual Island Shootout basketball tournament. Teams from Kuala Lumpur descended upon Penang, setting the stage for thrilling matchups. Dalat faced challenges in the boys' division, showcasing resilience and learning valuable lessons.

Island Shootout, a basketball tournament hosted by Dalat International School, took place from the 1st to the 2nd of December. Bringing together four boys' teams—Dalat International School, Oasis International School, Garden International School, and TLC—the event unfolded on campus. With the strong support of the home crowd, the Dalat boys’ team was ready to face the competition.

The journey of the Dalat Varsity Boys kicked off with a closely contested match against TLC. Despite a valiant effort, Dalat found themselves on the losing end. The absence of some key players due to the SAT added an extra layer of challenge, setting the stage for a comeback in the subsequent games.

In the second and third games against Garden International School, Dalat displayed resilience, securing victories by significant margins. Despite challenges like cramping players and unfavorable referee calls, the team stayed motivated and determined to secure the wins.

The showdown with TLC brought a rollercoaster of emotions, setting the stage for a potential comeback story after TLC's victory over Dalat the previous day. The first half hinted at a slipping grip on the game for Dalat's boys, trailing by 17 points at one point. Nevertheless, an inspiring speech from the coach ignited a turnaround. Dalat mounted a spirited comeback, narrowing the gap to just three points. The game concluded with Dalat falling just short, but the grit, leadership, and determination displayed left an indelible mark.

One of the team captains, Ezra Latham (12), reflected, "Although we didn't get the result we wanted, I am proud of our team giving 100% until the end. Being the season's first tournament, it was a great experience for our team's first tournament. We learned a lot about how to improve and perform even better at ACSC."

The Island Shootout provided a valuable learning experience for the Dalat Varsity Boys, where victories and defeats became stepping stones for growth. Although marked by challenges, the tournament was a practical preseason experience, setting the tone for future competitions. The Dalat team's resilience and commitment to improvement ensure their journey in the basketball season has just begun, promising an exciting trajectory ahead as ACSC approaches.