The Wells International School basketball program was busy this past week, participating in six end-of-season basketball tournaments and reaching the final game in all but two of them – more than any other TISAC school – which resulted in two championships and two runner-up finishes.
The Under 15 Boys team added to their list of achievements with another impressive performance on Tuesday at Bangkok Prep. Though undefeated in pool play, the Seahawks did face a stiff challenge from the Eagles of ASB, winning on a buzzer-beating basket to win by just two points. In the championship game, also against ASB, the final outcome was still in question halfway through the 2nd period when Wells surged ahead behind two consecutive scores by (including a three-pointer) by freshman reserve Thapadit “Oxygen” Suksakorn. With a bit of breathing room, Wells’ signature pressure-defense was able to suppress any ASB, holding on for the team’s second tournament trophy of the season.
Wells’ second championship came two days later, in the friendly confines of Wells gymnasium, as the Senior Boys gave Wells its first-ever tournament trophy at the senior level. In round-robin pool play, Wells was dominated by the Lions from BCIS. However, convincing wins over teams from Bangkok Prep, St. Stephen’s and KIS gave the Senior Seahawks one final chance to redeem themselves against the defending TISAC-champion Lions. Refusing to squander such an opportunity, the Seahawks tightened their defensive stance, subduing the potent Lion offense and forcing a low-scoring game. BCIS was able to power its way through to put Wells in a hole by as much as 5 points late in the 2nd half. However, the Seahawks capitalized on several costly turnovers and eventually overtook the Lions to take a 3 point lead with less than one minute to play. Then, once again, Wells’ full-court press proved to be the winning strategy, as it prevented BCIS from crossing mid-court for most of the final minute of the game.
Wells’ Girls Basketball Program also performed admirably, reaching the championship games in both the Under 13s and Under 15s divisions. However, fatigue took its toll in both cases with the Lady Seahawks settling for two 2nd Place finishes.
The Under 11s team also played this week, winning its first 3 games, but falling in its final 3 games, including the semi-final and consolation final games to finish in 4th Place. And the Under 13 Boys played on Wednesday, falling to both the eventual champions from KIS and the tournament runner-up from BCIS.
The fall basketball season concludes with league championship games versus group winners in each division. Wells teams won their groups for the Under 13 Boys, Under 15 Boys, Under 15 Girls, and Senior Boys. Wells Senior Girls team had already clinched the single-group league championship two weeks ago.
