National Semi-Finals

National Semi-Final (Juniors)

TKP vs St Hilda's

17-11

TKP Juniors vs. St.Hilda's. We were nervous, but Mr Njoo believed we could do it and told the juniors to wipe off all their nervousness and to be calm and confident. The juniors have beaten St. Hilda's before, CHIJ Kellock and St.Margaret's so technically, they should be the national champs! However, there are no such thing as a confirmed 'Win'. The Juniors were reminded time and time again not to be complacent but to 'get the job done'.

When the first quarter started, Corrine (GS) was first to score. Good Start for TKP. St Hilda's were no pushover and they played aggressively, fighting for every loose ball and it definitely disrupted our game plan. Kudos to their coach for getting the St Hilda's players all fired up. TKP juniors retaliated and soon the game was filled with nitty fouls and stoppages. It was frustrating for us to watch the game as the juniors abandoned their game plan and it was a messy affair. First quarter...7-3.

St.Hilda's made it a tight fight for us. Mr Njoo reprimanded the Juniors for playing fast;once they caught the ball, without glancing around for any free player, they just threw the ball. It was time for the second quarter, Jeraldine(GK) made good interceptions but threw bad passes... Seak Im(GA), the best player TK has developed but was not showing her ability on court with careless passing and poor shooting. Rukmini(C) was hit by St.Hilda's Center but was told to bear with the pain.If they wanted to win so badly, would they mind so much about their own pain? It was a waste when we had opportunity but let our opponent take it away. ''Play slow!'' Mr Njoo and the Seniors would encourage the junior team. They have been making many mistakes from playing too fast! The score ended with us leading by 5 points.

''BEEEEP'' the umpire whistled. The start of the third quarter had begun! Oh no... St.Hilda's scored before TK could! Our shooters did not do very well and missed many attempts. The seniors started to shout some advice and encouraged them. Mr Chua, our VP came to the match to support the Juniors too! Back to the point, our defence was a no problem but the PROBLEM was our attacking skills! We were slacking... What had happened? The score at the end of the third quarter was 13-10. St Hilda's had caught up! their spirited fight back angered Mr Njoo as he lambasted the juniors at the break. Tessa (GA) of St Hilda's had led a great fight back!

Before the fourth quarter started, the Seniors and Juniors did a quick huddle and went out to the court. We were first to score again but only after 2 attempts by Seak Im(GA), Corrine(GS) managed a shot from a far distance. Both teams were exhausted. Jamie(GD) was in a blur and when she gave a tip, the ball was passed back to her opponent. 'Wake up!' Mr Njoo shouted to Jamie who time and time again gave the ball away to the opponents much to the chagrin of the TKP supporters. After a while, Seak Im got her rhythm back. Unfortunately, a tragedy happened. TK Juniors 's captain was sent off for aggressive contact. To make matters worse, no replacement was allowed. After that, the girls did not play so well. Without their captain on court, the juniors were like lost sheeps not knowing what to do.

When the match ended, the juniors did not celebrate that they had made it to the National Final. They knew they did not play well and were disappointed with how they played. The score was 17-11! Mr Njoo gave them a quick debrief. He went through with them on why they are such a good team but could not play to their potential. Oh, and, Jeraldine our GK received a congratulatory letter from St.Margs! Now, all they had to do is to win CHIJ Kellock again on Wednesday. I believe they can and will win for us! Do us proud Juniors! We will be supporting you!! -Nothing But The Best.