Basketball: Flinders College, Fukuoka Ohori, and Tsinghua University Advance Semi-Finals: NBA Rising Stars Invitational 2025 Singapore
- SportPlus News
- 15 hours ago
- 3 min read
High School Hoops Heat Up in Singapore as Day 2 Delivers Intensity and Breakout Performances
SINGAPORE, 26 JUNE 2025 – The second day of the NBA Rising Stars Invitational 2025 brought intense on-court drama and confirmed the first semi-finalists of the league’s inaugural high school basketball showcase in Singapore.
Flinders College (Australia), Fukuoka University Ohori Senior High School (Japan), and Tsinghua University High School (China) all secured dominant wins to clinch their places in the semi-finals at the Kallang Tennis Hub.
Held from 25–29 June, the NBA Rising Stars Invitational is the NBA’s first-ever regional high school basketball tournament. Featuring elite boys’ and girls’ teams from 11 Asia-Pacific countries, the event is part of a week-long basketball and entertainment festival in collaboration with Sport Singapore (SportSG) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).
Host Nation Singapore Faces Early Exit as Local Teams Fall Short
Despite the home-court advantage and passionate local support, Singaporean teams faced a tough outing on Day 2 of the NBA Rising Stars Invitational 2025. Both Hwa Chong Institution (Girls) and United World College South East Asia Dover (Boys) were eliminated from the tournament following decisive losses in their respective group matches.
Hwa Chong Institution struggled against a strong Kyoto Seika Gakuen Senior High School (Japan) side, falling 78-36 in Girls’ Group A. The Japanese team showcased superior court discipline and offensive coordination, leaving little room for the Singaporeans to mount a comeback.
In Boys’ Group A, United World College South East Asia Dover put up a valiant fight against Nehru World School (India) but ultimately succumbed to a narrow 66-62 defeat, dashing their hopes of advancing to the semi-finals.
Although the local teams have exited the tournament, their participation in the NBA’s inaugural high school showcase highlights the growing development of youth basketball in Singapore. Their experience on an international stage is expected to fuel further growth and interest in the sport locally.
Southeast Asia Rivalry Kicks Off Day 2
The day tipped off with a tightly contested matchup between Watnoinoppakhun School (Thailand) and SMAK BPK Penabur Cirebon (Indonesia) in the Girls’ Group B.
After trailing early, the Thai team clawed their way back to post a thrilling 67-58 comeback victory, keeping their semi-final hopes alive.
Philippines and India Shine in Boys’ Bracket
National University - Nazareth School (Philippines) followed with a strong second-half showing to defeat Assumption College Thonburi (Thailand) 81-60, gaining momentum in Group D (Boys).
The victory sets up a crucial match against Yongsan High School (Korea) to determine who advances to the semi-finals.
Nehru World School (India) also notched a hard-fought 66-62 win over United World College South East Asia Dover (Singapore) in Group A (Boys), keeping the competition fierce across all brackets.
Semi-Finalists Lock In
Three schools dominated their respective groups to book early tickets to the final four:
Flinders College (Australia) overpowered Delhi Public School (India) 68-28 in Girls’ Group C.
Fukuoka University Ohori Senior High School (Japan) crushed Hin Hua High School (Malaysia) 90-25 in Boys’ Group C.
Tsinghua University High School (China) outclassed Orkhon Aimag 1st High School (Mongolia) 85-50 in Boys’ Group B.
With these victories, all three teams are through to the semi-finals, with more slots still up for grabs.
Girls’ Basketball Showcases International Talent
Kyoto Seika Gakuen Senior High School (Japan) displayed their prowess in Group A (Girls), dominating Hwa Chong Institution (Singapore) 78-36, while the remaining girls’ teams now battle for the last three semi-final spots.
A Festival Beyond Basketball
The NBA Rising Stars Invitational isn’t just about high-stakes youth basketball. Fans in Singapore are treated to a rich festival experience including:
Meet-and-greets with NBA personalities
Interactive fan zones
Open court sessions
Appearances by the Laker Girls and Miami Heat mascot Burnie
NBA memorabilia exhibits featuring the Larry O’Brien Trophy
Official NBA merchandise is also available on-site, making it a must-visit event for basketball lovers of all ages.
Looking Ahead
As competition heats up in Singapore, anticipation builds for the semi-finals on Saturday. With three teams already through and several more close behind, the NBA Rising Stars Invitational 2025 continues to deliver high-octane action, regional pride, and unforgettable fan experiences. Stay tuned for more updates coming soon as the event draws to a close this weekend. #NBARisingStarsInvitational #Basketball