— Koyasan High School claimed its first-ever berth to the SoftBank Winter Cup 2026 with an 80‑57 victory over Wakayama Nanryo High in the prefectural final, while Yanaura High School extended its streak of consecutive Winter Cup appearances to three with a 104‑80 win over Beppu Gomoku Gakuen, reported Basketball King.
The results from five prefectures on October 31 determined the final six teams to qualify for the national tournament, which will begin on December 23. Koyasan, in its second year of existence, earned its first Winter Cup spot, while Yanaura’s third appearance highlights their consistency in regional competition.
Koyasan’s Historic Run
Koyasan's victory in the Wakayama Prefecture final was an important achievement for the school, which only formed its basketball program two years ago.
The victory also followed the team’s national debut at the summer Inter‑High Championships, where they first appeared on the national stage.
Yanaura’s Three‑Peat
In Oita Prefecture, Yanaura High School secured its third Winter Cup appearance with a commanding 104‑80 victory over Beppu Gomoku Gakuen. The win extends the school’s streak of national tournament appearances.
Other Regional Qualifiers
Additional qualifiers came from Fukushima, Kanagawa, and Nagano prefectures, with several teams securing their spots through decisive victories:
- Fukushima: Fukushima Higashi‑Ryo High School and Fukushima Shogyo High School advanced after a double‑header format, with Higashi‑Ryo finishing first and Shogyo second.
Impact on the National Tournament
The six qualifiers will join other regional champions at the national tournament starting in December.
High School Teams Compete in 2026 Winter Cup
The 2026 Winter Cup will commence on December 23, bringing together high‑school teams from across Japan to compete for the championship.
