Seahawk boys pick up big win against Ekamai International School
On Nut – In a classic match-up of David versus Goliath, the Wells Under 15 Boys basketball team successfully defended the home court by topping BISAC powerhouse Ekamai International School, 48-43 in overtime.
Despite towering over their hosts, the visitors were unable to contain the well-balanced shooting of the smaller but quicker Seahawks. Behind the strong play and leadership of team captain Kevin Yuan, gr. 8, and the outside sharp-shooting of forward Harjas Anandsongvit, gr. 9, and guard Jim, gr. 9, the home team effectively implemented their signature swarming defense that forced their opponent to take a number of rushed, low-percentage shots.
At the onset of the game, Wells jumped out to an early lead, taking advantage of Ekamai turnovers and miscues, as well as the surprisingly strong rebounding of center Joon Lee, gr. 9. However, EIS flexed its muscles behind BISAC MVP Songvit, gr. 9, to take the lead into half-time, 19-17.
The visitors stretched their lead to as many as six points midway through the second half as foul trouble forced the Seahawks to go to their bench for back up. However, a string of points to start off the fourth quarter by Kevin and power forward Van, gr. 8, kept the resilient Seahawks within striking distance.
Then, with less than two minutes in the game and down by one, basketball rookie Jack, gr. 9, was fouled under the Seahawk basket, putting him in a high pressure situation at the charity stripe. After missing his first shot, Jack sunk his second shot to tie the game, much to the delight of the screaming home crowd. Another Ekamai foul and a free throw by Kevin put the Seahawks in the lead for the first time since the first quarter. However, the visiting team showed some resilience of its own to tie the game in the closing seconds of regulation time, 37-37.
In overtime, the Seahawks struck first with another outside jumper by Harjas. Then, after Ekamai tied the score again at 41-41, a free throw and a couple of quick scores put the Seahawks up 46-43 going into the final seconds of the game. However, it was a crucial rebound by Jack at center and two foul shots by guard Jim that placed the proverbial stone on the sling. And as the buzzer sounded, the giant had fallen.
The Seahawk scorers were led by Kevin with a game-high 17 points, followed by Jim with 12 points. EIS was led by Apisith with 12 points.
Wells resumes its TISAC league-play with several home and away games against Keerapat, Rasami, and Bangkok Prep on October 14 and 15.
