Yokkaichi Maryknoll Junior High School Boys’ Basketball Team Wins Third Consecutive Championship

Yokkaichi Maryknoll Junior High School Boys’ Basketball Team Wins Third Consecutive Championship

The boys’ basketball team of Yokkaichi Maryknoll Junior High School, which won the 54th National Junior High School Basketball Tournament, becoming the first boys team to win three consecutive championships, paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Tomohiro Mori on September 5th to share their happy news.

Mayor Mori spoke to each player individually, saying, “You’re the best. Next is Junior Winter,” and encouraged them to do their best. The players who visited the city hall for a courtesy visit were Yuta Nakami, Haruomi Aoi, Sakito Kanegae, Yuwa Sasaki, Kento Kodera, and advisor Tomohisa Nagata.

They brought the championship cup, trophy, and shield, and showed them off wearing gold medals. Takuya Hirose, Superintendent of Education, and Tsuguya Ito, Vice-Chairman, welcomed them along with the mayor.

The team’s strategy and teamwork played a crucial role in their victory. “We were nervous, but we were able to create a good atmosphere by encouraging each other,” and “We were confident that we had practiced the most in Japan,” said the players. In the final, they faced Kyoto Seika Gakuen, but they steadily accumulated points and won 80 to 61.

Several team members, including Jack Shiratani Chuson, who drew attention at the tournament, are aiming to become professionals. The club has about 50 members, and talents come from all over the country. Advisor Nagata said, “This year’s kids are not big, so it’s a struggle, but they managed to win the championship by communicating well with each other during the game.”