The final matchups are now set at the NBA Rising Stars Invitational 2025, as high school basketball teams from South Korea, Japan, and China emerged victorious from the semi-final stage of the league’s first regional youth tournament held at the Kallang Tennis Hub.
![Action during the girls’ semi-final between Kyoto Seika Gakuen High School and Tsinghua University High School. [photo credit: NBA Rising Stars Invitational]](http://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/nbarsi_day4_ashokkumar_-124-scaled.jpg)
Girls’ Final: Onyang Girls’ High School (KOR) vs Kyoto Seika Gakuen High School (JPN)
South Korea’s Onyang Girls’ High School surged past Flinders College (AUS) with a 91–72 victory, igniting the court with 15 made three-pointers — the highest by any team so far in the tournament. The Korean squad opened the game on a 9-0 run and maintained their lead throughout with disciplined passing, fluid transitions, and aggressive defense.
“We were able to be faster than our opponents, and that helped us get the win,” said one of the Onyang players. “We’re proud to represent South Korea and will give everything in the final.”
In the other girls’ semi-final, Kyoto Seika Gakuen High School (JPN) outclassed Tsinghua University High School (CHN) 85–55. The Japanese side struck early and capitalized on their defensive strategy to prevent China from getting open looks. Their pace and cohesion allowed them to stay in control despite Tsinghua’s attempts to rally.
“We knew their size was a threat, so we focused on speed and rebounds,” said a Kyoto Seika team leader. “Now we just want to show the pride and strength of Japan in the final.”
![Fast break play in progress during the boys’ semi-final between Yongsan High School and Fukuoka Ohori Senior High School. [photo credit: NBA Rising Stars Invitational]](http://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/nbarsi_day4_ashokkumar_-216-scaled.jpg)
Boys’ Final: Tsinghua University High School (CHN) vs Yongsan High School (KOR)
On the boys’ side, Tsinghua University High School (CHN) recovered from a second-quarter scare to defeat Berwick College (AUS) 78–68. After a dominant start, the Chinese squad saw their lead evaporate but quickly regrouped with strong perimeter shooting and composure under pressure.
“We stayed calm and didn’t panic,” one player said. “That focus helped us retake control in the second half.”
In the final semi-final of the day, Yongsan High School (KOR) rallied past Fukuoka Ohori Senior High School (JPN) 75–65 in a back-and-forth contest. After trailing in the third quarter, the Koreans launched a 16-point scoring run to seize momentum.
“We were nervous at first, but once we found our rhythm, we stayed aggressive and took our chances,” said a Yongsan player. “We’re ready for the final challenge.”
Finals – June 29, 2025
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Girls: Onyang Girls’ High School (KOR) vs Kyoto Seika Gakuen High School (JPN)
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Boys: Tsinghua University High School (CHN) vs Yongsan High School (KOR)
The finals will be streamed live on the official NBA Rising Stars Invitational YouTube channel. For updates, visit nbarisingstarsinvitational.com or follow the event on Instagram.