Author: JuEun Song ('25)
Photo Courtesy of JuEun Song
The time that all the basketball players, coaches, and fans have been waiting for arrived! IISSAC Basketball, an excellent opportunity for students to showcase their skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship, was nothing short of remarkable and enthralling as both players and fans anticipated. Leading up to the tournament, the BAIS Times interviewed the players and coaches regarding their goals, excitements, obstacles, and methods of overcoming the challenges.
BAIS has been a part of the Basketball IISSAC conference for many years. And this year, Basketball IISSAC was hoasted at Mountain View Christian School in Salatiga from February 24th to the 26th.
Starting with the very competitive tryouts for the IISSAC team, the Basketball season drived out to be very competitive with a clear goal to win in IISSAC.
Photo Courtesy of JuEun Song
Reinner Lokanata ’24, the co-captain of the Boys Basketball team, said, “Our goal for this Basketball season is to win the IISSAC banner and perform our best throughout the season so that hopefully we can also do good in the local competitions.”
Emily Stanford ‘23, the co-captain of the girls basketball team, also shared her goals regarding winning at IISSAC.
“I want more people to get comfy with shooting. Our goal is to play at the level or above our level, even under pressure. This year, out of all the years, this is the strongest team, so my expectation is to do the best we’ve done, better than the years before which was 3rd place.”
It is every player’s dream to bring home the first-place banner. And the goal of victory comes out to be an excellent motivation to train hard and not give up. The Girls and Boys Basketball team has been working hard to prepare for the games at IISSAC.
Joy Saputra ‘ 25 said, “ The training and the conditionings are challenging and tiring. But it pushes us to become a better athlete and a better teammate that can contribute to the team.”
The Girls Basketball team has a two-hour practice four times a week. They have reported to the BAIS Times that, at times, they get cramps and muscle pains after the practice, but they appreciate the work and the training the coaches provide because they have witnessed their growth in stamina throughout the season.
In addition to the Girls team, the Boys team worked hard too. They ran sprints on the soccer field and swam in the swimming pool to condition themselves for the games at IISSAC.
The Girls and the Boys teams players have also shown their motivation by practicing outside their mandatory practice times. Players often meet on Sunday afternoons to practice individual skills, and their drive for basketball led to an opportunity to compete in a local competition.
Photo Courtesy of The Replay Tournament
The Replay tournament hosted over the winter break shows the students’ dedication to this basketball season. Students and teachers sacrificed their time over the break to come together to compete in this tournament. building more game experiences.
As much as winning is important, knowing how to work as a team is a huge component in basketball. teamwork doesn’t just happen in a blink of an eye; it takes time and sacrifices of individuals to build good chemistry among the team members.
Anssel Nugraha ‘24 said, “ I expect us to win as a team, lose as a team, and learn as a team.”
Going through ups and downs together is what builds a team. A growth mindset and desire to learn from each others’ mistakes is critical for the team to improve throughout the season continuously.
Photo Courtesy of JuEun Song
Coach Christensen said, “Many of our players lack IISSAC competition experience, so the mental toughness and endurance to get through the tournament will be something new. But we can overcome these obstacles by playing with our whole hearts. This means that they never give up, they scrap for the ball, they fight for each possession, and they beat their opponents down the court. Basically, it’s doing what they know to do and giving it 110% effort. “
Like Coach Christensen said, giving your best is the most important. And both the Girls and the Boys team played their hardest during basketball season.
Coach Alvin said about the Boy’s team, “The players have gotten much better, each player worked very hard and has a big desire to improve.”
The players have learned a lot through this season. Compared to the first several games at the beginning of the season, they can now communicate and work better as a team.
“Winning doesn't always mean being first. Winning means you're doing better than you've ever done before."-Bonnie Blair.
Photo Courtesy of Ms. Bethany Christensen
Looking back on the season after IISSAC, the Girls and Boys teams each achieved their goals. Both teams developed skills, improved communication, and forged meaningful relationships with teammates. Plus, coming in 1st and 2nd place, it is hard to say the BAIS Basketball Boys and Girls were anything short of successful.
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