SIS hosted the 2025 AISA tournament for the varsity boys basketball team from Feb. 7-8, during which Korea International School (KIS), Korea International School Jeju (KISJ), Yokohama International School (YIS), Senri-Osaka International School (SOIS), and Kaohsiung American School (KAS) were invited to play against each other. The tournament brought together student-athletes for two days of competition and school spirit.
The AISA tournament is an annual sports tournament that promotes intercultural exchange amongst students from various international school across Asia. The tournament is an opportunity for teamwork and sportsmanship between the participating schools.
The tournament started off with the competing schools gathering in Tiger Gym 3 for the opening assembly before the games officially began. Afterward, the players took an all-schools group photo together. The assembly welcomed all of the student athletes, setting up the tournament with excitement and hyping up both players and audience members to start off the first game.
For many athletes, this tournament allowed the students to showcase months of dedication and practice throughout the winter sports season.
“I think this tournament pushed all of us to put in our best effort,” Justin Chun (10), varsity basketball player, said. “The games were tough, but we were able to learn a lot and become closer as a team.”
SIS first played during the second game of the tournament at 10:15 a.m. against SOIS. The players of both teams demonstrated well-coordinated offensive strategies and strong defensive plays, and SIS emerged victorious, securing a spot in the semi-finals. The SIS varsity cheer team was also invited to cheer for the tournament, and the team energized the crowd throughout with their chants and halftime performance.
“It was a really exciting experience to be able to cheer for our school [during] AISA,” Yunmi Ishida (9), varsity cheer member, said. “You could really feel the energy from the audience members and players, making the games feel much more special.”
Before the next set of games, a free throw competition was held, where one representative from each team competed for a friendly competition of accuracy. The SIS varsity boys representative was Andrew Kim (12), who performed strongly. This was followed by the three-pointer competition, where Doha Kim (9) scored five successful shots.
On the second day of the tournament, the games were intensified as the student athletes felt more anxious as they fought for their final rankings. SIS played against YIS in a game to determine who’d progress into the finals. With well-executed offensive plays, SIS emerged victorious from the game, and played in the finals.
The championship game was intense, with both teams being strong contenders in AISA tournaments. Though both teams put in their best efforts, KIS ultimately took first place. The final rankings of the AISA tournament was KISJ in sixth place, SOIS in fifth place, KAS in fourth place, YIS in third place, SIS in second place, and KIS in first place. After, the final post-game ceremony recognized and celebrated the efforts of all of the athletes. Coaches, players, family members, and spectators gathered to reflect on the competition, highlighting the perseverance displayed throughout the season.
“It was heartbreaking to lose in the finals, but I’m proud to have made it that far,” Doha Kim (9), varsity basketball athlete, said. “The experience taught me valuable lessons and fueled my determination to come back stronger next time.”
The tournament not only set the stage for athletic excellence but also created valuable memories for all involved. The players aim to build upon this experience and return next year with even more ambition than before.
