23 July 2007 The final showdown between SMK Confucian and SMK Yu Hua in the High School Basketball League (HSBL) finals saw fierce competition and display of skills from both teams vying for the title as the ultimate Champion.

Both teams were determined to outdo each other, flaunting their talents, showcasing their ability to dribble and pass to score points. Each pass and point scored was countered by an offensive counter attack. However the opponent proved too strong for Yu Hua when they were vanquished with a victory to SMK Confucian on 60 to 42 point game.

SMK Yu Hua showed tremendous effort and determination against the reputable, national junior basketball players of SMK Confucian. Though competed without their skipper, Loh Shee Fai the team demonstrated their dominance on court and triumphed in a landslide victory, nabbing the grand prize of RM150,000 scholarship from SEGi College, cash prize of RM1500, a pair of basketball shoes, a medal and a championship trophy.

In one of the local paper, Loh mentioned that he was very happy with the victory achieved by his compatriots despite his absence to support the team during the finals. However he was happy at the thought of being able to pursue his tertiary education in Information Technology at SEGi College.

Runner up, Yu Hua is the Hulu Langat Schools’ district champions. Although lost to Confucian, Yu Hua were rewarded with cash prize of RM1000, SEGi Scholarship worth RM100,000, and a pair of basketball shoes, a medal and trophy.

Despite all the attention and focus of the competition was on the championship battle, the semi-finals between SMK Sri Kembangan versus SMK Batu 8 witnessed a very praiseworthy battle between both teams. The fierce competition saw both teams colliding head to head in show of talents and also tally of points.

After a nervous match, SMK Seri Kembangan proved the stronger of the both emerging as winners, defeating SMK Batu 8 with a victory of 56 to 45. Though defeated, the determination and sportsmanship of Batu 8 was commendable. Batu 8 lost in a huge disappointment of 26 to 52 by SMK Yu Hua in the Quarter Final match earlier.

HSBL is proudly sponsored by SEGi College to develop young talents and basketball players throughout Malaysia. Launched by YB Datuk Hoh Hee Lee, Balakong assemblyman and President of Selangor Basketball Association earlier this year the basketball league is designed to give top-notch non-professional basketball players the chance to scratch their competitive itch.

“The goal of having the HSBL is to raise the standard of basketball among our young Malaysians. Besides, this is also a way to create a healthier society through sports,” said Lee Kok Cheng, Lee Kok Cheng, Chief Operating Officer of SEGi International Bhd and the Principal of SEGi College, Malaysia.  

When asked, Lee explained, “It is our social obligation as responsible corporate citizens to contribute back to society through events such as this to promote a healthier society and to award talented youngsters.”

HSBL provides non-professional, competitive athletes with the means necessary to play and compete against other players in four different locations and venues which are Klang, Cheras, Petaling Jaya and Subang.

“I understand that the HSBL received overwhelming participation from a total of 40 teams vying for the championship title in a 13 week league. The target set for this first project was a mere 20 teams. I think that this is a good start towards garnering students’ participation and interest in competing in sports at the same time preventing unproductive activities,” he added.

Overwhelming response and participation has prompted the organisers to plan for a future HSBL. They have started underlying new rules and regulations for a coming 2008 HSBL championship.

For more information about SEGi College and to keep abreast with the upcoming events of the college, please refer to www.segi.edu.my or call SEGi College, Malaysia (03-6145 1777), Subang Jaya (03-86001888), Kuala Lumpur (03-20702078), Petaling Jaya (03-78757118), Penang (04-2633888), Sarawak (082-252566), email to askme@segi.edu.my.