Duo power Unity Sec to Boys’ ‘B’ Div crown

SINGAPORE — They combined for the three-pointer that sank Dunman Secondary School last year in the “C” Division final, and yesterday, Thng Yong-An and John Christopher were at it again at the National Inter-School Basketball Championships, powering Unity Secondary School to a 67-65 victory over the same opponents, this time in the Boys’ “B” Division final.

At the Jurong East Sports Hall, Unity trailed by as many as 12 points with five minutes left on the clock before their Secondary Three duo of Yong-An and John pulled off a series of three-pointers and lay-ups to help their team defend the “B” Div crown.

Inter-changing their roles as point-guard and shooting guard, the Unity duo have made a name for themselves in the schools scene for their deft passing and shooting accuracy.

Last year, it was Yong-An who was named the “C” Div’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), and yesterday, John earned the “B” Div accolade.

Unity’s basketball coach Steve Goh lauds his player’s efforts, especially the duo for taking the game to the wire. “They are my main players and have been outstanding,” said Goh. “We were behind in the game’s final minutes before they stepped up their game to help us clinch the title. Throughout the season, opponents are always unable to find an answer to their play.”

What made Yong-An and John’s heroics more commendable was that they played on in the second half, despite having picked up an ankle sprain and a foot injury respectively.

“Other team-mates look up to Yong-An and John. When Yong-An insisted he was well enough to continue the last quarter of the match despite his sprain, it boosted the team morale. It also showed Yong-An’s mental strength,” said Goh, who hopes to see both players don national colours in the future.

Filipino John, a permanent resident here, will have to wait for his parents to decide on his future in Singapore. Much has changed since he first took up basketball in Primary 4 at Choa Chu Kang Primary School.

“People used to tease me when I play because I was small, but the teasing stopped once my skills improved,” said the 1.62m tall John. “I used to lack confidence on court when surrounded by taller boys but today’s MVP award is like a dream come true.”

Meanwhile, Yong-An is already on trial with the national under-16 squad, after being spotted by the Basketball Association of Singapore.

“We let our players take part in the annual Milo Cup organised by the BAS for them to gain exposure, and they must have noticed him,” said Goh. “While Yong-An plays in the under-15 competition in the Milo Cup, he actually trains with the school’s under-18 players as no one in his age-group can match up to him on court.”

Other result:

Girls’ “B” Div final: Singapore Chinese Girls’ School 35 Dunman Secondary School 38

Correction: An earlier version of this article said that the scoreline for the Girls' "B" Div final was Singapore Chinese Girls’ School 38 Dunman Secondary School 35. This is incorrect. It should have been Singapore Chinese Girls’ School 35 Dunman Secondary School 38. We are sorry for the error. This article was edited on April 26, 2014 at 2.00pm.