December 28, 2024, Tokyo - The 2024 SoftBank Winter Cup, officially known as the 77th National High School Basketball Championship, culminated today with electrifying performances from some of Japan's top high school teams. The women's final saw Kyoto Seika Gakuen High School, hailing from Kyoto Prefecture, defeating Keisei High School from Kumamoto, securing their third consecutive championship title.
The final match unfolded at the Tokyo Gymnasium's main court, with both teams exhibiting remarkable skills. The first quarter witnessed Keisei's offense initially taking control by securing offensive rebounds and executing waves of attacks. Yet, the formidable trio of guards from Kyoto Seika Gakuen—Sakurako Hayashi, Rina Hashimoto, and Yumi Momoi—quickly regained dominance, leading 18-13 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter saw both teams trading baskets, with Keisei's Nozomi Kishi showcasing noteworthy leadership, helping his team tie the score as the first half concluded at 35-30, favoring Kyoto Seika. Following halftime, Kyoto Seika seemed poised to extend their lead, but Keisei fought fiercely, with significant efforts from Aso Yoshimoto and Kishi, though they trailed by just three points entering the final quarter.
With the game on the line and only 21 seconds remaining, Kyoto Seika maintained a slight edge, leading by two. It was at this moment when Sakaguchi of Keisei made a bold move, nailing a three-pointer, but it wasn’t enough. The match concluded with Kyoto Seika Gakuen triumphing 59-54.
Achieving back-to-back titles, Kyoto Seika Gakuen celebrated not only their victory but also the standout performances of players like Yusaf Bolarne Aishat, who scored 15 points and captured 7 rebounds, and captain Sakurako Hayashi, who recorded 7 points and 6 assists. On the other hand, Keisei, making their first runner-up appearance, witnessed remarkable contributions from Joe Roba, who was pivotal throughout the tournament.
Recognized for their extraordinary performances throughout the competition, five exemplary players were awarded best player honors. Hayashi led her team with 27 assists over five games, alongside Yumi Momoi, who scored 51 points with outstanding shooting accuracy. From Kumamoto's Keisei, Joe Roba was celebrated for his impressive 163 points over six games, showcasing the depth of talent flourishing within high school basketball.
The tournament, which took place from December 23-29, not only highlighted these remarkable athletes but also underscored the competition's significance as it continues to shape future talent for Japanese basketball.
With Kyoto Seika Gakuen entering the spotlight for their excellence and consistency, this year’s Winter Cup not only crowned champions but also marked the rise of many athletes eager to carve their names within the annals of high school basketball history.
Local sports commentators remarked, 'Kyoto Seika has solidified its position as the gold standard for high school basketball, with their dominant performances now setting the stage for future tournaments.' The legacy of this year's tournament has left fans enthusiastic about what the next season holds.
Overall, the 2024 SoftBank Winter Cup has showcased the skills, teamwork, and determination of high school basketball teams across Japan, continuing to inspire a new generation of athletes. With their remarkable performances, athletes from both Kyoto Seika Gakuen and Keisei High School have set new standards and left lasting memories for fans and players alike.
