Veltex Shizuoka U15 squads reach Shizugin Cup 2026 final matches

Veltex Shizuoka U15 and the club’s U15 girls’ team have both secured spots in the finals of the Shizugin Cup 2026, the Shizuoka Prefecture qualifying tournament for the Jr. Winter Cup 2026-27. Both squads will compete for a national tournament berth on November 3, 2026, at the Fuji City General Gymnasium (Kita-Sato Arena Fuji), as confirmed by official club statements.

Championship Matchups at Kita-Sato Arena Fuji

The final round, scheduled for the public holiday on November 3, features two high-stakes games. The girls’ final between Veltex Shizuoka U15 and Fujieda Junshin begins at 13:30 local time (UTC+9). The boys’ final, pitting Veltex Shizuoka U15 against GYMRATS, follows at 15:10 local time. The winners of these matches will advance to the 7th National U15 Basketball Championship (Jr. Winter Cup 2026-27), held from January 4–8, 2027, at Keio Arena TOKYO.

Road to the Finals

Veltex Shizuoka’s progression to the finals marks a significant milestone for the youth program. The boys’ team, which fell in the final match last year, secured their spot after a 78-53 victory over B-NEXSTARS in the semifinals. Their earlier tournament results included a 74-33 win against MIRISE in the first round and an 84-41 victory over Hamamatsu Kaiseikan in the quarterfinals. The girls’ team reached the final following a 45-36 win over ONE in the semifinals, after defeating squads (56-41) and Hamamatsu Regulus (68-43) in the preceding rounds.

Coaching Perspectives on Team Growth

U15 Head Coach Naruhisa Takamura noted that the current rosters have evolved into contenders for the prefecture’s top position, a departure from the club’s early years when even regional qualification posed significant challenges. Takamura attributed this growth to the collective efforts of the current players, alumni, staff, and families who have supported the program since its inception. He emphasized that the upcoming finals represent an opportunity for the players to continue building the team’s history.

Broadcast and Viewing Information

Fans unable to attend the matches in person can access coverage through two digital channels. The finals on November 3 will be broadcast live via the SBS “Minaspo” YouTube channel. These broadcasts provide a window into the development of the youth program, which the club is actively promoting to its broader fanbase.