Participants from Presbyterian High School and Jurongville Secondary School in action during the ActiveSG-BAS Basketball Development League. Photo: Sport Singapore

While Presbyterian High, traditionally a powerhouse in school basketball, easily beat Jurongville Secondary School 52-29 to win the boys’ gold, their girls’ team was dominated by a strong showing from Bedok View, losing the match 22-48.

Many schools get knocked out in the first rounds of the inter-school basketball competitions at the zonal level and this Development League gives these teams, as well as reserve teams, a chance to play in a competitive setting.

“If you look at my two teams, the girls team were out of the north zone in the first round, not winning a single match,” said Lai Chee Kwan, teacher-in-charge of basketball at Presbyterian High School.

“The boys' team was not even in the school team. They were reserve players. Without this competition, they would not have a chance to play more games.”

For Lai, this competition was also a great opportunity to inculcate character and values in his charges.

“For my reserve teams, I use this as a tool to teach them character,” he said.

“In the match, if they try to play rough or use dirty tactics, I will sub them out and say ‘this is not the way to play basketball.'

“Sometimes, they will like to fight among themselves. I will tell them to stop.

“When you start scolding one another, you are not building a team. You give encouragement to one another. That is how you build a team.”

Sally Ang, teacher-in-charge of basketball at Bedok View Secondary School, also shared similar sentiments that this league provides numerous benefits to the students. 

The girl's team from Bedok View put up a strong showing against Presbyterian High to win the match. Photo: Sport Singapore 


“The D League is a useful platform for our students to gain more experience, and also to play with not only people from your zone, but also players from other zones,” she said.

“It also helps them build more confidence and stronger bonds between them.

“They will have better communication with each other. They can tell each other what are their weaknesses and strengthen from there.”