BASKETBALL: LIONS CLOSING IN ON PERFECT RECORD

The North School Lions fired their way to a 6-0 record in their International Schools Series as they defeated the TASIS Royals 89-79 in a hard-fought contest that puts them two wins away from a clean sweep.

The game started at a fast pace with both teams pushing the tempo, but it was TASIS who held a slender 15-14 lead midway through the first quarter.

The Lions responded by ramping up their defensive pressure and it forced five quick turnovers from their opponents. Lions captain Harvey KempGreen took full advantage of the extra possessions as he poured in 10 points to spark a 16-5 run that gave his team a 30-20 lead. The second quarter saw the Lions continue to control the game with their defensive intensity and it allowed them to show the depth of their offensive firepower. The Lions saw seven different players on the score sheet as they went into the halftime break with a 51-32 lead. In the third quarter TASIS hit back to back 3-point baskets to cut the lead to 15 (53-38). The Lions aggressive play on the break saw them force their opponents into foul trouble; however a flurry of missed free throws prevented them from extending their lead.

TASIS were unable to capitalise as Oakley Rigby and Arthur Mazeli dominated the defensive boards for the home team and the Royals found themselves trailing 67-51 with one quarter togo.

In the final quarter, TASIS battled to keep themselves in the game as they switched to a disruptive zone press and they cut the Lions lead to 10 (71-61) with three made 3-point baskets. The Lions maintained their poise as the tenacious defence of Roshan Thakali forced two steals and rookie guard Tom Chambers showed his creative skill, registering four points and three assists to help close out a dominant team performance with a 79-69 win.

James Liall was a huge spark off of the bench in his best game since returning from injury with eight points on 57% shooting and seven rebounds.

He said: “The support of my team-mates and coaching staff gave me a lot of confidence and I was pleased to put up solid numbers.”

Kemp-Green led the Lions in scoring with 22 points to go with seven rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Next up is a home and away series against ASL Eagles which will determine whether the Lions can claim a perfect record in their International Schools Series for the first time.