HKSBP North Zone 2010

Cagers won their 8th North Zone Championship in Sg. Petani. Although it was more of an iron man contest rather than a basketball tournament, the Cagers breezed through all their games.  The Cagers showed they are a class above all SBPs in North Zone. However, they broke their 'Janji Keris' and they owed me 10 rounds of suicide.

Overall, the Cagers showed they are back with vengeance. They outran, out-hustled and  outlasted everybody.  They were still playing at full speed when their opponents were coasting.  All the games were played with 7 minutes nonstop (around 5 minutes total playing time) per quarter. The results as follow:

Friday
vs SBPI Kubang Pasu  88 - 18

The Cagers started nervously. They regained the composure and started pressing the SBPI Kubang Pasu.  First team played for a quarter and the second team took over.

vs SMS Pokok Sena  100 - 10

The Cagers started well after overcoming the early tournament jitters. They played well to limit Saina's offence while hitting their shots. First team played for a quarter and second team played the rest. The biggest score in the tournament despite playing a total of 28 minutes.

vs SBPI Gopeng  65 - 12

Cagers continued their superb performance and still playing at full speed despite having played 2 games in the morning.  First team hardly played at all.

vs SMSTSS  50 - 23
Finally Cagers were slowed down, not by the opponents but by rain. It was raining and the Cagers could use their speed advantage.  Luckily the shots were falling in and SMSTSS also having difficulties in playing in the rain.

Saturday
vs SERATAS 43 - 4

SERATAS tried to intimidate the Cagers by playing tough basketball.  They used their body, especially the legs, to slow down the Cagers.  Their basketball teacher was heard shouting to the players 'to give it' to the Cagers.  The Cagers responded by showing they also can give it too.

vs SMS Kepala Batas 49 - 2
Kepala Batas is a new school and the players are not ready for this tournament.

Sunday
Semifinal vs SMS TSPutra  85 - 23

SMSTSP lost their final grouping match to STAR and they have to face the Cagers in the semi.  The Cagers managed to contain the SMSTSP players well by playing a variety of defensive styles. The Cagers also managed to execute the offensive game efficiently.

Final vs STAR 50 - 10
Anti climax! STAR couldn't offer any resistance at all. Their players were tired after playing a tough semifinal against SMSTSS an hour before the final.  The Cagers cruised all the way! The first team hardly played.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank MCOBA Northern Chapter for their wonderful hospitality. The College administrator for the support in our training activities.

1. Sdr Abuzar (thank you for the lovely lunch for the whole contigent),
2. Sdr. Fauzi 75(for the mineral waters and presence), 
3. Sdr Ermal 89 (for the mineral waters, bananas and presence thru out), 
4. my fellow batchmates Ridzuan 80, Khalil Raba 80 and Ajoi 80
5. Dr Salehin and family
6. Azran 96 and family
7. M 07 and Azim 09

ps;

I was in Muar for the South Zone, especially to see Adik playing for STF (She did well and STF beat TKC 52 - 26 to win the South Zone).  SDAR won against MOZAC.  SDAR played well and they will be the favorite in Pasir Putih.  SMS Kuching will have problems defending their title.  SDAR point guard was the MVP and he deserved it. He played well, cutting in and feeding their tall players. Zainuddin of SMS Kuching will have problems containing him.  Hambali also played well and will create problems for Abg Elna of SMS Kuching.  MOZAC couldn't keep the intensity going to the end, SDAR cruised all the way.  Pasir Putih going to be interesting!

East Coast SESMA beat SMS TMFaris Putra 53 - 51, Central SEMASHOR won against SBPI Gombak.  Looks like the same teams will be in Pasir Putih.  Cagers! it will be REDEMPTION time.

Is this basketball or Iron man contest?

Received the North Zone schedule from Sir. Kesian budak-budak SBP.  Cagers kena main 4 games during the first day, 2 games the second day. Remember the North Zone 2004 at SEMESTI??

Lagi kesian; the girls, 2nd semifinal at 8:30 am and final at 9:30 am.

KUMP A (GEL'B' M.JIWA) :

X1 – MCKK,

X2 – SERATAS,

X3 – SMS K Batas,

X4 – SAINA ,

X5 – SBPI  Gopeng,

X6 – SMSTSSS,

X7 – SBPI Kubang Pasu.

12 March

8.00 pg : Cagers  vs SBPI Kubang Pasu;

10.00 pg : Cagers vs SAINA;

2.40 ptg : Cagers vs SBPI Gopeng;

4.40 ptg : Cagers vs SMSTSSS.

13 March

 8.00 pg : Cagers vs SERATAS

10.00 pg : Cagers  vs SMS K Batas.

14 March (GEL 'B' Lelaki; GEL 'A' P'puan)

 7.30 pg S/F 1 ( L & P );

 8.30 pg S/F 2  ( L & P ).

FINAL di GEL'A' SMJK SIN MIN :

(P) 9.30 pg.

(L) 10.30 pg.

P/S: It is a b/ball marathon tournament! 'MAD & CRAZY’!  No problem at all for Cagers! These types of competition schedules will certainly do more harm than good for this sport! So long there are 'jokers', particularly those teachers regardless of their origin of race, who still fail to understand and believe the noble vision/mission of basketball, i.e.to promote racial integration & harmony, its future development in SBP is deemed to be bleak!

Cameron Highlands II, Feb 2010

The Cagers were in Cameron as a part of fine tuning their training programs. 3 games were arranged with the local team.  Even though the Cagers lost all their games, they showed tremendous improvements.  It will be difficult for a SBP team to beat the Cagers if they keep on improving according to their training schedule.  Hopefully they will play up to their standard in the Regionals.

On the bright side of the trip, the Junior Cagers won all their games.  Their outlasted all their opponents and showed good potential for the future.

The Junior Cagers lining up against SMK Kg. Raja

Against Ringlet U 18

The Juniors in action against Kg. Raja

Group photo

The Cagers in red against Kg Raja U-18 selection

Strategy from Coach

The Juniors in action against Ringlet U-15

The Form 3, 2010

Blocking out bigger opponents

Kalah but still happy!

Mingling with local boys

Notes from Sir:

Though Cagers lost their games: Cagers-Ringlet Selection (U-18) (62-73); Cagers-Kg Raja Selection (U-18) (62-79); Cagers-Ringlet (rematch) (68-72), I'm very pleased with their performance! Despite the fact that Ringlet'd reinforced with another last yr U-18 Pahang state player in the rematch, Cagers're able to put up a good fight till the last qtr. They could walk out of the the court proudly with their heads high! The present cagers know too well that I haven't praised them for a long time. Hardly I could remember when was the last time I had ever uttered a word of praise for them. Routinely what they've got from me are the yellings and scoldings. Now I'm ever willing to praise them loudly, proudly and openly without any reservations! Not too many 'outsiders' are truly aware that how much time and effort thus far that all of you've sacrificed and are now still following the grueling training schedules daily! As your coach, believe me, each drop of your sweats, tears and even blood at times are well rewarded by your excellent performance in the recent 3-losing games! Believe me too, we are at the right path of redemption and 'return to victory' (R2V, appears to be so familiar in sight, though someone had foolishly discarded it). Let's work together with full commitment and dedication as I'm ready to quest for the glory only for the Cagers of The Malay College Kuala Kangsar in June 2010!

X Country 2010 Results.

Cagers were involved in the X Country this morning. The results:

Senior : 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 .....

Juniors: 1, 2, 6, 7, 10, 12, 13, 15,.....

Congratulations Cagers. The Keris' Runs helped!

The Seniors 2010

The Cagers SixTen

CNY Camp 2010

The Cagers had their annual CNY Camp in KK this year. A total of 28 boys stayed back and sacrificed their holidays. Aggressive offense and defence was the theme for the Camp.  The Cagers were introduced to aggressive plays.  

As apart of physical fitness program, they were also brought to the Keris. They ran 16 rounds or about 45 minutes twice during the Camp.

Bob 04, Cepe 05, GTo 05, Jae 08, Justin 08, Luqman 08, Starmy 08 and Syai 09 came to provide the opposition for the Cagers.  They were overwhelmed by the Cagers.

A brief discussion after the Pau Picnic by the river

The Captain getting the Satay sauce, sponsored by Sir for the CNY Dinner

The Cagers after 16 rounds, still looking eager for more.

The Cagers after the Dinner

Cagers 2010 - 2014

The Form 1 2010.

Q-4-G 7th AGM

From Left: Riza Beg (Q-4-G President), Mr. Liew (Coach), Cikgu Jimmy (Manager)

The attendees

The attendees

The attendees and in attendance

The Quest-4-Glory Club had the 7th annual general meeting on the 25th January 2010.  The President, Riza Beg '76, Coach Mr. Liew, Manager Cikgu Jimmy '91, Coordinator 80' and family attended the meeting together with Cagers 2010.

Cagers were reminded to put in a different approach to their trainings after a disastrous 2009.  They have to double up their effort and commitments, especially the Form 5s.  They have to redeem themselves to regain the glory and the trophy back to KK.

President helped the Cagers to identify their problems and  steps to overcome it.  Hopefully the session will help them to be committed and focussed during their trainings.

PHT Champions

Piala Hamdan Tahir
Tahun	JOHAN	NAIB JOHAN
1974	SDAR	RMC
1975	SDAR	RMC
1976	SDAR	RMC
1977	MCKK	RMC
1978	RMC	MCKK
1979	MCKK	RMC
1980	RMC	SMS Selangor
1981	MCKK	RMC
1982	MCKK	RMC
1983	MCKK	RMC
1984	SMS Selangor	MCKK
1985	MCKK	SDAR
1986	RMC	SDAR
1987	RMC	MCKK
1988	SMS Selangor	STAR
1989	SMS Tg. Abdullah	SMS Selangor
1990	SDAR	SMS Labuan
1991	SDAR	SAS
1992	MCKK	RMC
1993	MCKK	SAS
1994	RMC	MCKK
1995	SAS	RMC
1996	SMS Tg. Abdullah	SMS Dungun
1997	SMS Dungun	SMS Lahad Datu
1998- 1999 no tournament
2000	SMS S. Ahmad Shah	SMS Dungun
2001	SMS Dungun	SMS S. Ahmad Shah
2002	SMS S. Ahmad Shah	SMS Dungun
2003	SMS S. Ahmad Shah	SMS Dungun
2004	MCKK	SESMA
2005	MCKK	SMS Tg Faris Petra
2006	MCKK	SMS Machang
2007	MCKK	SMS Seremban
2008	MCKK	SMS S. Muzaffar Shah
2009	SMS Kuching	SDAR

3-on-3 Hoops Station in USJ

Training in SS18 court

Photos from Ikram Badar

We sent 4 teams to play in the 3-on-3 tournament hosted by Hoops Station in the Summit, USJ.  2 teams lost in the first round. The Form Four team lost in the second round and one team lost in the quarter final.

It was a good exposure for the Cagers. They learnt to play aggressively against bigger opponents.  Hopefully they would not be scared when facing aggressive opponents in the future.

Photos will be posted later.

Year End Camp pics

The Cagers enjoying themselves at the New Year Dinner @ Benteng

The Cagers sharing the New Year's resolutions

The Cagers reminiscing the 2009

The Honourable Member of MCOBA gets his MCOBA tie

I Remember When...

I Remember When...

The all-Malay basketball team was a crowd favourite

NST 2010/01/03

Liew Yong Choon is the first Chinese to be inducted into the Malay College Old Boys Association (MCOBA) and with it, the privilege to wear the college tie. Why? The police officer spent a lifetime training the MCKK boys play basketball. ARMAN AHMAD finds out what drove him

MY story begins back in 1974 when I met a boy in Kuala Kangsar. He was desperately trying to make a phone call to his hometown. His name was Abdul Aziz Salleh. He was a first former at the Malay College Kuala Kangsar.

I was waiting to use the phone as well. But Aziz was in a bit of a hurry. He told me that he needed to be back at school before 4pm.

Since he was running late, I told him that I would send him over on my Vespa.

On the way to the college, we chatted a bit. I knew some of his teachers, who were my friends. I asked him what sports he played. He mentioned basketball.

At the time, I was 26, and teaching economics and accounting at a school in Taiping. I had graduated from University of Malaya with a degree in economics a few years earlier.

Liew Yong Choon reading his letter of acceptance into MCOBA

My friend Tan Chan Thaing, a physics teacher, was in charge of the basketball team. He knew I was a state player. When I asked him for permission to train the boys, he readily agreed.

Together with Tan, I selected a team and put them on a regimented training programme. The boys in the 1974 Cagers included Riza Amarullah Beg, Aznir Malek, Raja Azman Shah, Samsuri Sawari, Hasnol, Halim Hussain, Hasman Yusri, Ikmal Hakimi, Ramlan Aziz, Rozlan, Md Johari, Wahid Tahir and Burhanuddin.

I started training the first formers but as time went on, the senior team joined in.

I soon realised that many of them had talent. They picked up the game fast, even though they were at a disadvantage compared with their Chinese counterparts who began playing from primary school. In those days, basketball was rarely played by Malay boys.

Despite their lack of experience, the MCKK boys were disciplined, dedicated and outstandingly committed. They were obedient and willing to learn.

I was intrigued. At first, I taught them on a voluntary basis, but later I became deeply involved with the team.

In 1975, I joined the police force, as an ASP cadet officer.

Although I was stationed in Kuala Lumpur, I still coached the team, returning to Kuala Kangsar during my days off .

Almost all of my holidays were spent training the boys. I was a familiar sight at the east wing basketball court in those days, although I was not a teacher or officially engaged by anybody to coach the Cagers.

It took me three years to get them up to mark, but they finally became champions -- winning the Tun Hamdan Tahir Cup in 1977.

The MCKK Cagers in action during a match in Kluang in 1988.

From then on, the MCKK Cagers became a formidable force. They were respected and feared by the teams not only from boarding schools but also from other schools in Perak.

The boys were a crowd favourite as well. We organised a lot of friendly matches with the locals to get them well prepared.

I would bring the boys into Chinese areas in Perak. Places like Liman Kati and Kampung Station in Kuala Kangsar, Jelapang, Menglembu, Setiawan, Bercham, Pulau Pangkor, Pokok Asam and Manjung.

Wherever they went, the team attracted crowds. The Chinese residents would wonder whether the Malay boys could play good basketball. There were a lot of Malay boys playing football those days. But basketball?

Through basketball, the MCKK players started to interact with other races. There were days when local Chinese players would visit our players in their apartments after matches. They would talk about basketball, and soon enough they became friends.

You know, it is true what they say about sports being one way to make friends.

From my own experience, I saw how this game promoted racial integration and harmony.

This was what sustained me all these years -- watching how the game built ties between the races.

I took pride in bringing an all-Malay basketball team to play in predominantly Chinese areas, and watch the team become a crowd favourite.

In 1988, I was the vice-president of the Malaysia Basketball Association (MABA) and was selected as the team manager of the national team.

During this time, I had to focus all my time on training the team for the 1989 Sea Games but was rewarded when Malaysia won the gold medal. (The team won its first and only gold medal at the Sea Games.)

But when it was over, I went back to my hometown and the east wing where the basketball court was, and continued to train players.

We won again in 1992.

The MCKK Cagers have won the Tun Hamdan Tahir Cup 13 times -- in 1977, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1992, 1993, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and last year.

Last month, I was inducted as an honorary member of the Malay College Old Boys Association (MCOBA). (He is the second honorary member, and the first Chinese to be honoured and given the right to wear the college tie.)

I have a high regard for these boys, having spent three decades with them.

While their names and faces change each year, one thing doesn't change. And that is their spirit.

All the boys who have been trained by me thus far are well disciplined, committed and obedient. These qualities have given me the strength to continue coaching them for the last 30 years. They not only performed well on the court, but also excelled in their studies. I am truly proud of these budak Koleq.

Liew Yong Choon (far left) with the 1978 Cagers.

Cagers in the semifinal

Cagers made it to the semifinal of Piala Dato Seri Nazri despite losing their final game to Sauk.  Sauk team dominated the inside game due to absence of Am, Cagers' Center.  However the Cagers managed to hit 14 3-pointers.  Sauk led 40 - 32 at the half.

The Cagers changed their defensive strategy back to tight 2-1-2 zone defence to counter Sauk inside game.  The strategy worked and Sauk found it difficult to break the zone defence. The Cagers led 52 - 51 after the third quarter.  Cagers failed to keep the defensive intensity and they hurried their shots in the final quarter and surrender the lead in the last minute. Final score 66 - 70

Am was injured in the previous game and couldn't play tonight.  His absence really affected the Cagers.  Sauk team make full use of the size advantage and scored 32 points inside the paint in the first half.  The tight zone defence by the Cagers managed to nullify the size disadvantage but they could keep the intensity at the end of the game.

The Cagers will be playing in the semifinal in Sunday 27 Dec, at 7:45 pm

UPDATES:

Cagers lost their semifinal game against KK District 53 - 54.  Thay trailed by 10 points at the end of the 3rd quarter and ran out of time in the 4th quarter.  They had the ball and trailed by 1 point with 13 secs to go.  They failed to score and the whistle blew.  It was good game and the locals were impressed with the fighting spirit of the Cagers.  It was a good experience for the Cagers to play in a close game.  They will play for 3rd placing.

UPDATES 2:


Cagers won third placing in the Piala Dato Seri Nazri (KK U18 Open) beating KK team 58 - 45.  They managed to hit 10 3-pointers in the game.

A note from Mr. Liew: An Interview By NST Journalist

Mr Liew's note:

"This afternoon I was interviewed through phone by a gentleman from NST asking my involvement of basketball activities in MCKK.  Briefly, I told him that it all started way back in 1974, interestingly at a public phone booth in Kuala Kangsar.... for details please watch out this interesting article in NST later.

Anyway, I would like to highlight a few key points that I had elaborated in the said interview:

• All Cagers that have been trained by me thus far are well disciplined, committed and obedient.  These qualities have given me the strength to continue in coaching them for the last 30 over years. They not only performed in the game but they also excelled in their studies. I am truly proud of these group of 'budak Koleq'.
• All along I am harbouring a humble dream i.e. to promote racial integration and enhance national unity through basketball. Towards this end I have found a platform in coaching the Cagers in pursuing this dream.  I have to a certain extent fulfilled this simple dream mainly because the Malay College basketball team has become a crowd favourite particularly in Chinese villages/communities (Liman Kati and Kg Station in Kuala Kangsar, Sg Siput, Berchem, Mengelembu, Jawi, Subang Jaya, Seberang Jaya, Setiawan, Pulau Pangkor, and most recently Kg Raja, Tanah Rata, Ringlet and Cameron Highlands.)
• With the full cooperation and support rendered to me by The College and its Pengetua, PIBG and its President/Exco, MCOBA and its President/Exco, Old Cagers and Oldboys, all but leave me with no choice to stay put as the coach.
• In my reply to a question posed by that gentleman how do I feel for being accorded as an honoury member of MCOBA, my answer is "TERHARU" as I have never expected such a distintive honour would be accorded to me. I really appreciate and treasure it very, very much.  Of course, without the strong support and assistance from Quest-for-Glory team namely, Riza Beg'76, Ise'80 & Ana, Cikgu Jimie'91 and so many other good samaritans, I hardly can imagine all these good things could have been happened to me.

Relaunching the Quest-4-Glory:REDEMPTION and MCKK Cagers Facebook group

The Old Cagers came back to KK during the XMas weekend to launch their facebook group and relaunch the Quest-4-Glory:REDEMPTION.  The Old Cagers from 70's, 80's, 90's and 00's came back to test their basketball skills against the Cagers.  Some of the younger ones still have the skills and abilities while the older ones still have their skills, but the bodies refuse to cooperate.

They played several games against the Cagers.  They were overwhelmed by the Cagers on the first day (friday).  The next day, the reinforcement turn up and managed to outlast the Cagers in a 6 quarters game.  The Old Cagers outnumbered the Cagers and they used the advantage well. A rematch is on later this afternoon.  Lets hope the Old Cagers will enjoy themselves with KK food (pau, cendol etc). The Cagers are resting and will have their revenge.

Update:  The Cagers lost again to the old Cagers 67 - 73.  The Old Cagers took advantage of the evening drizzle and the wet court.  The Cagers couldn't use their speed and fitness advantage due to the slippery wet court.  The game were played cautiously at a slow speed, this tempo suited the old boys better.

Thank you to all the old Cagers who made the effort to come back for the weekend.

Piala Dato' Seri Nazri: KK Open U18

Cagers are playing in the Piala Dato' Seri Nazri Aziz:KK Open U18 in Kuala Kangsar.  They've won their first game against Sg. Siput 58 - 54 on Sunday. Tonight, 23 Dec, they won their 2nd game against GBBM 72 - 34.

The Cagers played well to outlast GBBM. The Cagers outran GBBM in the second half after leading GBBM by 9 points at the half.  Cagers managed to hit 7 3-pointers in the game and their pressure defence gave GBBM problems through out the game.

The next game will be on Friday, 25th Dec.  Followed by several friendlies with the oldboys during the weekend.  The old Cagers will be back in KK to launch their MCKK Cagers Facebook group and the relaunching of "Quest-4-Glory:REDEMPTION.