Special Feature: 73rd All Japan University Basketball Championship
In the final, which was the same card for the third consecutive year, Toiho University showed its strength and won the championship for the fifth consecutive year (photo courtesy of All Japan University Basketball Federation).
73rd All Japan University Championship Women’s Final
December 11 @ Yoyogi National Stadium Second Gymnasium (Tokyo)
Tokyo Health Care University 88-67 Hakuoh University
Toiho University wins 5 consecutive years
With 5 seconds remaining after the match, the final attack of the women’s incarnation final was a 3-point shot by Shiori Yamashita (4th year, Showa Gakuin) of Hakuoh University. This ball released by the team captain plays the ring and is torn off by captain Ami Kimura (4th year, Tokyo Seitoku University) of Tokyo Medical Insurance University. At the moment when the fifth straight victory of Incare was achieved, Kimura raised the ball at a high altitude and exploded his joy. It was Kimura who shined on the court with a “better face” than anyone else during the match.
I want to give courage and emotion to my play
“Each person wants to be who he is”
Toru Onzuka, head coach (HC), instilled this mind in the players in commanding Toru Onzuka last year. The reason is that the players I saw after winning the match one day “did not seem to have fun.” I stopped the theoretical guidance such as “I can win this way” and asked the players themselves “what I want to be”.
We value the “excitement” that springs up inside by envisioning the image of the player that each person wants to be. Kimura, who became the captain, decided “I want to be” when the new team started.
“I want to be a player who can give courage and emotion to the viewers through my play.”
Kimura has been facing basketball for himself and his team for a year without blurring this goal. Then, in March of next year, I retired from the commander of the University of Tokyo Medical Insurance, and faced this incarnation with the desire to “raise the body” of Ontsuka HC, who concentrates on the Japanese national team HC.
Smile, fun and fun in any situation
After winning the semi-final match against Waseda University, Kimura said, “I am facing the match with a very nice face not only for the players but also for the staff.” board.
“I want to make good use of my friends and score points with my own shots. But I want each team member to look good and play on the final stage, so talking to others and leadership are the most important. I think. “
Kimura’s play in the incarnation final with Hakuoh University, which became the same card for three consecutive years, was exactly what can be said to be “as declared.” As soon as the game starts, as soon as he has the ball, he heads for the ring at top speed and shoots a layup. This shot was missed, but Kimura jumped and laughed and regretted. Like Kimura, the players around him play happily even if they make a mistake, expressing “I want to be” on the court. Hakuoh University, whose eyes were pointing downwards every time the play was interrupted, made a big difference to 23-8 in the first quarter (Q).
In the second half, there were scenes where the opponent’s defense, which had increased in strength, suffered, but even in that situation, the current Toiho University has a positive mindset that seems to be “interesting” (Kimura). From behind the assist coach Akihiro Ito, who is currently the main conductor, HC Ontsuka also calls out, “Let’s smile.” The captain of the team continued to smile and pushed Hakuoh University again with an assist to set up a shot for his teammates and his own 3-point shot.
From now on, with a super positive mind
The success of the start dash was a major factor in the victory, and Hakuoh University defeated Hakuoh University with 88-67. Achieved the fifth incarnation conquest for five consecutive years.
HC Ontsuka praised the players, “I think we had the best match of the season,” and Kimura, who was the captain for the past year, said, “I had the most fun playing this season.” I was proud. The command tower of Toiho University sank three 3-point shots in the final game of college life, marking the highest score of 18 points for both teams. He was also selected for the Best Player Award, and he himself graced the endless beauty.
“I think everyone, including the players who play on the court and the players who support us on the bench, were able to fight with really good faces.” She who summarized the game with that said, had a better face than anyone else on the court.
Ami Kimura, who has added the super positive mind learned from Ontsuka HC to her weapons of speed, shooting power, and pass sense, will surely shine in her future basketball life.
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