Defence Key For Hwa Chong

They win 14th A Div girls' basketball title, ACJC clinch third straight boys' crown

- Melvyn Teoh

A strong defence was the key as Hwa Chong Institution's girls' basketball team regained their National School Games A Division title by defeating Eunoia Junior College 53-36 at Jurong East Sports Hall on May 23.

In the process, Hwa Chong, who had lost 57-44 to Nanyang Junior College in the 2024 final, also claimed a record-extending 14th title.

When asked what was the key factor behind their success, Hwa Chong coach Neo Beng Siang replied: "Defence, always emphasise on defence. We needed to match our opponents' intensity and play good defence.

"I need to thank all the players for their effort and intensity and, of course, our opponents and their never-give-up mentality to keep fighting, although they were down by 20."

His captain, point guard Madelin Lock, who scored a game-high 18 points, said: "I felt that the team was really nervous at first, but our fighting spirit and our team camaraderie allowed us to push through, even though we were missing our shots. We fought for everything and, for me personally, they (the team) really lifted me up and they kept encouraging me."