KUWAIT CITY, Nov 20: The Open Age Boys Basketball Team has had a terrific year! For the third season in a row they played in the ISACK final against archrival BSK. Dedicating the final to all the KES players before them, the team came out with intensity and confidence, scoring the most points KES has ever had in a championship game and defeated a talented BSK squad. This is the sixth basketball championship in ten seasons for the Under 19 team.
Their story, however, began two seasons ago when inexperience and uncertainty were lost to Hard Work, Competitiveness and Intensity! The focus of this season was to continue raising standards and expect championship play consistently, both individually and of teammates. Coach Quinn feels that this team ranks up there among the hardest working group in his 11 years at KES. They averaged 50 points per game and allowed a measly 23.6 points. KES dominated every opponent using an aggressive style of defense and full court pressure; forcing numerous turnovers and scoring like a ‘pack of wolves’ in transition.
This success took the better part of the past two seasons to develop. After disappointing finishes in two ISACK finals, Coach Quinn and the nucleus of his team dedicated themselves to improving. After the season finished in November 2010, the team stayed together and practiced for most of the school year. They entered the GUST high school league and played against some of Kuwait’s best teams. After a shaky start the team gained confidence in a near comeback victory over American International School (AIS). The team focused on fundamentals and continued to improve by playing a series of games against Bayan Bilingual School (BBS) and Universal American School (UAS). Once the 2011 season started, there were noticeable differences.

KES was led by experienced players and were clearly stronger, physically and mentally, than their opponents. Nikola Te_in spent all summer working on his game and it paid off as he became a dangerous scoring threat on offense, averaging over 20 points per game. Abdullah Ibrahim remained a tough competitor, dominating the boards and the half court area in the press. David Abi Hana was nicknamed ‘the tarantula’ because of his deadly defensive pressure and trapping prowess. Naser Baluch and Rodolf Maroon rounded out the starting five and were relentless defenders, forcing countless steals for teammates. As Coach Quinn indicated many times, KES dominated opponents for entire games because they had terrific players that could substitute in, keep the intensity and build up the lead. Heui Chang Kim provided energy and rebounds while Carl Hakim blocked shots and scored in the lane.
William EL Kazen and Mohammad Al Haj Asad were all over the court, pressuring on defense and often ahead on the fast break scoring layups. Aziz Al Khayat, Ishan Kavalekar, Karim El Deriny and Kunal Kapur added vocal leadership and excellent pressure on defense. The two youngest players provided a very bright future for KES basketball. Saleh Zubair and Danilo Jocic-Jakubi are basketball players. They know how to play the game and if they get physically stronger and continue focusing on their fundamental skills, they can bring more glory to KES hoops soon.
KES has the potential players to dominate ISACK for years to come but need to adopt a championship attitude and prepare for success by working on skills and fitness, before, during and after the season. With so few players returning next year opportunities for playing time will be abundant, but only for the few that make it happen!

MVP - Nikola Tesin
The MVP must be a player that is most valuable. Without that player could your team have had the same success? I think we could have substituted for most of our players, but replacing Nikola was near impossible. He was the one guy that consistently scored, handled the ball, assisted teammates in scoring and led our offense. His 3 point shooting was the best in our league, as it sealed our championship in Dubai at the BSME tournament and in the ISACK final against BSK. I know Nikola wanted this award and his hard work paid off.
Coach’s Award - Abdullah Ibrahim
A coach’s award should go to a player who epitomizes what the team concept is all about. This player should be someone who always puts the team first and works to help the team improve. This player must have a good attitude and make the sacrifices necessary to help the team gain success. Abdullah did all those things and many more. Abdullah has been on the team since he was in year 9. He always rebounded the ball, altered shots on defense, passed ahead to fast-breaking teammates and is one of the best leaders by example Quinn has ever coached. He’s worked hard and never needed recognition. He’s never complained and is always happy when the team does well. I’m proud of Abdullah for persevering and teaching others about team!