Update to Training Schedule for October

B + C Div players:

27th Oct Mon training cancelled (Deepavali)
29th Oct Wed 1530 – 1730
31st Oct Fri 1530 – 1730

10th Nov Mon 0800 – 1100
12th Nov Wed 0800 – 1100
14th Nov Fri 0800 – 1100

17th Nov Mon 0800 – 1100
19th Nov Wed 0800 – 1100
21st Nov Fri 0800 – 1100

24th Nov Mon 0800 – 1100
26th Nov Wed 0800 – 1100
28th Nov Fri 0800 – 1100



Attire & Grooming for Basketball Training:

All players are to ensure that they report for training in proper attire and grooming. Therefore, wear your sports attire smartly. Coloured socks are not allowed. Long or untidy hair is not permitted. Ear studs or sticks are not allowed. Please check your grooming and attire before you come to school.

Training Schedule for October

B + C Div players:


23rd Oct Thur 1530 – 1730
27th Oct Mon 1530 – 1730
29th Oct Wed 1530 – 1730
31st Oct Fri 1530 – 1730


1. Attendance is compulsory for all training sessions.

2. Please take note of the reporting & dismissal time for every training session. Your child is required to be appropriately dressed and to be punctual in turning up for training sessions. If your child is unable to turn up for training, he will need to have either a medical certificate or a parent’s letter to explain his absence.

3. Your child needs to report 15 mins early before training starts, for a proper warm-up and attendance-taking.

4. Sec 3 players are to attend the 3E Intensive lessons during the holidays.

5. Holiday trainings are expected to start in the mornings once the 3E Intensive lessons are over. All players are to take note of this.

Training Schedule for September

B & C players:

8th Sep Mon 1530 – 1730

11th Sep Thur 1530 – 1730


Take note:

1. There is a printing error on your copy of the training schedule. Please note that 11th Sept is a Thursday.

2. Due to the tight End-Of-Year examination schedule, basketball trainings this month is extremely limited. Therefore, there will only be 2 basketball training session this month.

3. Do look forward to an intensive training programme in Oct, Nov & Dec, once the EOY exams are over.

4. Meanwhile, I would like to remind you to put in effort in your studies. Pay attention in class everyday and make sure you go through your work at home, after school hours.

5. It is my expectation and hope that all of you succeed in your academic results. You can do it!

Common Test 2

According to the July training programme, there will be training on 28th and 30th July.

After that, there will be a short CCA stand-down.

The message is clear: Getting good grades for your academic subjects is always very important. I want you to have determination in getting good results.

There will be oral examinations over the next few days. If you are scheduled to take your oral examinations and it clashes with basketball training, you are expected to complete your oral exam first. Once you are done, you should then report for training. Always keep Mr Ken Ng informed if you face this problem.

Also, if for some reason you are punished with detention after school, then I expect you to serve out your detention first.

Skipping detention to attend CCA trainings goes against the spirit of sportsmanship. Do the right thing.



Study hard, players. Do not let yourself down with poor grades. Basketball is important, but so are good academic grades.

Payment for Basketball CCA photos

If you have ordered any of our CCA photos, and you haven't paid yet, you may still pay up this coming week.

Take note that the last day for payment is on Friday 1st August.

I would prefer you to pay in exact change.

The photos look great so I would strongly encourage you to get at least one photo for keepsake.

Graduation Training Session 14th July 2008

On the 14th of July, Fajar Basketball held our first-ever Graduation Training. I wanted to do this because I wanted us to show our appreciation to the seniors and graduating students who have contributed a great deal to our school. Many of them have been splendid, sacrificing so much of their time and energy on basketball trainings and matches. I am deeply thankful to all of you.

14th July Monday :: Graduation Training Session

All graduating players are to report for training on 14th July from 4 to 6pm.

Please wear white jerseys.

All Sec 1, 2, 3 players are to turn up for this event.

Food will be provided.

Captain Andy must report to Mr Ng for more instructions.

Please refer to the CCA Notice Board for updates and information. I will use the Notice Board to communicate the latest news to all players.

the basketballers

The B Division CCA members

The B Division school team 2008 (from L to R): Mr Ken Ng, Ziting, Wenxing, Haoming, Hwee Teck, Bryan, Andy (captain), Jieqi, Yew Chin, Ben, Xin Yu, Billy. Absent from photo: Kaiming.

The Sec 4s and 5s: Mr Ken Ng, Ziting, Wenxing, Andy, Hwee Teck, Zhi Cheng, Vincent, Colvin, Jieqi, Xiaokai and Bryan

The 'oldies' in our CCA: Ben, Andy, Zhi Cheng, Hwee Teck, Vincent, Colvin, Wenxing

The Sec 4s: Colvin, Jieqi, Wenxing, Zhi Cheng, Ziting & Bryan

The Sec 3s: Eugene, Roy, Yew Chin, Xin Yu, Billy, Haoming & Micky

The C Division CCA members

The C Division school team 2008: Mr Ng, Vincent, Joshua, Joe, Kok Yang, Sheng Xian, Jiawei (captain), Shao Yi, Sean, Jason, Kevin, Herman, Kai Jun, Ting Hao, Jing Hong & Heng Yi

Report on training match vs Greenridge Sec School 18 Jun 2008

Fajar squad that faced GSS today:

Joshua Low 2E2
Teo Jia Wei 2E2 (team leader)
Hazizul 2E2
Jang Sang Jin 2E3
Vincent Koh 2E4
Yeo Han Kun 2E4
Joe Chan 2A2
Tan Kok Yang 1E1
Herman Theng 1E2
Sean Too 1E3
Lim Heng Yi 1E3
Chng Shao Yi 1E3
Lian Ting Hao 1E4
Chew Jing Hong 1A2
Ong Sheng Xian 1A2
Kevin Huang 1T2


The Greenridge team was a very different team compared to our previous two opponents. This team is more experienced and certainly much faster in offense. I knew that Greenridge would provide a stern test for our young Fajar team.


The coach, as always, quickly analysed the situation and gave very simple instructions to the team.

His plans worked very well, for in the first two quarters we were neck-to-neck with them in terms of the scoreline.


However, in the 3rd quarter, Fajar fell apart. Playing man-to-man system is actually very simple and uncomplicated. Unfortunately, some players were very forgetful and looked very lost. Some allowed their players to run away into space. There were times when our players did not realise that the person they were supposed to mark had already gone behind them.

In man-to-man system, you need to stay close and contain your player. Don't give them space to receive the pass. Do not attempt to steal. Just contain and blunt their threat.

You need to know the jersey number of the player you are marking. During defence, do not ever let him out of your sight. Just stick to him. These are all very simple rules but Fajar made it look so difficult.


So, in the 3rd quarter, Greenridge took great advantage of Fajar's confusion.


Again, there was no 'general' on our court to wake the team up. The coach was screaming instructions. My voice bellowed in the indoor court, admonishing players to mark their man and to box them out.

But truthfully, what Fajar really needs is a player who takes charge of the team and barks all these instructions to them. The captain and the vice-captain will need to take on this role to inspire the team and motivate them to perform even better.


After this game ended, both the coach and I are now clear that we need to work on the man-to-man system.

Again, I have to repeat: the man-to-man system is a very simple plan to execute. Against Greenridge, if the players had the presence of mind to work out who they are marking, we wouldn't have played so badly.


This match marks the end of our series of training matches. On Friday, we go back to our home court to refine our formation and skills. Next Monday, we have one more training session in the afternoon. On Wednesday, it is Match Day vs Westwood Secondary.

Fajar, train hard!

Report on training match vs Assumption English School 16 Jun 2008

Fajar squad that faced AES today:

Joshua Low 2E2
Teo Jia Wei 2E2 (team leader)
Hazizul 2E2
Jang Sang Jin 2E3
Vincent Koh 2E4
Yeo Han Kun 2E4
Joe Chan 2A2
Tan Kok Yang 1E1
Herman Theng 1E2
Sean Too 1E3
Lim Heng Yi 1E3
Chng Shao Yi 1E3
Boey Kai Jun 1E4
Lian Ting Hao 1E4 C
hew Jing Hong 1A2
Ong Sheng Xian 1A2
Kevin Huang 1T2


This match against AES was very interesting to the coach and I, because this AES team consisted mainly inexperienced Secondary 1 players, similar to our training squad.

AES has always been one of the best disciplined teams around, mainly due to its strong leadership from its teacher in charge, Ms Peh, who is assisted by the coach who works well with her.


That is why it is important that leaders are strong, steady and rooted in positive and right values. Any team that is led by weak leaders are destined to fail.



In many ways, the Fajar team improved in many ways:

1. There was greater penetration and willingness to attack creatively.

2. The defence was much tighter this time, and AES players were boxed out more. Once we got the rebounds, AES had to run back to defend.

3. There were some improvement in individual performances, such as Lim Heng Yi and Lian Ting Hao, who showed great stamina and were very involved in the game.


Some things that the Fajar squad needs to improve on:

1. Once we get any rebounds, we must never throw the ball away carelessly. This happened quite a number of times, and the ball fell into the hands of the AES players, putting our team under great pressure.

2. At times we were under trouble, but there was no 'general' on the court to organise the team properly! All we needed was for someone to alert the players on the court and tell them to wake up, to play hard etc.


Overall, it was a good match, where we played well and followed the coach's instructions. Incidentally, we did win the game but unfortunately, in training matches, the scoreline does not matter. In friendly matches, there are no prizes for the winner.

In friendly matches, what matters most is that we play to the best of our ability, applying what we have learnt in training, and using teamwork to bring out the best in one another. When we achieve that in any match, then that would be the sweetest victory of all.

Report on training match vs Yuan Ching Sec 13 Jun 2008

Fajar squad that faced YCSS today:

Joshua Low 2E2
Teo Jia Wei 2E2 (team leader)
Jang Sang Jin 2E3
Vincent Koh 2E4
Joe Chan 2A2
Tan Kok Yang 1E1
Herman Theng 1E2
Sean Too 1E3
Lim Heng Yi 1E3
Chng Shao Yi 1E3
Boey Kai Jun 1E4 (suspended)
Lian Ting Hao 1E4
Chew Jing Hong 1A2
Ong Sheng Xian 1A2
Kevin Huang 1T2

Referee: Chua Jun Chang (senior player)

Fajar and Yuan Ching were evenly matched in the first two quarters. However, in the third and last quarter, Yuan Ching pulled away and scored more baskets. Some reasons were:

1. YCSS players were more willing to penetrate, cutting inside the Fajar defence.

2. The YCSS players talked a lot to each other on the court. It was very important to see that the YCSS players were regularly motivating each other, giving encouragement when their player was taking the free throw, for example.

3. Fajar players were passing the ball around, but needed more ideas to penetrate into YCSS defence. Without penetration, YCSS found it easy to defend against us.

4. The box-out in defence was not consistent. Sometimes it was very good, but sometimes the Fajar players were guilty of ball-watching, and let the opponent sneak past to get the re-bound.


Some suggested improvements:

1. Less dribble, more passes - passing the ball is always faster than the fastest dribble. It is important to look up when dribbling, so as to spot any team-mate making offensive runs.

2. Strong defence is the most important - and box-out with the outlet centre can be very effective, especially at the C Div level. If our centres (such as Joshua, Joe, Kevin, Shengxian and Jing Hong) box out well, they will make the opponents feel very discouraged, because they won't be getting any rebounds at all.

3. When attacking YCSS, Fajar players need to be adventurous. Passing the ball around too much becomes harmless. Find an opening, do a fake, do the triple-threat. Find the opportunity to shoot, pass, or penetrate. Do the unexpected.

4. Under the basket, go for the shot. Do not pass the ball away when you are right under the basket. Position yourself, and go for it. You may score and earn 2 points, or you may draw a foul. Either way, our team will benefit. If you pass the ball away, we are actually helping the opponents. And we look very silly as well.


Jiawei played a relatively good game today, because he was more able to talk to his team-mates. Also, he played strongly and gave YCSS a slightly more difficult time.

Tinghao was energetic. He was running everywhere and in defence, he applied strong pressure on YCSS players.


However, on the whole, Fajar's performance is still lacking sharpness. There is much room for improvement.

All the players today must reflect and think about their good moments and not-so-good moments in today's game.

For the next game against Assumption English, you must think about how you can be a more effective player.

Update to training schedule for June

C Div players:
13th Jun Fri friendly with Yuan Ching Sec
16th Jun Mon friendly with Assumption English
18th Jun Wed friendly with Greenridge Sec
20th Jun Fri 0745 – 1100
23rd Jun Mon 1600 – 1800
25th Jun Wed CCA Photo-taking + WZ C Div Match 1
27th Jun Fri 1400 – 1600


B Div players:
13th Jun Fri No training
16th Jun Mon No training
18th Jun Wed No training
20th Jun Fri No training
23rd Jun Mon 1600 – 1800
25th Jun Wed CCA Phototaking
27th Jun Fri No training

Postponement of C Div friendly match against Hillgrove Sec

This is to notify the C div training squad players that the match against HGSS is postponed to Friday 30th May morning.

Therefore, on the 28th May, instead of the match, we will have training instead. The coach and I are pleased have this training session. It will give him the opportunity to improve team play before we play HGSS on Friday.

Sports Day 2008

Fajar basketball members did very well in the recent Sports Day, held at the large Choa Chu Kang stadium.

Colvin Xu dominated the middle distance events, clinching the gold in the 800m and silver in the 1500m.

Jason Jang clinched the gold in the 1500m.

Yeo Han Kun sprinted to the gold in the 100m.

Lim Zi Ting managed 2 bronzes in the 400m and the 1500m.

Lian Ting Hao did well in his event too.

Finally, in the Inter-CCA 4 x 100m Relay, the Basketball team, consisting of Andy Goh, Kho Zhi Cheng, Lim Zi Ting and Colvin Xu, ran an excellent race to win the bronze medal.

Well done boys!

C Division training squad 2008

The Inter-School rules state that only pupils aged 14 years and below are eligible to represent the School in the C Division tournament.


Eligible players for the squad:

Joshua Low 2E2
Teo Jia Wei 2E2
Hazizul 2E3
Yeo Han Kun 2E3
Jang Sang Jin 2E3
Vincent Koh 2E4
Joe Chan 2A2
Tan Kok Yang 1E1
Herman Theng 1E2
Sean Too 1E3
Lim Heng Yi 1E3
Chng Shao Yi 1E3
Boey Kai Jun 1E4
Lian Ting Hao 1E4
Chew Jing Hong 1A2
Ong Sheng Xian 1A2
Kevin Huang 1T2


Take note:

1. Players will be monitored during daily school days and CCA training sessions.

2. In selecting suitable players for the school team, the Teacher will look at the Squad players.

3. By Mid-June, the Coach will recommend some names to the Teacher to represent the School in the C Div competition.

4. There are 2 components in the Selection criteria: outstanding attendance (most important), and consistent improvement in skills (being very good to play in a team and improving in individual skills such as dribbling, passing, shooting and match stamina).

5. The Teacher will make the final decision in approving the final school team for the C Division competition.

Information for Basketball CCA Photo-taking 25th June 2008

ATTIRE FOR ANNUAL CCA PHOTO-TAKING 2008

Date & Time: 25th June Wednesday (report to Concourse by 1430hrs)

B Division: White 2008 Converse jersey

C Division + other CCA members: CCA T-shirt shirt, Fajar PE shorts


Only white socks are permitted. You may change into your basketball shoes for the photo-taking.


Take note:

Students with long or untidy hair will not be allowed to take the CCA photo.

Students with incorrect attire (including those who forget to bring the correct attire) will not be allowed to take the CCA photo.

Attendance is compulsory for the CCA Photo-taking.


If you are unsure or if you have any questions, please speak to Mr Ken Ng.

Training Schedule for May & June 2008

C Div players:


16th May Fri 1400 – 1600
23rd May Fri 1400 – 1600
28th May Wed friendly vs Hillgrove
30th May Fri 0745 – 1100
2nd Jun Mon 0745 – 1100
4th Jun Wed 0745 – 1100
6th Jun Fri 0745 – 1100
9th Jun Mon 0745 – 1100
11th Jun Wed 0745 – 1100
13th Jun Fri 0745 – 1100
16th Jun Mon 0745 – 1100
18th Jun Wed 0745 – 1100
20th Jun Fri 0745 – 1100
23rd Jun Mon 1600 – 1800
25th Jun Wed 1600 – 1800 (including official CCA Phototaking*)
27th Jun Fri 1400 – 1600



B Div players:


16th May Fri 1400 – 1600
23rd May Fri 1400 – 1600
28th May Wed No training
30th May Fri No training
2nd Jun Mon 0745 – 1100
4th Jun Wed 0745 – 1100
6th Jun Fri No training
9th Jun Mon 0745 – 1100
11th Jun Wed 0745 – 1100
13th Jun Fri No training
16th Jun Mon 0745 – 1100
18th Jun Wed 0745 – 1100
20th Jun Fri No training
23rd Jun Mon 1600 – 1800
25th Jun Wed 1600 – 1800 (including official CCA Phototaking*)
27th Jun Fri No training



1. Your attendance is compulsory for all training sessions.

2. Please take note of the reporting & dismissal time for every training session. You are required to be appropriately dressed and to be punctual in turning up for training sessions. If you are unable to turn up for training, you need to have either a medical certificate or a parent’s letter to explain your absence.

3. All June homework/ holiday assignments must be completed.

4. Sec 2 and Sec 1 players (below 15 years of age) will be selected to represent the School in the West Zone C Division Tournament in Term 3 based on outstanding attendance and skill.

5. Friendly matches are being planned. The teacher in-charge will keep the team updated on the latest developments and arrangements. Meanwhile, TRAIN HARD.

1st 3 v 3 B Div Basketball Carnival

This year, Fajar Basketball organised the first ever B Boys 3 v 3 Carnival on the 16th April 2008.

There were 5 teams and the captains picked their players for their teams.

Team 1

Kho Zhi Cheng captain
Roy Lim
Neo Jie Qi
Brian Liu


Team 2

Colvin Xu captain
Athi
Ren Xiaokai
Micky


Team 3

Andy Goh captain
Bryan Tan
Mark Manalo
Zhang Wenxing
Ben John Ruiz


Team 4

Lim Ziting captain
Ong Yew Chin
Teo Kai Ming
Billy Manalo
Neo Theng Tat


Team 5

Lim Hao Ming captain
Xinyu
Eugene
Hwee Teck


Umpires:

Zhi Cheng
Colvin
Ben
Ziting
Haoming



It was a very good Carnival. There was great sportsmanship from all and great skill and agility was demonstrated.


The eventual winner was Team 4!

Congratulations to all who have made this 1st ever 3 v 3 such a great success.

Let's look forward to next year's 3 v 3 carnival!

4th Annual B Boys Free Throw Shooting Competition

2005 winner - Chua Jun Chang
2006 winner - Eugene Luah
2007 winner - Chua Jun Chang 'Legend'
2008 winner - ?



On the 2nd April 2008, Fajar basketball organised the 4th edition of the popular Free Throw Shooting Competition for the B Boys.


This year's competition saw 19 players take part. The early favourite was Chua Jun Chang, who has earned his nickname 'Legend' for his prowess in putting away free throws into the basket. He has an excellent record in this competition, winning the title twice.


In the first round, however, the legend was eliminated by Ben John Ruiz, who displayed a cool head to score more baskets.



The first round also saw Lim Zi Ting put in 10 out of 11 baskets - an astonishing record - as he eliminated Roy Lim.


In the final, Ben outlasted Lim Zi Ting in the battle of nerves. Both were very nervous and eventually, Ben managed to score more baskets - but just by a bit.


The final top 4 positions are -

champion - Ben John Ruiz
2nd - Lim Zi Ting
3rd - Kho Zhi Cheng
4th - Zhang Wenxing

Hotshot of the competition - Lim Zi Ting (10 shots out of 11)


Congratulations to the winner, and credit to all who took part in this great contest of skill, mental strength and confidence:

Ben John Ruiz
Lim Zi Ting
Kho Zhi Cheng
Zhang Wenxing
Loo Hwee Teck
Bryan Tan
Brian Liu
Andy Goh
Lim Xin Yu
Roy Lim
Teo Kai Ming
Ong Yew Chin
Neo Jie Qi
Athi
Ren Xiao Kai
Micky
Lin Hung Ju
Lim Hao Ming
Chua Jun Chang

Training Schedule for March & April 2008

B Division


31st Mar Mon 1600 – 1700
2nd Apr Wed 1600 – 1700
7th Apr Mon 1600 – 1700
9th Apr Wed 1600 – 1700
14th Apr Mon 1600 – 1700
16th Apr Wed 1600 – 1700


C Division:

31st Mar Mon 1600 – 1800
2nd Apr Wed 1600 – 1800
7th Apr Mon 1600 – 1800
9th Apr Wed 1600 – 1800
14th Apr Mon 1600 – 1800
16th Apr Wed 1600 – 1800

Take note:

Basketball CCA will stand-down for the Mid-Year Examinations. Training will resume in mid-May.

Review of performance of the B Boys team

Our record for the 2008 West Zone Inter-School Basketball Tournament:
2 wins and 2 losses.

We have done well to bounce back from defeats in our opening 2 matches, to clinch victory against Yusof Ishak and Commonwealth Secondary.


It is good to end our tournament on a winning note.

We just missed making it to the next round (which was our target), but this year's team have improved in terms of results.

So, I congratulate you, because you have performed better this year.



We also wish Nan Hua High School and Assumption English School all the very best in the West Zone tournament.



Even though we could not advance to the Second Round with this crop of players, I still think that on any other day, we would definitely give Nan Hua or AES a run for their money.


With more confidence and more determination, we are definitely a top 10 school in our West Zone.


To the current crop of players who still have a chance of playing next year, please remember the lessons from this tournament.

Nobody thinks very highly about Fajar actually. However, we always shut their mouths by the old-fashioned way - through hard work, speed and team work.

Nobody heard about Fajar, until we almost defeated Bukit Panjang Gov't High in January 2007.

Nobody heard about Fajar, until we almost defeated Nan Hua High School in January 2008.



We have met some of the better teams in competition and we have stood toe-to-toe with them.



This gives me the confidence that with even more training and effort from everybody, the Fajar basketball team will be on everyone's lips. People will say what a good team we are.


I want to see this happen, before I leave the school. This is one of my ambitions.

Training Schedule for February & March 2008

B Division:


22nd Feb Fri 1400 – 1600
25th Feb Mon 1600 – 1800
27th Feb Wed 1600 – 1800

Beyond Classroom Week

March Holiday Break

19th Mar Wed 1600 – 1800
24th Mar Mon 1600 – 1800
26th Mar Wed 1600 – 1800



C Division (including Sec Ones):

22nd Feb Fri 1400 – 1600
25th Feb Mon 1600 – 1800
27th Feb Wed 1600 – 1800

Beyond Classroom Week

March Holiday Break

19th Mar Wed 1600 – 1800
24th Mar Mon 1600 – 1800
26th Mar Wed 1600 – 1800

The promise of greater potential?

I have seen Colvin Xu, ever since he was in 1A3.

He was a good boy - sheepish, quiet, and possessed remarkable stamina. He would consistently come in as one of the top 3 finishers whenever his class had a long run during PE.

Along the way, of course, he made a mistake in allowing some friends of questionable character get into his life. He became too close to them, and consequently, he lost his shine. I remember some teachers from the discipline committee (including myself) spending exhaustive hours monitoring them and getting them back to the right track.




Thankfully, Colvin's shine is coming back. He has removed himself from bad company, and suddenly he is lifted up again, above all those who are lazy, untrustworthy, and aimless.



He always has potential. For example, he is comfortable talking to small groups of students, coaching them in basketball. He is capable in event management, especially in sports. He is decisive and is able to perform well in organising and running a sports competition.


He always has this potential. I spotted it long ago. It's a pity, then, that during a critical time of a student's school life (between Sec 2 and Sec 3), he disappeared from the teachers' radar, as he faded away.

But he's back now.


I'm writing all these, to testify of the fine work he is doing, in leading the Sec One juniors through the training sessions in January.


I trust him enough to know that he can do a good job.


I admire the way he spoke firmly to the juniors. He was able to engage their attention.



Maybe next time, Colvin, you can pursue a career that involves interaction with people, sports or camps.



For the record, I feel that it is apt for me to express my thankfulness to Colvin, in leading the Sec One juniors in the past few training sessions.


Thank you.



Remember what I said to you. A leader leads by example. A leader knows the way and shows the way.

So you must practise what you preach.



Colvin, I leave you with an encouragement: you are destined for more success, but you must channel more energies towards your academic subjects. You must do well in both CCA and studies. This is the minimum requirement for you.

West Zone B Division First Round: Fajar 42 - 45 Nan Hua High School

A defeat by a mere 3 points reflects how close we were towards defeating the seeded team in our group.

However, the comments from the coach and my kind colleague shared a common thread - that Fajar had a golden opportunity to score a much-needed victory, but failed to capitalise on a Nan Hua team who was well and truly beaten in the first quarter.

But in the second quarter, they found their second wind and knocked the stuffing out of Fajar.

The third and final quarters were drawn. This showed how evenly matched we were. But due to the wide margin of defeat in our second quarter, we were eventually edged out by 3 points.



It is a hard defeat to take.



In future, if we ever have such a great opportunity to take the scalp of a seeded team, we must finish the job.



Qualification for the Second Round is now slim. We must win our final two matches, and hope that Nan Hua slips up in their next match.


Our fingers are crossed.

West Zone B Division First Round: AES 54 - 42 Fajar

It was a setback, but it is still possible for us to do well.

In what was possibly the toughest match of our round, we faced off our great rivals - Assumption English School.

It seems we always meet them in the first round. In previous years, we have always played against them.

The coaches of both sides are great friends. The teachers-in-charge of both sides are also good friends. There is no animosity between AES and Fajar players. There is a lot of mutual respect.

This time, we felt that we were ready for them. We have quality players. We are both evenly matched.


Unfortunately, our plan was derailed horribly in the first quarter.

Our players seemed powerless, subdued and quiet, and AES took great advantage of our hesitancy to run rings around us and score freely.

The damage was done and the killer blow was inflicted on Fajar in this quarter. The score at the end of the first quarter: 22 - 6.


Naturally the coach and I were upset at the players. They were playing way below their usual standards. They were always half a step behind the AES opponents.

We lacked fire and the motivation.



The second quarter proved to be a slight improvement. Fajar began to raise up a gear in their play. We scored a few more baskets. More crucially, we defended tighter and stopped leaking baskets.

But there was still not enough communication. We committed too many simple errors. We still failed to box them out effectively.

But our improvement told in the second quarter score: 8 - 10.



In the third quarter, we continued to play better. We were getting better in our defence. Our centres started to wake up and dominate their opponents with sweet moves. We were winning rebounds because we started to box out more effectively.

But AES wouldn't give up. They still wanted to win and they were very lethal in several fast breaks. The third quarter score was 10 - 10.


The last quarter was Fajar's best time of the game. We were playing better than AES. Our centres were more agile and began to be very sharp under the basket. Our forwards began to be more adventurous. Zi Ting and Billy began to push and push into the AES territory. We were getting stronger.

Alas. It was all too late. By the time we started to show our quality, we ran out of time. The final quarter score was 14 - 16.



So, the first quarter was the blow that killed us. We tried to make a comeback, but the gap was too big to overcome.


What can we learn from this game? Plenty.



1. It is obvious that AES is a good team, but so is Fajar. They have strong individual players, and so do we.

2. AES played with fierce passion from the 1st quarter. Fajar didn't. Everyone was still asleep. No one was talking and galvanising the players. There was no one to yell and motivate each other. We paid dearly for our lack of communication.

3. So many times we failed to box the AES players out, resulting in losing rebounds. If we had boxed them out EVERY TIME (it can be done), we would have easily won the game.

4. Our centres need to dominate their opponents. We have good centres and we must stand firm and not be easily pushed away or brushed aside.




There is every reason to be optimistic. We have lost the first game, but everyone knows that Fajar has the quality.

For Thursday's match against Nan Hua High, we must play our game, our way, our speed. We must be more adventurous. We must play very hard and be fearless.

Most importantly, we must encourage and warn each other throughout the match. We must keep talking.



The next match is winnable. Victory is in our hands.


We still have great faith in Fajar Basketball. 2008 will be the year that we reach the Second Round. This is the year we do it.

update to training schedule for January 2008

B Division (school team):

16th Jan Wed 1600 – 1800
18th Jan Fri 1400 – 1600

21st Jan Mon WZ Match vs AES
23rd Jan Wed 1600 – 1800
24th Jan Thur WZ Match vs NHHS
25th Jan Fri No training

28th Jan Mon 1600 – 1800
29th Jan Tue WZ Match vs YIS
30th Jan Wed No training
1st Feb Fri 1400 – 1600

4th Feb Mon WZ Match vs CSS

Chinese New Year Break




B (non-school team) & C Division:

16th Jan Wed 1600 – 1700

21st Jan Mon No training due to WZ competition
23rd Jan Wed No training due to WZ competition

28th Jan Mon No training due to WZ competition
30th Jan Wed No training due to WZ competition

4th Feb Mon No training due to WZ competition

Chinese New Year Break

Fajar B Boys 2008 vs Fajar Seniors

I expected a close fight.

My current crop of players, having trained for over two solid months, were playing in their final practice match, and it was fitting that their opponents would be their seniors - Zhi Cheng, Colvin, Yan Sin, Chong Yong, Lian Jie, Jun Chang and Eugene (from the batch of 2005).


It was good to see them all.

Some of them seemed a little rusty during the warm-up. After leaving Fajar, many of them have moved on to other pursuits and interests, and basketball was not one of them.

So I harboured expectations that my players would at least outlast and outrun them in stamina and tactics.


But the first quarter forced me to rethink.


The seniors warmed up faster than expected and somehow found their shooting prowess. They moved the ball effortlessly and they were clearly not as slow as I had thought.


My players struggled, despite repeated reminders from the coach to play harder and defend better.

The final score of 54 - 72 exposed some of my current team's weaknesses, which I will elaborate in a moment's time.


But I have to congratulate my senior boys. They played well and maybe they were a little tired at the end of the game. But they more than made up for that by their vastly superior experience and movement.


For my current B boys, you need to think about your play.

You have practiced your formations countless times. Why are you still not so effective?

Maybe you were a little nervous or overawed, playing against your seniors. Some of you have never seen them before, so maybe you thought that they might be very good, and so you couldn't play your best.


Against Zhi Cheng (strong all-rounded player), Eugene (tall), Colvin (speedy), Jun Chang (sharpshooter), Chong Yong (good communicator), Lian Jie (all - rounder), Yan Sin (skilful), you have been given a stern test.

You must always try to understand your opponents.

You cannot expect the coach to give you all the answers, to always spoonfeed you on how to play.

We can bark our instructions to the C boys. They are youthful and inexperienced.

But you are all at the B Boys level and have played in several tournaments already.

So where is that understanding and independent thought process from you all?

Why is it that, when you are down and out, there is nobody to lift up the team and whip you all up to play better?


The coach cannot do everything alone.




To improve (and you better, as tomorrow is our first competitive match), think about the following:

The no 1 complaint about Fajar team is that we hardly talk and encourage each other. This has happened too many times and it is always a big reason for our defeats.

A winning team with winning players always talks and encourages each other.




A no 2 complaint is that we fail to defend well. If we don't defend (box out, hands raised to discourage opponents, sticking to our zone defence roles), we will leak goals.

The box out is a very simple yet powerful way to deny the opponents baskets. So, we must do it for every game.



A third area to look at is that we seem to be on crutches when we play. We cannot seem to function unless the coach gives us instructions. Midway through a game, when we run out of ideas, we expect the coach to help us.

Why don't we try to solve the problems ourselves? Why don't we think faster and harder? Why don't we apply what we have learnt from all those countless hours of training and matches? Have we not learnt anything at all?


If you are substituted and you get to rest, don't stare blankly at the game. Be a thinking player! Look at the opponents and think of how to beat them. Look at how we play and think of another way to beat them. Then, when you return to the court, you must be able to make an impact.



We have a target set by the Principal and we will do our utmost to get there.

The target is not hard to achieve at all. We must tell ourselves that we can do it. Because if we want to, we can achieve that target of a top 4 finish.

The Principal has enough confidence in us to set us that target.



During match days, all 12 players are NOT to play any basketball during the mornings and recess. You will be excused from PE lessons as well.

All of you will be having early departure and will be taking the taxis to get to Clementi Sports Hall.

Make sure you find out from your teachers and classmates about what you have missed in the classroom.

You are still expected to do your homework and study for tests.

Do not ever use basketball as an excuse to miss deadlines for homework. This is most irresponsible and you must never do this kind of thing.



Most of all, on the way to Clementi, remember to play the game in your mind. Every match will start not on the court, but in each of your minds, while you are travelling there.


If you have more mental strength, more self-belief, and more fighting spirit, it is very hard for you to lose. It is also very hard for any team to defeat Fajar.

Sec One Orientation & the Draw for 2008 B Boys WZ Tournament

Here's a word of thanks to Andy, Hwee Teck, Colvin, Jia Wei, Xiao Kai, Ben, Bryan, Wenxing for helping to set up the basketball booth on Friday's CCA Parents' Night.

I am sure you all had a good time.


I also went to attend the Teachers' meeting for the WZ Basketball Tournament. It was a very nervous moment for most teachers. Nobody wanted to meet the powerhouses (Jurong, Jurong West, Unity, BPGH) so early in the competition.

Thank God that our draw was kind. Our opponents in the First Round of the competition are:

Nan Hua High School (the seeded team)
Assumption English School
Yusof Ishak Secondary School
Commonwealth Secondary School



These teams are not far from Fajar's standard.


In other words, we can win these matches, provided we start attacking from the 1st quarter with lightning fast breaks. We will need to defend with our lives.


This is the year we will make the breakthrough and reach the 2nd Round for the first time in a long long while.

This batch of players have the capability to do just that.


Fajar B Boys team - let us be history-makers!

B Div friendly: Fajar vs Chua Chu Kang

It was a game that showcased Fajar's strengths and weaknesses.

CCK has some tall and skilful players. They are strong too. In the first two quarters, they played well, and showed sharp passing and clinical finishing.

In contrast, Fajar was hesitant and lacked the courage to punch through their defence.


In the final 2 quarters, CCK's stamina and strength began to wane. It became easier for us to outrun them. We managed to clinch the game through a series of lethal fast breaks. The CCK players were simple too tired to catch up with us.




Fajar players, please take note of our observations:

1. The Coach gives very simple instructions to you all before every game. Do you listen and execute his strategy? If you do, you should be winning many matches.

2. Fajar is most frightening when we play fast breaks. For that to happen, our outlet - centre movement must be done perfectly. At the same time, the Fajar players must be sprinting away, ready to receive the killer pass and score the basket. So please understand this: Fajar is most deadly when we play the fast break game.

3. Against CCK today, an ugly side of Fajar showed again: we keep dribbling the ball aimlessly, while the other 4 players shuffle and move around. You pose no threat. The opponents did not fear you. You did not show any killer instinct to win the ball and to score the basket.

4. Our box-out (a very basic and very important skill) is very inconsistent. Only Xinyu showed consistent box-out. He applies what he practises during training into matches like this. If we don't box out effectively, we will be in deep trouble.

5. So, to sum up, Fajar has the potential to be a top 6 or top 4 school in the West Zone. The coach's instructions are very effective and his training is vigourous and challenging. To win matches, we need a very strong and sound defence.

6. The only way for us to win is to communicate, defend stoutly, and 'kill' the game with unstoppable fast breaks. Nothing is more demoralising than to have Ziting, Hao Ming, Ben etc etc speeding away and scoring baskets.



So even though we 'won' today's game, the result is not the most important, as always the case for all friendly matches.

In fact, friendly matches are completely useless, unless Fajar players reflect and review their performance, and see their mistakes and strengths when they play in the 4 quarters of the game.

A team that reflects regularly and communicates consistently is going to be very hard to beat, because we become thinking players.

Giving thanks for Sec 1 Sports Experience

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Zhi Cheng, Hao Ming, Andy and Colvin for their outstanding contribution in the Sec 1 Sports Experience.

I felt that they did a competent job in managing the boys. They conducted the skill tests well and were able to handle the boys.

I believe that we managed to achieve our objective, and that was to identify good basketball players to join our CCA.


Basketball CCA is one of the most professional CCAs in Fajar. It is well-run and we have a core group of players.

Of course we have a dedicated coach. Even the teacher is willing to sacrifice his June and December holidays so that we can have uninterrupted training.


I look forward to having the new Sec 1s join our CCA. With teamwork and hard work, we can bring Fajar Basketball to greater heights.

Friendly match on 11th Jan Friday

B Boys, take note.

We have a training match on Friday afternoon.

We must be ready to put in an improved performance.

Therefore, let's train hard and make sure we put in effort to improve in our skills and team work.

The competition is coming really soon, so every friendly match will sharpen our skills and allow us to gain valuable experience.

Have a good rest over the weekend.

Your body and mind must be ready for basketball training on Monday!