by Anushka Bharadwaj, 9 IGCSE

GIIS Hawks - the U-16 girls basketball team were back at it again - this time proving their capabilities in the top-notch category at the Asia Pacific Tournament which concluded in October 2018.

Punching above their weight, the girls team competed with U-18 teams at the tournament, winning two games in the Group A pool in which they were placed alongside teams like Dubai, Indonesia and Singapore. The team, whose sole aim was to  compete, learn and get more international exposure, ended up winning against Indonesia and Shanghai Stallions - a team with whome they played a special match. 

The team kicked off the tournament with a high note competing against mighty Dubai College team and displaying great Basketball techniques which re-affirmed team’s confidence on its abilities. The team competed with the formidable Indonesia team, known for its aggressive and rough play. Relying on clever tactics taught by coach Anirudh Gautam, the team proved to be better than the Indonesians. 

GIIS Hawks went on to play Shanghai Stallion. Shanghai team was probably the best supported with cheers from their fellow boys’ team member, parents, support staff etc. But the girls decided to play aggressive, and pulled off another victory despite some classy basketball by Shanghai Stallion, and some gritty play by the Hawks. 

The team's two wins went on to encourage them to do better next time and possibly win the tournament.