Ishikawa Women’s Third Straight Title

Led by Bolly Idala Soul, an international student from Nigeria, Ishikawa High School’s women’s team claimed their third consecutive All Okinawa High School Basketball Championships title, booking a spot in the Winter Cup. Despite a strong challenge from Oroku, Ishikawa’s momentum was too much, culminating in a 70-52 victory.

There was pressure to win for the third time in a row, but since we have the breadwinners, we were able to put the ball in there and let’s all try to score points, and we were able to win like this. We’ll be in the top four or higher in the nation! Ishikawa 3rd year player Saki Ikemiyagi

Konan Men’s Historic Win

In a thrilling men’s final, Konan High School outmuscled Okinawa Suisan, winning 78-74 in a nail-biter. Led by captain Ryuki Chinen, who overcame a string of injuries, Konan secured their first Winter Cup appearance since 2017 and their 14th overall.

We have come to the finals three years in a row (for our first and second years), and I’m glad we were able to win in the end for the third time. Konan Captain Ryuki Chinen

Okinawa Suisan’s Heartbreaking Loss

Despite a promising run, Okinawa Suisan’s high school basketball journey ended in heartbreak. Third-year student Raito Shinjo, who once suffered a life-threatening injury, reflected on his team’s performance: (My classmates) told me that I could do better and that we should win the prefectural tournament and go to the national tournament together, so I didn’t give up and kept working hard.