ISACK U13 Boys Volleyball
TES 2 - 1 NES
The boys remain undefeated in their volleyball, after a victory away from home against NES. TES started very poorly against in the final league game of the season; NES took advantage and raced to a 9-1 lead in the set. The boys were not playing an attacking style and were too flat footed. Towards the end of the set they started to compete a lot more, however they never really got close after the poor start and lost it 25-14. Set 2 was a lot better from the boys, making less errors and starting to be more actively on the court. TES got off to a fast start this time. The second set was very one-sided with TES dominating, resulting in a scoreline of 25-9. In the deciding set TES started well again and were leading 7-4, however NES fought back and took an 8-7 lead at the turnaround. Each team traded points and were capitalising on errors before TES finally managed to string a few points together and win the set (15-11) and match 2-1. A good finish to the season for the boys who have won every league game heading into the semi-finals in the week beginning April 23rd.
ISACK U13 Girls Basketball
TES 29 - 28 NES
Well what a match up this was! Anyone spectating would have thought they were watching the final. The intensity and determination displayed by both teams was fantastic to see, showcasing that girls sport really is on the rise.
We started the game really well, sinking two baskets early on. The remainder of the first quarter was then very balanced, with both teams making great drives for the basket, but equally, making many turnovers and interceptions, on account of sloppy passing in places. TES were the more disciplined team, showing great formation on offense and swinging the ball looking for space effectively. But unfortunately, we made one pass too many far too often, and the NES girls picked up on this, making great interceptions and scoring from them. The score at the end of the first quarter was 12-9 NES.
The second quarter was even more intense than the first - just looking at the parents’ reactions gave that away! Our girls were dominant, creating more chances than NES and efficient on attack this time. But the baskets wouldn’t come, despite numerous shots, lay-ups and effective rebounding. Everyone in the TES camp was in distress. Eventually our luck changed, and baskets went in one after the other. NES rarely entered our half and when they did, were quickly closed down by incredible TES defense who then turned the game around. At half-time, the score was 16-15 in favour of TES. The third quarter continued at the same intensity as the second, with TES once again being the team more in control. We were attacking much more efficiently and were fantastic on rebounds. The girls really did give it their all and despite numerous attempts by NES to score, our girls continued to close them down quickly and apply enough pressure to turn the ball over. The score after the 3rd quarter now reflected our game - 22-17 to TES with just 10 more minutes to play. We started off the fourth quarter poorly and NES were the dominant side. Within five minutes, they had not only closed the two point gap we had built, but also managed to sneak 3 points ahead! It then became nip and tuck with both teams giving it their all, in a desperate attempt to win this game. With just 50 seconds left in the game, NES were leading 28-27. A time-out was called and pleas for just one final basket were made. Off they went, driving hard at the basket, but nothing came from it. NES counter attacked, but our defense proved too much. The ball went out for a sideline - now came our chance, and we took it - with 15 seconds left on the clock, Zeina scored the basket we needed; 29-28 to TES! But NES came charging back down the court - they were not going to give up. With 6 seconds left they fired the shot...it missed! Courtesy of some fantastic rebounding, we cleared the ball out of play as the final buzzer went! Elation filled the sports hall as TES won in what can only be described as a nail biting game! Commiserations to our opponents who pushed us all the way, but on the day, the grit and determination our girls showed once again, was just too much! A fantastic game, earning us home advantage in the semi-final, pending official confirmation.