On Jan. 12, the bleachers of Tiger Gym 1 were more packed than usual, with many alumni of SIS visiting for the home game against Chadwick. This was the teams’ first game since the three-week-long winter break.

The practice, originally planned to be held the day before the game, was canceled due to excessive snow, putting more pressure on the basketball teams. While both girls basketball teams held four practices during the winter break, the boys teams held one.

The pressure on the teams was intense, as Chadwick and SIS had held tight games in the past. Last season, the Chadwick varsity boys basketball team defeated SIS by just one point.

The varsity boys team fought a very tight game which went into overtime. Although they held the lead at the beginning of the game, the Tigers ended the second half in a tie, leading the game to overtime. The heated game unfortunately fell short for SIS, resulting in a loss.

“I was quite disappointed with the result of the game as we had won them before the break,” Ian Kim (10), varsity boys basketball player, said. “I think that we lost because of lack of practice. Most of the players, including me, were out of shape. It was especially difficult because our game went to overtime. It was both mentally and physically tiring for the team.”

The varsity girls team, who had lost their previous away game against Chadwick, secured the victory. From the beginning of the game, the team held the lead throughout the game, finishing with a score of 28-24.

“I felt that this game was very important,” Anika Kurebayashi, varsity girls basketball captain, said. “We had unexpectedly lost in our away game in December which made the whole team work harder for the win during the break.”

The JV basketball teams performed better. The JV boys team took the victory in a very close and heated match, winning by one point, like their previous game at Chadwick. The JV boys team was able to maintain their winning streak.

“It was a tough game,” Joshua Han (9), JV boys basketball player, said. “We knew Chadwick was going to be a great team but because of the several injuries to our players before the game, we had to mentally prepare. I am glad that we were able to win.”

The JV girls team also won, making the team undefeated in the season so far.