Games Played:
- 31:22 win against SQDHS
- 28:20 win against HongWen
- win against GHCIS
- 17:20 loss against SHSID
On Saturday (September 21), the YK Pao Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team attended their preseason tournament at SHSID’s home court. This year’s squad is essentially a brand new team due to the graduation of many seniors. Having been formed just two weeks prior, the tournament served as a test to the initial results of their training.
The Pao team showcased their abilities by winning against SQDHS and HongWen HS by a dominant score in the two group matches, helping them achieve a perfect record. They then defeated GHCIS in the semifinals. Unfortunately, in a closely contested final, the team lost to SHSID 17-20 and finished as the runner-up of the tournament.
Against SQDHS:
SQDHS, last season’s second-place team in SSSA, quickly took an 8-0 lead within the first three minutes. However, after adjustments by Coach Mel, Chris Wang (Y10), Max Guo (Y10), and Leo Guo (Y11) led the team to score in the first half. They helped the team to finally turn the game around by 17 points and ultimately won 31-22.
Against HongWen:
In the second group match, Coach Mel tried a different rotation that achieved remarkable results. Simon Xiong (Y12) scored 14 points in two quarters, significantly boosting the team’s lead. Rookies also stood up. With Lucas Guo (Y10) scoring inside, Leo Deng (Y11) and David Deng (Y11) playing excellent defense, the boys won the match 28-20.
Semifinals Against GHCIS:
The boys stayed locked in in the semifinals. Nemo Liu (Y10) opened the game with a corner 3-pointer, and the boys used their speed and defensive pressure to score effectively. Chris Wang (Y10) and Max Guo (Y10) continued to play excellent defense to promote the offense. They advanced to the finals with a 7-point advantage.
Finals against SHSID:
SHSID, the opponent in the finals, was a very tough team. The Pao team first opened the game with a step-back 3-pointer from Leo Guo (Y11). However, the defense that was flawed in the first half gave the opponent multiple scoring opportunities. Entering the second half with a score behind, the Pao team gradually took the lead through the defense of Barry Zheng (Y12), William Zhou (Y10), and Archy Zhang (Y10).
However, as the clock ticked down, the team had deadly turnovers that caused the L. At last, with a last-second 3-pointer for the tie going in and out of the basket, the Pao team regretfully lost to SHSID.
Simon Xiong, a senior on the team, unluckily fractured his ankle seriously during the play. His dedication to the team is undoubtedly an integral part of the team's good performance. Let's wish him best of recovery and we hope to see him back on the court later in the season!
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Following this preseason tournament, the YK Pao Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team will begin their season next week against SQDHS at their court. Best of luck!
Stay tuned for announcements on home game dates. Come cheer for the Pao team when they play at home!
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Writer | Leo Guo (G11), Ashley Huang (G11)
Designer | Ashley Huang (G11)
Editor-in-Chief | Catherine Zhou (G12)
Pao Athletics: 包玉刚高中部体育文化活动日常发布
