grapplegraphics.com Bucheon Hana OneQ lost to Asan Woori Bank 53-57 in the regular season of the Woori Bank Woori WON 2023-2024 Women’s Professional Basketball League at Bucheon Indoor Gymnasium on March 9. They also lost their home opener. First back-to-back losses of the season. Their season record is 2-2.
Head coach Kim Do-wan emphasized the need for veterans throughout the 2022-2023 season, saying, “We don’t have enough veterans to hold the team together.” For that reason, the Hana OneQ brought in Kim (180 cm, F) in free agency in 2023.
He wasn’t the only one. After giving up their first-round rookie pick in the 2023-2024 WKBL Draft, they acquired Kim Sion (175 cm, G) from the Busan BNK Thumb. They strengthened the middle.
However, there is another player that Hana OneQ should make their main focus. They are Shin Ji-hyun (174 cm, G) and Yang In-young (184 cm, F). Shin, in particular, has been Hana OneQ’s No. 1 option since the 2021-2022 season. Even with Kim joining the team, Shin Ji-hyun will need to rack up the points when it counts.
In the opening game of the 2023-2024 season against Samsung Life in Yongin, he showed his scoring prowess. He finished with 16 points, four assists, and three rebounds (one offensive), including two three-pointers. Second on the team in scoring behind Yang In-young (22 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocked shots, 1 steal). He was a key figure in keeping the game close against Samsung Life.
Before the game, Woori Bank head coach Lee Sat-woo was more concerned with Shin Ji-hyun and Yang In-young, saying, “(Kim) Jung-eun is a new addition, but it’s Shin Ji-hyun and Yang In-young who will lead Hana OneQ.”레모나토토 주소
However, Shin Ji-hyun was unable to break through Woori Bank’s sticky defense in the early stages of the game. Even when she passed one person, she had to face the help defense or deal with Woori Bank’s fast breaks even after utilizing screens.
However, her movements made her a good decoy. She was more concerned with the team’s chances than her own offense. Kim Ji-hyun took advantage of this and exploded for two three-pointers in a row. Hana OneQ took a 6-0 lead just four and a half minutes into the game.
Shin Ji-hyun, who took the bait, got help from her backcourt partners. She synergized with the passing Kim Ae-na (168 cm, G). She converted Kim’s baseline pass into a three with 1:23 left in the first quarter. Contributed to Hana OneQ’s five-point advantage (13-8).
Shin Ji-hyun made a highlight reel in the second quarter. After beating the defense on the left wing, she drove to the basket for a layup. A no-look pass to Yang In-young, who was following behind. Yang In-young finished with ease.
Shin Ji-hyun threw cold water on Hana Wonq when they were being pushed by Woori Bank. A three-pointer with 1:21 left in the second quarter. Shin’s 3-pointer was the last basket of the first half. It brought Hana OneQ within one point. The score at halftime was 28-27.
Hana OneQ’s offensive rhythm improved at the beginning of the third quarter. This was because Shin Ji-hyun was utilizing the court wide with her passes. As Shin opened up the paint, Kim Ji-hyun, Yang In-young, and Jeong Ye-rim (175 cm, G) were able to finish their chances. Finding their offensive groove, Hana WonQ led 35-27 five minutes into the third quarter.
However, Park Ji-hyun, who is more physical than Shin, blocked her shot. Shin was limited in what she could do. She couldn’t even dribble properly, let alone pass, and Hana OneQ’s offense started to falter. After a shaky start to the offense, HanaWonQ was down 35-34.
However, Hana WonQ did not lose the initiative. Shin’s backcourt partners, including Kim Anna and Kim Sion, stepped up. The performance of the backcourt resources also took the pressure off Kim and Yang In-young. Energized by their backcourt resources, Hana WonQ led 46-44 with 4:55 left in the game.
Woori Bank continued to pull away, and Hana OneQ needed a decisive shot. Shin Ji-hyun did just that. She hit back-to-back dribble jumpers. Hana OneQ led 51-49 with 2 minutes and 7 seconds left in the game. The lead continued to grow.
However, Hana OneQ went 2-8 in the final two minutes and seven seconds. They couldn’t get over the final hump. Shin Ji-hyun couldn’t smile after scoring so many points at crucial moments. When Park Ji-hyun scored the final points, Shin Ji-hyun was on defense. Despite finishing with 12 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 blocked shot, she had to watch her team lose.