My Basketball Life

"WHAT???!!! YOU PLAY BALL??"

This was the reaction I got from most people when I told them that I am a basketball player. Was it that unbelievable?? 

A lot of people do wonder how a person like me ended up being an athlete or a basketball player as I do not look the tiny winy bit athletic. Sometimes, even I always doubt myself. So here is how basketball became one of the most important activity throughout my five years of high school.

So, why basketball when there is netball, a sport more suitable for girls??? 

Way back in 2008, that was when I was a primary six student, I randomly took part in an inter-school basketball competition. After that I just lost contact with the basketball world. My secondary school basketball coach, Mr Toh, who is the greatest coach ever, recruited me into his team when I entered form 1 based on my that 1 time experience. OMG!! Nobody would believe this!! But unfortunately, this is TRUE!! At first I was quite reluctant to be involved in a sport because it requires high dedication and commitment but later on my mum managed to talk me into giving basketball a try. My awesome journey took off to a great start there. I attended training sessions to prepare for the inter-school competition that was to be held during March. I was surprised to be chosen for the final team to represent my school as there were many other strong and experienced players. YEAH, I was eligible for competition!!!! Although as a newbie I wasn't able to play much, our school emerged champion. 

I only took part in 2 competitions for my first year(2009).

In 2010, I was  involved in 3 competitions namely the under18, under16 and under15 inter-school. 

                            

Things kept getting better for me and my team. We started our school's domination in the basketball world this very year. Champion was  ours!! Our glory and honour did not come that easily, we put in lots of effort and hard work like training during school holidays to achieve this. Everyone of the team did not slack even for a little bit. Of course we also had our weekly trainings.

The third year of my basketball career (2011) was a turning point for me. I was the main player for both the under 15 and under 16 team. I had more chance to showcase my talent and abilities. I made good use of both of these competitions not only to prove myself but also to help the school capture the championship title. In the end, we emerged as champions in both competitions.

If 2011 was an amazing year, then 2012 would be spectacular and breath-taking. LOL sorry for exaggerating. 2012 was the most fruitful year as a basketball player for me. I took part in 6 competitions alone in a single year and even represented Sibu. So the first time I got chosen was during the Under 16 competition held in Sungai Antu. The inter-division competition was held in Miri. Prior to the tournament, we had an intensive training for about 2 weeks. First times were always nerve-wrecking! We travelled there by bus and stayed at Park Hotel. Teams like Kuching, Miri and Sarikei were our competitors. That was definitely a great first time as we beat out other strong contenders to become the CHAMPION!!!!

 under 16 interschool

 Celebrating coach's birthday

 Basketball buddy

 Another buddy I got associated with through basketball

Sibu team emerged champion in under 16

Hotel Lobby

This was the second time in the same year going to Miri, this time around it was for the inter-divisional under 18 tournament. This was also unforgettable as I got to know friends from different places that shared the same interest and passion. Even though we could only manage 2nd position, but it was indeed a great exposure and experience.This was already my 4th tournament of the year. It was quite tough to train for inter-divisional competitions as we had to train during exam periods and travel to the destination right after exam to compete during school holidays. Hectic yeah?  I was thankful to be able to go through it of course with some difficulties, but survived it. Get what I mean?? If you see me during those period, I will be like studying my notes, tying my shoelaces, then zooming off to training and packing my luggage for the trip all at the same time. CRAZY I know!! 

These pictures are the Women's Open I took part. The interdivisional one was held in Bintulu. Our teams mostly consisted of teenagers and we had to compete against adults from other divisions. Our result was first runner up. That marks the end of my second last year of high school basketball career. This was a year that was hard to handle for me, having to juggle between the suddenly-become-tough form 4 syllables and this tiring sport but praise the Lord I was able to make it through and live the best of both worlds. 

2013- The year that my career was coming to an end. It was a bit hard to let go of this churning feeling inside of me and it made me nostalgic about many things. I always had this feeling that all wonderful things are going to come to an end so it made me cherish and treasure my last moments even more. To try and fight harder so that I can leave this game with no regrets.

 Sign of victory at Kota Samarahan.

By this year, our school(SMK Methodist) has been raiding championships for a few consecutive years. This made me proud to be a part of Methodist's basketball team. People would just assume you are a great player and a force to be reckoned with when they heard that you are a Methodist basketballer , even though you're not. LOL. At good times like these, basketball also forced me to make the most difficult decision of my life. The big news hit me and I was not able to handle all of that for quite a while. I had to choose to stay back in school to sit for my first term exam or represent Sibu to the interdivision competition in Kota Samarahan. I was torn between which one to choose as both are my priorities. So to go or not go?? Luckily, my coach talked to the principal and worked out a way for me to compete and take the test. The Lord always give me guidance and assurance during my most difficult times. As a result, I did join the tournament and Sibu team emerged champion.

             

The best thing about basketball is the people you meet. <3

The divisional level Women's Open competition in June was my last competition of they year, and also the last for my whole career. Although we only got third, but it was nevertheless a great experience. Oh, and I would also want to mention that this tournament was the first one I had trained and was leaded under a different coach. I learned to accustom to a different strategy of a different coach.

As a conclusion, my basketball years may seem short yet long, depends on how one view it. To me, every moment was very precious and I will always keep them at the bottom of my heart. Typing all these things made me so nostalgic. 

Basketball may just seem like a sport to everyone, but to me it is not. Basketball is all about teamwork. Our teamwork was that good until we communicate through eye contact on court. No words needed. We always manage to work hand in hand by not being selfish to become the top-scorer, but to score to ensure a win for the team. Basketball is about a big family, a family of twelve. We shed sweat and tears together. Regardless of our having lots of differences, we come together as one through basketball. I still remembered how my teammates surprised me with a cake on my birthday once. Basketball is about fighting hard every second. On court, we only have 40 minutes to seal the deal. Every ticking second is priceless. We fought with all our might and that was the time to give all of what you have. Basketball is about joy. Doing what we like together and winning every possible tournament makes us all happy. The best of all is you have lots of people to share your joy with. When feeling down, teammates will help you out of your misery by cracking a few lame jokes. Basketball is about compromising. Learning how to forgive others' mistakes and use them to improve oneself is never easy, but this was what basketball taught me. Compromise with your teammates as everyone makes mistakes, when they miss a shot, go grab a rebound. Basketball is about perseverance. Even on the verge of losing, do not lose hope or sight. We still fight like a fighter filled with spirit and determination ! This is the spirit that every basketballer have. Before the game is over, quit talking about losing.

Therefore, basketball is a great sport. It shapes you into a great person. Of course one of the main advantage is you can keep fit and stay healthy. Trust me, your stamina and sporting ability will no doubt increase by leaps and bounds too. A lot of students nowadays cited lack of time as an excuse to be exempted from sports. Of course it will be tough to juggle academic and sports, but see I had survived the whole ordeal. *Feeling proud!!! It ain't that torturing. After all you only go through high school once and making some wonderful memories in a short span of five years is definitely worth the trouble. Get yourself engaged in sports and never stay in your shell. 

XOXO