The elementary basketball team traveled east to Handong International School (HIS) for the SKAC finals on June 1st. A large group of teams, seven from DIS, competed for the top spot in both the A and B divisions. Gold for both the girls and boys did not look like a far-fetched goal, proven by their performance at the divisionals. 

The boys’ varsity team cruised through the round-robin matches and never trailed post-half-time. With zero losses, the final game came sooner than later. All members of the A team executed perfectly on defense and offense and took the win with ease. 

“I felt no pressure. I knew we were gonna win anyway. Daniel was the best player because he scored most of the points,” Arthur Silva, 4th grade starting guard, said.

The girl’s finals ended differently, however. After difficult circuit matches, they earned a spot in the championship game against Busan Foreign School (BFS). The two team’s rivalry, which stemmed from the divisionals, was fully displayed. They traded baskets back and forth. The game seemed on edge for its entirety. Unfortunately, it ended in BFS’ favor and the Jets lost by a tiny margin. 

Freshman Noah Hwang, student coach of the elementary basketball team, said, “It was very intense, I noticed there were a lot of determined faces on the girls’ A team. I feel like they fought very hard in the finals and second place always means there’s more room for improvement and there’s always next year.”

DIS made a strong impression at the tourney. Both the boys’ A and B teams won gold and the girls’ varsity made it to the finals. The future of basketball looks bright for the Jets and athletes are on the grind for next year’s tournament. 

Gallery • 6 Photos

Ethan Rossmeisl

5th grader Akari Kojima turns the corner swiftly to juke the defender. She utilizes her quickness to blow by her defender.