From AIMS to IASAS: A Basketball Journey of Friendship and Growth

Winning a championship is special, but winning it alongside lifelong friends makes it unforgettable. The Interscholastic Association of Southeast Asian Schools (IASAS) is a prestigious regional competition featuring six international schools, where student-athletes compete at the highest level in various sports, including basketball. Winning the 2025 IASAS basketball championship was a testament to the team's dedication and determination. It was a victory achieved through the collective effort of every player. For three of the team members, this achievement was particularly meaningful, marking the culmination of a journey that began years ago when they first shared the court as Elementary School students.

A Full-Circle Moment

In Grade 5, these three students were also teammates on the ISKL basketball team that won gold at the Association of International Malaysian Schools (AIMS) tournament. That victory marked the beginning of a sporting bond that would carry them through the years. Now, as they close out their High School careers, they have once again stood with their teammates as IASAS basketball champions.

Reflecting on their journey, one of the players, Michael V.C. (‘25), shared, "Winning IASAS was a storybook ending to a grueling but fantastic journey that started with our Grade 5 AIMS championship. Along the way, we've had amazing coaches like Coach Mangelsdorf, Coach Sturrock, and Coach Huang to lead us to our grand finale - the IASAS Championship. It's been an amazing journey."

A True Team Effort

While these three players have shared a remarkable journey, the IASAS championship was won through the collective efforts of the entire team. The bond between all players, forged through months of training, strategy sessions, and shared challenges, was key to their success. Each player brought unique skills and energy to the court, pushing one another to improve and work as a unit.

From the starters to the bench, every member of the team contributed to the championship win. Whether through crucial defensive stops, key rebounds, or unwavering support from the sidelines, the camaraderie and teamwork were the defining factors of their journey.

“We played team basketball. The chemistry these boys have built over the years really showed. Fighting for and believing in one another every step of the way. The journey we have had together made us a family. This was a special group and everyone played their role. You need this type of buy-in and never stop fighting mentality to win championships. I am incredibly proud of the boys,” said Coach Sturrock.

More Than Just the Game

Basketball at ISKL has always been about more than just competition. The sport provides students with a space to learn about leadership, perseverance, and teamwork. The memories made along the way – bus rides to away games, pre-game rituals, and celebrating victories – shape the High School experience in profound ways.

"Our biggest strength that contributed to our success in winning gold was not all the individual talent, of which we had a lot, but the strong brotherhood that united us all,” said Julian L. (‘25). “This group of basketball players was more than just a team, it was a family, comprised of hard-working, determined individuals, who were united by their passion to improve and succeed."

Basketball and Team Bonds

From their first drills in Elementary School to the intensity of IASAS competition, these players have grown alongside each other. Their success is a testament to the hard work they put in over the years, but also to the strength of their bond with the team both on and off the court.

“Winning IASAS was by far the best experience of my high school experience, and the people it happened with made it so much better. I've been playing basketball with Michael and Julian ever since the fifth grade, and many others since Middle School. This bond has helped us because I know exactly how my teammates play, and how I can find them on the court. Our ball movement and passing have definitely improved. This helped with our chemistry during the games, but also helped our mindset, because we knew how important it was to each other and made us play for each other. This view of the game has definitely changed, as I thought of basketball as more of a solo sport in Grade 5,” said Gavin H.S. (‘25).

Competitive Sports at ISKL: Growth, Challenge, and Well-Being

ISKL offers a range of competitive sports, including basketball, soccer, rugby, swimming, and more. These opportunities include participation in IASAS, a prestigious regional competition for High School students founded in 1982. IASAS brings together six international schools: ISKL, Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS), International School of Bangkok (ISB), International School of Manila (ISM), Singapore American School (SAS), and Taipei American School (TAS). It provides High School student-athletes with opportunities to compete at the highest level while fostering competition, camaraderie, and cultural cooperation across Southeast Asia.

Beyond the trophies and championships, sports play a crucial role in students' overall well-being. Engaging in athletics helps build resilience, reduce stress, and improve both physical and mental health. It teaches students valuable life skills such as discipline, goal setting, and time management.

Gavin H.S. (‘25) shares, “I still remember my Grade 5 basketball team with Mr. Mangelsdorf and Ms. Simpson, and how much fun I had which helped me pursue basketball further into middle and high school.  Middle school was the time when we played basketball nearly every single lunch break and before school for fun. From Grade 5 to Grade 12 I've gained so many fun experiences with basketball that I will never forget, and as I got into High School it also gets a little stressful, but the feeling to play for a team that you really care about is amazing.”

At ISKL, athletics are more than just extracurricular activities; they are an essential part of a balanced education that fosters teamwork, discipline, and perseverance, helping students become well-rounded individuals.

Inspiring Future Generations

Their success is not only their own but a reflection of the collective hard work and unwavering support of their teammates, coaches, and the ISKL community. The bond they formed with their teammates over years of training and competing together played a crucial role in their journey to victory.

As they graduate and move on to new opportunities, their journey serves as an inspiration for younger ISKL athletes to believe in themselves and in their teams. The friendships, the shared experiences, and the love for the game are what truly matter.

Their journey from AIMS champions to IASAS gold medalists shows that with passion, perseverance, and great teammates, anything is possible. 

Visit Beyond the Classroom to learn more about how ISKL’s co-curricular program empowers students to follow their passions, achieve their goals, and shape their path as global citizens.