On November 4th, from 3 PM to 4:30 PM, the Nakornpayap International School Girls’ Basketball U20 Selection Tournament was been held in the school gym. The rhythm of basketballs hitting the ground, the clatter of sneakers on the floor, and the occasional sound of “Thanks!” and “Sorry” formed the most authentic background music at the time. The atmosphere was incredibly heated, and it also infected our passion.
Although it was a “practice” selection competition, the training content was anything but perfunctory, which covered shooting, dribbling, and physical conditioning. Some shots went smoothly, and moments were captured at just the right angle, but throughout the process, no one was overly serious, yet no one was careless on the site. Everyone gradually found their rhythm in the cycle of practicing, retrieving the ball, adjusting, and shooting again, relaxed yet focused, and this was the most realistic training scene.
This training session also welcomes a brand-new coach named Nichloas. Judging from his behavior and style, he is a good teacher who takes this team seriously. The players’ evaluations of his is also consistent: kind, patient, and responsible. He doesn’t give loud instructions, but walks to the players’ side to offer suggestions and correct their movements, making the whole training rhythm very natural and stress-free. However, unlike the steady progress in U20 training, the U16 team is currently facing a practical problem. Due to the age of several players moving up to the U20 level, the insufficient number of applicants for the U16 is making it uncertain whether a team can be formed. The physical education teachers regret this and hope that more students will understand the situation of the U16 team. While the U20 team continues to maintain its form through practice, the U16 team is waiting for new players to join.
Whether it is the training of the U20 team or the ongoing search for players for the U16 team, NIS Girls basketball is more than just a team, but more like a group of people willing to practice and improve together. Basketball doesn’t only have meaning in highlight moments; more often, it’s in every shot, every ball retrieved, and every “keep practicing!” The team may not lack high-scoring players, but it always welcomes those willing to persevere on the court and practice together.
