Eagles take gold in girls International Far East combined basketball tournament

Photo By Sgt. Mason Roy | Huang Yu-Shan, a guard for the American School of Bangkok Eagles, plays defense against Lexa Garcia, small forward with the Kadena Panthers, during the International Far East Basketball tournament championship at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 1, 2018. Six division-one teams challenged each other to compete for the girl’s International Far East championship title. As time dwindled down it approached overtime, but a few steals, a lay-up and a couple of rebounds later the Eagles came out on top with a winning score of 47 to 42. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mason Roy)  

MCAS IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JAPAN

02.01.2018

Story by Lance Cpl. Mason Roy 

Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni

The American School of Bangkok’s female basketball team, the Eagles, defended their championship title against the Kadena Panthers at Marine Corps Air Station, Iwakuni, Japan, Feb. 1, 2018.

Six division one teams challenged each other to compete for the girl’s International Far East championship title.

“Last year was the first time playing in the Far East tournament,” said David Lucas, head coach for A.S.B. “We were fortunate to win the division-one title last year, so we were looking at being a target to beat this year.”

The two teams went quarter-to-quarter, one pulling in front of the other in a race to take the championship and win.

“We had our ups and downs,” said Lucas. “It definitely wasn’t smooth sailing, but the girls bonded and stuck with it, and we got through.”

As time dwindled down, the game approached overtime, but a few steals, a lay-up and a couple of rebounds later, the Eagles came out on top with a winning score of 47 to 42.

“We made it a little harder than it should’ve been,” said Shanique Lucas, guard for A.S.B. “There are some things we need to work on, but we got the job done.”

Shanique Lucas also said she enjoyed the tournament because she gets to meet new people and play different teams.

“The tournament was combined with division one and division two,” said Shanique Lucas. “I got to play against different schools and meet new players on and off the court. It’s different than playing against girls from Thailand. It was a good experience, and I really enjoyed it.”

• Date Taken: 02.01.2018
• Date Posted: 02.02.2018 02:56
• Story ID: 264369
• Location: MCAS IWAKUNI, YAMAGUCHI, JP