2013-2014 SSIS Basketball
11/04/2014
Before I came to SSIS, I was a student at ISHCMC for 6 months. I played basketball with SSIS even before I had moved my school.
Basketball is a part of life. It provides "water" when I am thirty. It relives stress from assignments and tests. And, it regenerates my motivation to strive for greatness. Therefore, it is indispensable in my life.
The basketball season in SSIS has started. I am looking forward to meet new coaches/players all around Vietnam. I, hopefully, will learn how to control myself in any circumstances and lead the team by examples. In the past, I had an issue of controlling my anger in games when referees call something which I necessarily agreed with. I was an impatient kid and I was immature. Every game when I got mad at the referees, I always felt regretful because I knew that at the end, there is no benefit for the team once whistles are blown. Therefore, through this experience, I would like to build my ability to calm myself and deal with calls even if they do not seem to agree with what I think. I need to learn how to respect referees and my coach. I am really looking forward to see myself changing and learning from every game and every practice.
Before I came to SSIS, I was a student at ISHCMC for 6 months. I played basketball with SSIS even before I had moved my school.
Basketball is a part of life. It provides "water" when I am thirty. It relives stress from assignments and tests. And, it regenerates my motivation to strive for greatness. Therefore, it is indispensable in my life.
The basketball season in SSIS has started. I am looking forward to meet new coaches/players all around Vietnam. I, hopefully, will learn how to control myself in any circumstances and lead the team by examples. In the past, I had an issue of controlling my anger in games when referees call something which I necessarily agreed with. I was an impatient kid and I was immature. Every game when I got mad at the referees, I always felt regretful because I knew that at the end, there is no benefit for the team once whistles are blown. Therefore, through this experience, I would like to build my ability to calm myself and deal with calls even if they do not seem to agree with what I think. I need to learn how to respect referees and my coach. I am really looking forward to see myself changing and learning from every game and every practice.
At ISHCMC, which is my old school, we played against 4 international schools in Ho Chi Minh City for the City Championship Tournament. When I first encountered ISHCMC, I felt quite embarrassed for leaving the school to SSIS. Once again, we won all of the matches and became the champion for 7 years in a row. I am blessed because I am able to play with great friends and coaches. There are 8 seniors in the basketball team. This means that all of them will be gone and new members will substitute their spots. It will be a new challenge as well as a great experience to overcome the challenge.
Going back to the winning part, I still think that I can improve and contribute more for the team. Currently, my main job for the team is to play a really good defence and intercept passes from the opponent team. However, I still really need to be more aggressive on playing offence. In order to do that, I really need to practice by myself other than regular practices. Therefore, I can work on dribbling, handling, and shooting by myself since the gym is open on Saturdays. Furthermore, I also would like to work on my leadership. Although I am a new player and I am not the best player, I think I can still contribute to the team by providing healthy and encouraging environment for the team.
Being able to play basketball and being able to enjoy the moment of 48 minutes just give me so much fun time and as well as allow me to think over how I can become a better player and a better person. I love basketball and I wish I wouldn't get injuries.
I would like to thank my seniors players: Maui, Reuben, Brian, Karl, HongKyu, SooHan, Bruno, and Min Chan.
Going back to the winning part, I still think that I can improve and contribute more for the team. Currently, my main job for the team is to play a really good defence and intercept passes from the opponent team. However, I still really need to be more aggressive on playing offence. In order to do that, I really need to practice by myself other than regular practices. Therefore, I can work on dribbling, handling, and shooting by myself since the gym is open on Saturdays. Furthermore, I also would like to work on my leadership. Although I am a new player and I am not the best player, I think I can still contribute to the team by providing healthy and encouraging environment for the team.
Being able to play basketball and being able to enjoy the moment of 48 minutes just give me so much fun time and as well as allow me to think over how I can become a better player and a better person. I love basketball and I wish I wouldn't get injuries.
I would like to thank my seniors players: Maui, Reuben, Brian, Karl, HongKyu, SooHan, Bruno, and Min Chan.
17/01/2014
Today was a disastrous day for me as a basketball player. During a friendly match against ISHCMC, I twisted my right knee while receiving a ball from the side three-point line.
Right after the game, I went to a hospital to get my knee get checked up. Waiting impatiently for the X-ray result, I finally could not bear with the pain. The doctor said, "ice and elevate your entire leg". That was it.
Worrying about missing games in the future, I frantically searched online for more information about knee injuries. I found one that shows similar symptoms with that of mine. It was "meniscus tear". Hoping to relieve myself by reading a "how to cure" section, I, suddenly, felt lost and incredulous. According to the research, the recovery from the meniscus tear at least takes a couple of months since there is a lack of blood flow in the area.
MRISA (Mekong River International School Association) Tournament is in two weeks. I am not sure what to do... I knew that having an injury and missing out the tournament is always a possibility because I missed almost an entire season of soccer due to my left foot fracture. However, today, it was very unexpected and I am just sad and disappointed with myself for I am going to miss games. But my question is, "What can I do at this point?" "Am I just going to cry and do something about it?" After asking these questions to myself, I realised that there is no other way around it. I just need a great deal of time to recover from the injury. I also began to broaden my perspective and think about the future. Then, I decided to focus on how I can actually help the team even if I am injured. I realised that one possible way is to cheer actively for the team during games and practices while sitting on a bench. Although I am feeling pretty sad, I am still looking forward to how I can contribute for the team.
Today was a disastrous day for me as a basketball player. During a friendly match against ISHCMC, I twisted my right knee while receiving a ball from the side three-point line.
Right after the game, I went to a hospital to get my knee get checked up. Waiting impatiently for the X-ray result, I finally could not bear with the pain. The doctor said, "ice and elevate your entire leg". That was it.
Worrying about missing games in the future, I frantically searched online for more information about knee injuries. I found one that shows similar symptoms with that of mine. It was "meniscus tear". Hoping to relieve myself by reading a "how to cure" section, I, suddenly, felt lost and incredulous. According to the research, the recovery from the meniscus tear at least takes a couple of months since there is a lack of blood flow in the area.
MRISA (Mekong River International School Association) Tournament is in two weeks. I am not sure what to do... I knew that having an injury and missing out the tournament is always a possibility because I missed almost an entire season of soccer due to my left foot fracture. However, today, it was very unexpected and I am just sad and disappointed with myself for I am going to miss games. But my question is, "What can I do at this point?" "Am I just going to cry and do something about it?" After asking these questions to myself, I realised that there is no other way around it. I just need a great deal of time to recover from the injury. I also began to broaden my perspective and think about the future. Then, I decided to focus on how I can actually help the team even if I am injured. I realised that one possible way is to cheer actively for the team during games and practices while sitting on a bench. Although I am feeling pretty sad, I am still looking forward to how I can contribute for the team.
06/02/2014
I AM FINALLY BACK!
Finally, after missing 5 games, I could come back from the knee injury. I felt quite rusty and slow, yet my heart kept pumping even before the game because I was really excited for the return! Well, I did not score any in the game, but it was worthwhile because it refreshed my mind and allowed me to be a party of the basketball team again although I was technically in the team while just sitting on a bench.
Missing 5 games was really tough for me to bear with because as a basketball player, I just wanted to join my teammates during the game and played with them and most importantly enjoy the moment of sharing sweat and pain together. However, while missing 5 games, I have also learned valuable lessons to draw upon. Firstly, I have learned to be patient. I knew that my knee needed a great deal of time and I must slow down so that my knee can be fully recovered. Secondly, I have learned to say only positive words and phrases for the team. While sitting on a bench, I have seen players feeling disappointed and sad for their poor performances. I walked to them and cheered them up by saying phrases such as, "You've got this", "Shake it off", and "You can do it". I am not sure whether those phrases actually helped the teammates but I still believed that something positive to others wound not hurt them.
Well, I am excited to be back again. I have overcome a small challenge during the basketball season by being patient and positive throughout. I understand that I am going to face more challenges that are difficult to solve and hard to deal with. Although not 100% sure, I am still confident that I will go through the challenges maturely and effectively.
I AM FINALLY BACK!
Finally, after missing 5 games, I could come back from the knee injury. I felt quite rusty and slow, yet my heart kept pumping even before the game because I was really excited for the return! Well, I did not score any in the game, but it was worthwhile because it refreshed my mind and allowed me to be a party of the basketball team again although I was technically in the team while just sitting on a bench.
Missing 5 games was really tough for me to bear with because as a basketball player, I just wanted to join my teammates during the game and played with them and most importantly enjoy the moment of sharing sweat and pain together. However, while missing 5 games, I have also learned valuable lessons to draw upon. Firstly, I have learned to be patient. I knew that my knee needed a great deal of time and I must slow down so that my knee can be fully recovered. Secondly, I have learned to say only positive words and phrases for the team. While sitting on a bench, I have seen players feeling disappointed and sad for their poor performances. I walked to them and cheered them up by saying phrases such as, "You've got this", "Shake it off", and "You can do it". I am not sure whether those phrases actually helped the teammates but I still believed that something positive to others wound not hurt them.
Well, I am excited to be back again. I have overcome a small challenge during the basketball season by being patient and positive throughout. I understand that I am going to face more challenges that are difficult to solve and hard to deal with. Although not 100% sure, I am still confident that I will go through the challenges maturely and effectively.
MRISA SSIS Varsity Team Dance!
The video clip above shows a dance which the varsity basketball team has prepared for 3 weeks. It's a MRISA sports tradition that each MRISA player is called upon on the stage and his/her name is called and introduced. During this period, the varsity basketball performed something that would excite the audience. It was dancing and performing "Haka" which is considered as a scary ceremony that is performed by a tribal group in New Zealand.
In order to execute this, the basketball members gather around at the school auditorium after school and practiced for more than 30 minutes every day. This project was led by Maui Ramos who is currently our captain of the team. Of course meeting ad organising such a project like this is very difficult because everyone is really busy after school for other extra curricular activities. However, all basketball members collaborated on this project together and followed Maui accordingly.
As a result, as you can see, the show was really successful. The crowd enjoyed the dance for sure. Also, through this show, we could able to really tell everyone in school that MRISA tournament will be held this weekend! I am really looking forward to this tournament again because we have 7 seniors and I just want to have a great memory with them and finish strong.
The video clip above shows a dance which the varsity basketball team has prepared for 3 weeks. It's a MRISA sports tradition that each MRISA player is called upon on the stage and his/her name is called and introduced. During this period, the varsity basketball performed something that would excite the audience. It was dancing and performing "Haka" which is considered as a scary ceremony that is performed by a tribal group in New Zealand.
In order to execute this, the basketball members gather around at the school auditorium after school and practiced for more than 30 minutes every day. This project was led by Maui Ramos who is currently our captain of the team. Of course meeting ad organising such a project like this is very difficult because everyone is really busy after school for other extra curricular activities. However, all basketball members collaborated on this project together and followed Maui accordingly.
As a result, as you can see, the show was really successful. The crowd enjoyed the dance for sure. Also, through this show, we could able to really tell everyone in school that MRISA tournament will be held this weekend! I am really looking forward to this tournament again because we have 7 seniors and I just want to have a great memory with them and finish strong.
We are the CHAMPION!
After playing about 5 games with schools from the Mekong River Delta region, we bacame the final Champion after beating ISPP (International School Phnom Penh, Cambodia).
The tournament was held for two days from Friday to Saturday at SSIS. There were 8 different schools coming from Thailand, Hanoi, Laos, and Cambodia. I hosted two players who were seniors from NICS. Well, to be honest, we all won games almost effortlessly because our seniors basically led the entire tournament. They rebounded hard, played hard, and scored hard on the other team. Therefore, we won all our games by having more than 30 points difference. The photo on the left is taken after we won our first place in the MRISA tournament. I am the person lying on the floor.
The tournament was a great experience because it not only gave me a chance to reflect myself throughout the season since it is the very last tournament but also allowed me to value the importance of teamwork and team chemistry. To begin with, my initial goal in this basketball season was to calm myself and be patient. To be more specific, I wanted to control my anger and emotion despite referee's calls which may disagree with what I believe. Of course, we, sometimes, find the calls very unfair and unjustifiable; however, I have still decided to follow and respect them because I knew that it would never be a happy ending if I try to talk to them and argue against them. Since I really love my team and want us to win the game, I controlled my anger and emotion through breathing out a couple of times and just going with the flow.
Through basketball, I have learned so many things that I can take away from these experiences. For example, I am trying to be a better player and better person even if I am off the court; therefore, I have been trying to be respectful for all other teammates as well as to coaches and referees. Although I am not there yet, I have been reflecting myself upon my behaviour and trying to find out how I can improve or fix my bad attitude if it did not benefit the team. Furthermore, I have learned to state positive phrases and encourage others.
The season has ended with really great results. We won the City Championship tournament and the MRISA tournament. Thank you seniors for leading the team! I will all miss you so much and thank you all of them including Coach.
After playing about 5 games with schools from the Mekong River Delta region, we bacame the final Champion after beating ISPP (International School Phnom Penh, Cambodia).
The tournament was held for two days from Friday to Saturday at SSIS. There were 8 different schools coming from Thailand, Hanoi, Laos, and Cambodia. I hosted two players who were seniors from NICS. Well, to be honest, we all won games almost effortlessly because our seniors basically led the entire tournament. They rebounded hard, played hard, and scored hard on the other team. Therefore, we won all our games by having more than 30 points difference. The photo on the left is taken after we won our first place in the MRISA tournament. I am the person lying on the floor.
The tournament was a great experience because it not only gave me a chance to reflect myself throughout the season since it is the very last tournament but also allowed me to value the importance of teamwork and team chemistry. To begin with, my initial goal in this basketball season was to calm myself and be patient. To be more specific, I wanted to control my anger and emotion despite referee's calls which may disagree with what I believe. Of course, we, sometimes, find the calls very unfair and unjustifiable; however, I have still decided to follow and respect them because I knew that it would never be a happy ending if I try to talk to them and argue against them. Since I really love my team and want us to win the game, I controlled my anger and emotion through breathing out a couple of times and just going with the flow.
Through basketball, I have learned so many things that I can take away from these experiences. For example, I am trying to be a better player and better person even if I am off the court; therefore, I have been trying to be respectful for all other teammates as well as to coaches and referees. Although I am not there yet, I have been reflecting myself upon my behaviour and trying to find out how I can improve or fix my bad attitude if it did not benefit the team. Furthermore, I have learned to state positive phrases and encourage others.
The season has ended with really great results. We won the City Championship tournament and the MRISA tournament. Thank you seniors for leading the team! I will all miss you so much and thank you all of them including Coach.
MRISA Basketball Tournament in February 2014 at Saigon South International School, Phu My Hung, Vietnam
2014-2015 SSIS Basketball Season 2
15/12/2014
New Basketball season has started!!!!!!
As you can see from the picture above, 7 seniors have graduated and here we have an entirely different team as this point. Surprisingly, I am also a senior who is one of the oldest players in the team. I just can't believe that I have played 3 seasons so far from grade 9 up to now. Of course this season will be so memorable because I, as a senior, have the responsibility to carry the team and lead it just like how last year's seniors did. Therefore, I feel a bit pressured and worried for this season since the responsibility is on seniors. On the other hand, I feel really excited because basically this seasons is for seniors and new players to bond together and get to the final products which are winning tournaments.
Although my body is really tired and mentally exhausted because of college applications, SAT, and other IB requirements, I would never give up on basketball because as I mentioned previously, basketball is a part of my life. I would sacrifice sleep and work just to play basketball. At the the same time, I must sacrifice a bit of sleep and I need to work a little bit harder and focus more than some people. However, I think it all comes down to a time management skill.
In our team, we have Unchan, the rebound machine, LiHao, Ronald, Nick, Tee, Long, the three pointer, HoSung, Hoy, JaeJin, and me, total 7 juniors and 3 seniors. It's a mater of bringing the team together and work the way up to the point where we can trust each other and depend on each other.
New Basketball season has started!!!!!!
As you can see from the picture above, 7 seniors have graduated and here we have an entirely different team as this point. Surprisingly, I am also a senior who is one of the oldest players in the team. I just can't believe that I have played 3 seasons so far from grade 9 up to now. Of course this season will be so memorable because I, as a senior, have the responsibility to carry the team and lead it just like how last year's seniors did. Therefore, I feel a bit pressured and worried for this season since the responsibility is on seniors. On the other hand, I feel really excited because basically this seasons is for seniors and new players to bond together and get to the final products which are winning tournaments.
Although my body is really tired and mentally exhausted because of college applications, SAT, and other IB requirements, I would never give up on basketball because as I mentioned previously, basketball is a part of my life. I would sacrifice sleep and work just to play basketball. At the the same time, I must sacrifice a bit of sleep and I need to work a little bit harder and focus more than some people. However, I think it all comes down to a time management skill.
In our team, we have Unchan, the rebound machine, LiHao, Ronald, Nick, Tee, Long, the three pointer, HoSung, Hoy, JaeJin, and me, total 7 juniors and 3 seniors. It's a mater of bringing the team together and work the way up to the point where we can trust each other and depend on each other.
Hoy Kim born 1996 June 3rd.
This guy is a friend of mine who has been playing basketball ever since I first came to Saigon South International School.
He brought me to various dinner appointments and allowed me to adjust to the new environment which was my new school. I am feeling still thankful for this guy for being with me.
This year, Hoy is a part of the basketball team. I am really excited to play together and enjoy the moment together because apparently, this is the last season with him and I would like to have the best and memorable moment together before we graduate.
When I think about the past, we used to play basketball almost every day and every lunch just playing 1 on 1. Hoy has learned to play a really good defence and I have also learned to play offence which can be used for the game of basketball. The moves include, behind the back, step back shooting, cross over, and double cross over. Hoy also has learned to use his left hand because he got sick of me blocking his shots. Once he begins to use his left arm, he was unstoppable. The only way I could block and stop his momentum was by fouling him. After a year of playing together, our handles got naturally better without having to do with special drills for basketball. I would like to appreciate for his time with me and fun moments together. I will miss you after this season!
This guy is a friend of mine who has been playing basketball ever since I first came to Saigon South International School.
He brought me to various dinner appointments and allowed me to adjust to the new environment which was my new school. I am feeling still thankful for this guy for being with me.
This year, Hoy is a part of the basketball team. I am really excited to play together and enjoy the moment together because apparently, this is the last season with him and I would like to have the best and memorable moment together before we graduate.
When I think about the past, we used to play basketball almost every day and every lunch just playing 1 on 1. Hoy has learned to play a really good defence and I have also learned to play offence which can be used for the game of basketball. The moves include, behind the back, step back shooting, cross over, and double cross over. Hoy also has learned to use his left hand because he got sick of me blocking his shots. Once he begins to use his left arm, he was unstoppable. The only way I could block and stop his momentum was by fouling him. After a year of playing together, our handles got naturally better without having to do with special drills for basketball. I would like to appreciate for his time with me and fun moments together. I will miss you after this season!
Lots of people including my friends ask ed questions which hurt me, "Do you think you can win this year"?, "I don't see any bond between your teammates". "I feel like you guy are not together", "I think you guys should talk more". These statements and questions just hurt me because they basically meant, "your team need to improve, if not you guys will lose". Of course I need to admit that the team level has decreased compared to that of last year's because we have 7 new players, while the previous team has 7 years who have been playing basketball together more than 4 years. Therefore, the team, to be honest, was not so much like a team, but rather individuals trying to show off and score.
Yeah, It was really tough to get to know the team together. To some extent, I feel guilty and regretful for not capable of bringing that team together. I acted like a coward. Although I was one of the oldest and experienced players and I had a responsibility of creating bonds and trust, I did not really do my job properly. Partially because we just needed some time to get to know each other with new players and with our new Coach, Ms.Leathwood.
I really need to think about what and how we seniors can bring the team together. I thought about it and one way is to just hang out with the teammates. I was thinking of having a team dinner as well as playing video games together. I think once we can trust each other through spending time off the court, I am pretty sure we can also pass well and trust well on the court. It is really a challenge for me at this point because the team lacks essential components of a team. I just hope we can overcome this barrier and play games as a team. MRISA is coming up soon and we have been practicing 6 hours per week. We have won a couple of games but lost most of them. Losing sucks but we need to find a way to improve and really focus on what we can do in the future. It's challenging at this stage. It's just a hard period for me because I am not used to losing so many games and not being able to compete with the other team. However, I should change my perspective by saying, "What's next", "What can I really do for the team", "We must improve and win some games, so how can the team bring together and trust each other?"
Similar to last year, we have finally arrived in ISPP (International School Phnom Penh) to join the MRISA tournament.
Guess WHAT!
We Finally arrive in ISPP (International School of Phnom Penh) in Cambodia to play in the MRISA tournament. We have spent the last 3 months together and learned to trust each other within the time period. Although it may sound really short, we have overcome the challenge, which was a lack of communication and team bond. But, you would wonder how we could come together and behave like a team.
Well, to begin with, we just needed more time to get to know each other and we just needed a bit of talk and leadership between players. 1 day before we got on a bus to Cambodia, we had a team dinner together at Scott & Beans while everyone was sitting and enjoying the meal together. It was really a good boding time together because we could discuss about everything: including basketball, girls, relationship, complains, and so on. Having a meal together gave me the opportunity to get to know each other and learn players individually. After that, we headed to a PC room and played a shooting game called, "Sudden Attack". We laughed hard and played hard as if our lives were depended on the game. After approximately an hour, we could sense how much bond and trust we have created over the last 3 months. We gathered up in a circle and began to say phrases such as, "We got this", "We gone get the champion", "We can do it". I just felt satisfied and happy for how much we have gotten together and learned to trust each other.
I talked so much about previous stories of how we overcame the challenge, rather than describing the tournament itself. To be honest, it was the best tournament and the best trip I have ever had in my entire life. On the first day, I was hosted by a guy name called, "Andre". He was very nice. I also met a friend, "Martes" who looks really good and "Hadi" who is a friendly dude who like to go out and hang out with friends. I stayed in one room with Hoy Kim and waited for the tournament to begin.
We entered the gym and everyone was there to greet us. I also met Mr.Murphy who coached our team last year. Ironically, he is now teaching in Cambodia. It's more ironic because when I was in ISHCMC we got the 2nd place because ISHCMC lost to SISS which was coached by Mr.Murphy. When I moved to SSIS, we got the championship since Mr.Murphy was around. Now, I am not sure because Mr.Murphy is now in ISPP...
During the tournament, I played hard and everyone really played hard. There were times when I disagreed with the referees and Coach Leathwod made me calm down and told me that I really need to respect the refs because there is no benefit once the whistles are blown and there is no way back. When I got mad at the refs, I stopped playing at the level at which I potentially can. I felt regretful again for making the same mistake from the last year.
Well, fortunately, we won all our games and we finally got to the championship game after the SSIS girls team won the championship against NISC. I got hyped up and the team was really excited for the match. The gym was crowded with people mostly ISPP parents and supporters. The gym was so loud to the point I just couldn't talk to my teammates during the game. Despite away court disadvantage, we want the 1st half to 23 to 14. However, I played hard and we trash talked in a friendly way because I was really closed to ISPP players. They shouted phrases such as, "You can't guard me", "I am getting the rebound", "Watch out". Of course, I enjoyed this type of competitiveness and I am willing to fight back.
However, I got in a foul trouble during which my team really needed me to stand up and play the game I am supposed to. 3 minutes before the game, I got ejected. ISPP began to catch up. About 14 seconds before the game when we were losing by 1 point, one of the ISPP guards scored a 3 pointer. Long dribbled up the ball and shoot a 3 point but the ball did not go in. JJ got the rebound and gave it back to Long again. Long shot again and he made a buzzer 3 pointer. However, we lost by 1 point. 1 Point... It was really hard to believe what just happened. Our teammates cried after the game. I just could not cry because I felt like I needed to talk to my teammates and say like, "It's alright. you guys have one more year to go and please do it for me".
However, I just could not stop crying on the way back home...
We Finally arrive in ISPP (International School of Phnom Penh) in Cambodia to play in the MRISA tournament. We have spent the last 3 months together and learned to trust each other within the time period. Although it may sound really short, we have overcome the challenge, which was a lack of communication and team bond. But, you would wonder how we could come together and behave like a team.
Well, to begin with, we just needed more time to get to know each other and we just needed a bit of talk and leadership between players. 1 day before we got on a bus to Cambodia, we had a team dinner together at Scott & Beans while everyone was sitting and enjoying the meal together. It was really a good boding time together because we could discuss about everything: including basketball, girls, relationship, complains, and so on. Having a meal together gave me the opportunity to get to know each other and learn players individually. After that, we headed to a PC room and played a shooting game called, "Sudden Attack". We laughed hard and played hard as if our lives were depended on the game. After approximately an hour, we could sense how much bond and trust we have created over the last 3 months. We gathered up in a circle and began to say phrases such as, "We got this", "We gone get the champion", "We can do it". I just felt satisfied and happy for how much we have gotten together and learned to trust each other.
I talked so much about previous stories of how we overcame the challenge, rather than describing the tournament itself. To be honest, it was the best tournament and the best trip I have ever had in my entire life. On the first day, I was hosted by a guy name called, "Andre". He was very nice. I also met a friend, "Martes" who looks really good and "Hadi" who is a friendly dude who like to go out and hang out with friends. I stayed in one room with Hoy Kim and waited for the tournament to begin.
We entered the gym and everyone was there to greet us. I also met Mr.Murphy who coached our team last year. Ironically, he is now teaching in Cambodia. It's more ironic because when I was in ISHCMC we got the 2nd place because ISHCMC lost to SISS which was coached by Mr.Murphy. When I moved to SSIS, we got the championship since Mr.Murphy was around. Now, I am not sure because Mr.Murphy is now in ISPP...
During the tournament, I played hard and everyone really played hard. There were times when I disagreed with the referees and Coach Leathwod made me calm down and told me that I really need to respect the refs because there is no benefit once the whistles are blown and there is no way back. When I got mad at the refs, I stopped playing at the level at which I potentially can. I felt regretful again for making the same mistake from the last year.
Well, fortunately, we won all our games and we finally got to the championship game after the SSIS girls team won the championship against NISC. I got hyped up and the team was really excited for the match. The gym was crowded with people mostly ISPP parents and supporters. The gym was so loud to the point I just couldn't talk to my teammates during the game. Despite away court disadvantage, we want the 1st half to 23 to 14. However, I played hard and we trash talked in a friendly way because I was really closed to ISPP players. They shouted phrases such as, "You can't guard me", "I am getting the rebound", "Watch out". Of course, I enjoyed this type of competitiveness and I am willing to fight back.
However, I got in a foul trouble during which my team really needed me to stand up and play the game I am supposed to. 3 minutes before the game, I got ejected. ISPP began to catch up. About 14 seconds before the game when we were losing by 1 point, one of the ISPP guards scored a 3 pointer. Long dribbled up the ball and shoot a 3 point but the ball did not go in. JJ got the rebound and gave it back to Long again. Long shot again and he made a buzzer 3 pointer. However, we lost by 1 point. 1 Point... It was really hard to believe what just happened. Our teammates cried after the game. I just could not cry because I felt like I needed to talk to my teammates and say like, "It's alright. you guys have one more year to go and please do it for me".
However, I just could not stop crying on the way back home...
I would like to end my last high school basketball season by leaving a few words.
Thank you all my teammates for being together and getting to know each other. It was really tough to open up our hearts in the beginning but now we are so closed and willing to share everything we can.
Thank you Coach Leathwood for allowing me to grow up as a better person and make me learn how to respect others. I really appreciate your time and effort for the team and I would like to say "thank you" to you. It was a really good season coming up from the ground. It was a challenging life experience as well as learning chances for my life. I will miss this season for sure and I will miss the coach and the teammates.
Thank you all my teammates for being together and getting to know each other. It was really tough to open up our hearts in the beginning but now we are so closed and willing to share everything we can.
Thank you Coach Leathwood for allowing me to grow up as a better person and make me learn how to respect others. I really appreciate your time and effort for the team and I would like to say "thank you" to you. It was a really good season coming up from the ground. It was a challenging life experience as well as learning chances for my life. I will miss this season for sure and I will miss the coach and the teammates.
Self Evaluation
Q1. Would you propose this project to your fellow students as a valuable CAS experience? Why or why not?
I personally really recommend this activity to my all friends. To begin with, as you already have noticed, playing basketball is not just about drilling a ball and scoring it. Rather, it involves learning, teamwork, trust, respect, and punctuality. I swear I have learned more life lessons from playing basketball than from any other experiences in my life. I really recommend everyone to join basketball or if not any other sports because it will be memorable. Your teammates and your coaches and more... I am really glad that I had an opportunity to participate in basketball and create such memories in high school.
Q2. How does this project fit into the "Spirit of CAS?"
This project fits into the category of “Action”. Basically, through basketball, a sport, I need to prove to others that I am capable of scoring and passing through physically moving my body. The goal also requires many reflective thoughts as well. For example, I need to think about how to behave and conduct my behavior on the court and even off the court as a basketball player. Also, I have gone through "challenges and endurance . For example, when I was injured in my knee, I tried to stay strong although I was not sure whether I could play anymore. I endured the hard time and eventually it paid off as I was getting back to my healthy state.