The High School Basketball League (HBL) witnessed a dramatic turn of events as Nanshan Senior High School’s bid for a 12th consecutive Final Four appearance was halted by a determined Nanhu High School squad. Nanhu secured a hard-fought victory, earning the final spot in the tournament’s semi-finals.
The game, a virtual elimination match, saw Nanhu emerge victorious, effectively ending Nanshan’s impressive streak. According to reports, Nanhu’s triumph was fueled by a spirited performance from Zhang Zhewei, who ignited the team with 14 points in a single quarter. This burst of scoring proved crucial in propelling Nanhu to victory and securing their place among the league’s elite four teams.
Nanhu’s journey to the Final Four wasn’t without its challenges. They entered the quarter-finals with a record of four wins and three losses, facing a desperate need to perform. Their resilience was on full display as they navigated a difficult path, ultimately relying on key contributions from players like Chen Lisheng, who delivered crucial points in a previous critical moment to ensure their advancement.
The victory marks a significant milestone for Nanhu High School, particularly under the guidance of coach Wu Zhengjie. Wu has cultivated a team known for its tenacious defense and strategic play, earning recognition for building what’s been described as the league’s biggest underdog story. His focus on developing a cohesive unit, despite relying on players who may not be physically imposing, has proven to be a winning formula.
For Nanshan, the loss represents a painful end to a dominant run. The team had been a consistent contender in the HBL for over a decade, reaching the Final Four for the past 11 years. Their inability to overcome Nanhu’s challenge brings an end to that impressive streak and leaves them searching for answers as they look to rebuild for future seasons.
Nanshan faced adversity during the contest, with foul trouble impacting key players. The second quarter saw guard Lin En-yu accumulate his fourth foul, forcing the team to adjust their strategy and rely more heavily on outside shooting from players like Huang Han-sheng and Liu Genghao. Despite a buzzer-beater before halftime that briefly gave Nanshan the lead, they were unable to maintain momentum.
The fourth quarter saw Nanhu build a significant lead, extending it to 76-66 with a series of consecutive baskets. However, Nanshan refused to surrender, with Huang Han-sheng providing a spark with key jump shots that narrowed the gap. Despite their efforts, they ultimately fell short, unable to overcome Nanhu’s determined play.
This year’s HBL finals are being conducted under unique circumstances, with the quarter-final matches played behind closed doors due to the ongoing impact of the new coronavirus pandemic. Despite the absence of spectators, the tradition of allowing players to share the moment of glory with their families remains intact. The matches are being broadcast live by FOX Sports, ensuring that fans can still follow the action.
Nanshan’s recent history in the HBL championship has been marked by near misses. Prior to this year, they had suffered four consecutive runner-up finishes, including losses to Kuang-fu Senior High School in the past two championship games. Their 2024 championship victory over Kuang-fu, earning them their eighth HBL title and first in eight years, had seemed to signal a return to dominance. However, this year’s quarter-final loss demonstrates the competitive nature of the league and the challenges of maintaining sustained success.
The HBL continues to showcase the talent and passion of Taiwan’s high school basketball players. With Nanhu now joining the Final Four, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the tournament. The competition promises to be fierce as teams battle for the coveted championship title.
