On December 28, 2024, the Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium buzzed with excitement as fans gathered for the final match of the SoftBank Winter Cup, where Kyoto Seika Gakuen faced off against Keisei High School. This championship game was not just another match; it marked the culmination of the season for these outstanding high school basketball teams, both striving for prestigious honors.
Kyoto Seika Gakuen entered the game with high expectations, aiming for their third consecutive title and hoping to achieve their second straight triple crown—a feat only a few teams can boast. They showcased their prowess throughout the tournament, defeating formidable opponents such as Yamagata Central and Seika Women, demonstrating their strength on both offense and defense.
From the outset, Keisei High School made their mark by grabbing the first points of the game and showing signs of strong offensive play. A rebound resulting from their tenacious efforts on the boards allowed Keisei's No. 1 Aso Hiramoto to sink a three-pointer, demonstrating their intent. Nonetheless, Kyoto quickly responded through their star players, including No. 5 Mei Hashimoto and No. 18 Ayishat Bolanle Yusuff, who scored key baskets to shift momentum back to their favor.
At the end of the first quarter, Kyoto Seika were leading 18-13, thanks to their superior teamwork and defensive strategy. By the second quarter, the tides began to shift as Keisei's lead guard, No. 12 Kei Kishitani, rallied the team, cutting the deficit to just two points at several junctures. Despite Keisei's valiant efforts to claw back, it was Kyoto's height advantage and rebounding skills, orchestrated by Yusuff and her teammates, which proved pivotal.
With the halftime score standing at 35-30, Kyoto maintained the edge. Their impressive field-goal percentage also indicated their effectiveness. They exhibited relentless pressure on Keisei’s offense, forcing them to rely heavily on singular plays, particularly from their own star player, No. 0 Rou Joba. Kyoto’s defense was set to matchke Joba’s scoring prowess, heightening the stakes as the teams returned for the second half.
The third quarter kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Both teams exchanged leads, with the score narrowing again due to Keisei’s quick adaptations. No. 1 Hiramoto hit another three-pointer, attracting cheers from the crowd. The lead continued to oscillate until Kyoto ended the quarter only three points up, with the score at 48-45.
Entering the fourth quarter, anticipation surged as every possession counted. Starting with their captain No. 4 Sakurako Hayashi, who pushed Kyoto’s lead to nine points, Keisei was forced to respond aggressively. No. 0 Joba, dealing with foul trouble, had to sit out for key moments, adding pressure on Keisei's remaining players.
Despite this setback, Keisei fought courageously—exemplified by No. 24 Faye Henry who scored important points. Even several clutch plays by No. 17 Aki Sawada managing impressive baskets brought Keisei within reach, trailing only five points short as the clock ticked down.
With just 21 seconds remaining, Kyoto faced the stressful task of holding their lead. Even after No. 5 Hashimoto’s missed three-pointer, they regained control of the rebound and maintained their position. No. 17 Sakaguchi converted the final three-pointer, extending Kyoto’s lead yet again.
The final whistle blew, and Kyoto Seika Gakuen claimed their hard-fought victory, ending with a score of 59-54 over Keisei. Kyoto’s No. 15 Ngarla Mukuna Riya scored the game-high 15 points, but it was truly a team effort with sharp contributions from their leading players Hayashi and Hashimoto, each netting several key baskets throughout. Meanwhile, Keisei’s Rou Joba registered 16 points and 15 rebounds—an impressive performance even amid the loss.
Kyoto Seika’s consistent ability to perform under pressure solidified their status as one of the top high school basketball programs. With this latest title, they not only underscored their dominance but also paved the way for future greatness among their team members. The victory holds significance not just for Kyoto but also serves as inspiration for aspiring athletes across Japan, underscoring the resilience and discipline required to excel at this level of competition.
While Keisei fans may depart disappointed, there’s much to look forward to. With promising talent on their roster and the experience gained from battling such high-caliber opponents, they’ll undoubtedly come back stronger next season. After all, the spirit of high school basketball is about growth, competition, and the passion for the game—values proudly exhibited by all players on the court during this year’s SoftBank Winter Cup.
