The Value of Speed and Precision

Hualien, Taiwan – October 15, 2011

Camerababy Elite Basketball Team faced Yulong Luxgen in their fourth game in the HPB Tournament. It was clear from the start that the game would be difficult fight in terms of scoring. The defense was watertight on both sides. The match ended up with 78-70, an 8-point victory for the Camerababy Elite. This win had secured their spot for the semi-final of the tournament.

“I was worry about the stamina of our players” commented Coach Johnson. “It was the fourth game we played in three days, and we could only play nine players because Travis Taylor’s injured finger forced him to sit out.”

The Camerababy Elite managed to score first but Yulong Luxgen's outstanding offensive rotation stretched the Camerababy Elite's defensive line. Both teams remain very actively engaged in the game. The Camerababy Elite then attempted to attack aggressively. However, Yulong Luxgen's strong defense and rebound reflexes made it challenging for the Camerababy Elite. Only Clifford's blocks and Davis' steals managed to put the Camerababy Elite into the lead by merely two points at the end of first quarter.

Davis' steals continued to aid the team in the second quarter. However, scoring remained difficult for both teams as both strengthened their defense. Daniels remained a consistent scorer through the game but Lathan's swift maneuvers under the board that worked well in the previous games were rendered impotent here due to a knee bruise and it made him sat out for the rest of the game. By the end of the quarter, Yulong Luxgen was leading by mere one point.

There was a shift in strategy for the Camerababy Elite in the third quarter. Jamaal Smith led the team forward with his lightning-fast speed. Smith's smooth steals battered Yulong Luxgen's advances. He then proceeded to churn out three consecutive three-point shots which put the team in the lead and sent the audience ecstatic. Smith had scored 14 points without missing a shot this quarter.

At this point it was clear that for the Camerababy Eltie, close combat under the board was futile. Speed and precision were the key to counter Yulong Luxgen. Ginty then was called upon and he put the team another six points forward by his precise three pointers. Smith then continued to lead the team in advances. Yulong Luxgen remained a tough opponent. However, the gap between the two teams was building up and the Camerababy Elite finished the game winning 78-70.

Everyone of the team looked short on stamina at this match except Jamaal Smith. His superior performance helped the team to win this tough battle. Smith was the only player who scored in double digits of the team. He had 34 points with 77% shooting percentage, and 100% on the line.

“Just two more games to go, and then we will drink the champagne,” said Coach Johnson. “Two of our players had injured today. However, we will not lose our confidence because of it. We will keep fighting ‘til the end.”