​Welcome to the San Jose Ninja Youth Foundation

Since our founding in 1980, the San Jose Ninja Youth Foundation has built a legacy of excellence, sportsmanship, and lifelong connections. Our mission goes beyond the game—we are committed to developing strong basketball fundamentals, fostering self-confidence, and instilling the values of teamwork and respect in every player.
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What truly sets us apart is our tight-knit community. Every past and present Ninja player and family has shaped our storied history, and we are deeply grateful for your contributions. Together, we continue to honor our traditions, compete at the highest level, and build friendships that last a lifetime.

Thank you for being part of our journey—once a Ninja, always a Ninja!

Kevin Kawano
President, San Jose Ninja Youth Foundation

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​​2025 San Jose Ninja Invitational Basketball Tournament

Get ready for an exciting weekend of basketball! We are thrilled to host the 42nd Annual San Jose Ninja Invitational Basketball Tournament on April 19-20, 2025! This exclusive, invitation-only event will bring together top teams from the Bay Area, Sacramento, Southern California, and surrounding areas for competitive matchups, great basketball, and a celebration of teamwork and sportsmanship. We look forward to another unforgettable tournament!​

Senior Spotlight: Jolyn Ding is NYU bound! 🏀

 Congratulations to Jolyn Ding, a member of the Ninja Class of 2025, on her acceptance to NYU! Jolyn was also honored as the 49ers Cal-Hi Sports 2024-25 Girls Co-Scholar-Athlete of the Year and 2024-25 WBAL All-League Co-Most Valuable Player.​ Her leadership both on and off the court exemplifies what it truly means to be a Ninja—dedicated, resilient, and inspiring to those around her. We can’t wait to watch her shine on the court at the next level and continue making an impact!

An Epic Day⚡​at Inaugural Ninja Camp 

​The Inaugural Ninja Camp was an epic day where Ninjas from 3rd through 12th grade came together for team-building, fun challenges, community service, and basketball! Older participants stepped up as mentors, guiding and inspiring the next generation of Ninjas. The camp embodied the organization's commitment to strengthening connections and empowering young athletes both on and off the court. ​A huge thank you to the players, coaches, and volunteers for making this event possible and unforgettable!

San Jose Ninja Hits the Lanes 🎳

Our Ninja organization headed to 4th Street Bowl for a night of fun, food, and strikes! It wasn’t just about basketball—we proved we can knock down pins too. With great eats, good vibes, and unforgettable moments, it was a night to remember. ​We’re not just ballers; we’re bowlers too! ​

Ninja Athletes Shine in 2024-25 High School Winter Season!​ 🙌​

Huge congratulations to our Ninja girls and boys athletes for their outstanding achievements during the 2024-25 high school basketball season! From earning Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors to securing All-League recognition—your hard work in competition and in the classroom has truly paid off. We are proud of your dedication, perseverance, and excellence.

49ers Cal-Hi Sports 2024-25 Winter Season Player of the Year
Jolyn Ding (c/o 2025), Pinewood School, Girls Co-Scholar-Athlete of the Year

​2024-25 Varsity Basketball High School Basketball All-League MVP and Player of the Year Honorees
Jolyn Ding (c/o 2025) Pinewood School, Foothill Division, WBAL Co-Most Valuable Player
Lucas Hirotsuka (c/o 2026) Prospect High, Santa Teresa - West Division, BVAL Junior of the Year
Mason Seto (c/o 2028) Silver Creek High, Santa Teresa - West Division, BVAL Freshman of the Year

2024-25 Varsity Basketball All-League Honorees
Mikaela Dumagan (c/o 2025) Washington High, MVAL First Team All-League
Bella Fong (c/o 2027) San Mateo High, Ocean Division, PAL First Team All-League
Emilyn Haw (c/o 2026) Bishop O'Dowd High, Foothill Division, WACC Honorable Mention
Michael Hom (c/o 2025) Homestead High, El Camino Division, SCVAL First Team All-League
Jessica Kim (c/o 2027) The King's Academy, Skyline Division, WBAL First Team All-League
​Miya Kosakura (c/o 2025) Monta Vista High, DeAnza Division, SCVAL Third Team All-League
Tayla Lee (c/o 2027) Piedmont Hills High, Santa Teresa Division, BVAL First Team All-League
Aly Liu (c/o/ 2028) Pioneer High, Mt. Hamilton Division, BVAL First Team All-League
Vince Madriaga (c/o 2025) Sobrato High, Santa Teresa - East Division, BVAL First Team All-League
Jessie Okumura (c/o 2027) Willow Glen High, Mt. Hamilton Division, BVAL Second Team All-League
Derek Quan (c/o 2027) Pioneer High, Mt. Hamilton Division, BVAL Second Team All-League
Austyn Rivero (c/o 2025) Santa Teresa High, Mt. Hamilton Division, BVAL Honorable Mention
Jordyn Yamaguchi (c/o 2025) Washington High, MVAL First Team All-League
​Chloe Wu (c/o 2025) Homestead High, DeAnza Division, SCVAL Third Team All-League

Celebrating Our San Jose Ninja Class of 2025 Seniors!

To our incredible Class of 2025 seniors, congratulations! Your dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment have not only elevated your game but have also been a shining example of what it means to be a San Jose Ninja. You have represented our organization with pride, integrity, and sportsmanship, and we couldn’t be more grateful for the lasting impact you’ve made. As you step into the next chapter of your journey, know that you will always be a part of the Ninja family. Thank you for your hard work, leadership, and the memories you’ve created both on and off the court. We can’t wait to see all that you accomplish next!

Once a Ninja, always a Ninja! 🥷🏀🎓

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Ninja Athletes 2023-24 Recognition

​2023-24 High School Basketball All-League MVP and Player of the Year Honorees

Noah Apalla (c/o 2024) Silver Creek, Santa Teresa - East Division, BVAL Co-Senior of the Year
Maddy Bader (c/o 2024) Moreau Catholic, MVAL Most Valuable Player
Alex Facelo (c/o 2024) Pinewood, Foothill Division, WBAL Co-Most Valuable Player
​Adam Nakai (c/o 2024) Santa Teresa, Leigh, Mt. Hamilton Division, BVAL Co-Most Valuable Player
​Derek Quan (c/o 2027) Pioneer, Santa Teresa - West Division, BVAL Freshman of the Year

2023-24 High School Basketball All-League Honorees

Jolyn Ding (c/o 2025) Pinewood School, Foothill Division, WBAL Second Team All-League
Mikaela Dumagan (c/o 2025) Washington High, MVAL First Team All-League
Lita Fakapelea (c/o 2026) Menlo-Atherton High, Bay Division, PAL First Team All-League
Bella Fong (c/o 2027) San Mateo High, Lake Division, PAL Player of the Year and First Team All-League
Jessica Kim (c/o 2027) The King's Academy, Skyline Division, WBAL Second Team All-League
Kazu Kimura (c/o 2024) Branham High, Mt. Hamilton Division, BVAL Second Team All-League
Maddie Kanazawa (c/o 2024) Salesian College Preparatory, All-Tri County League, First Team All-League
Jemma Lacap (c/o 2024) Crystal Springs Uplands School, Foothill Division, WBAL Second Team All-League
Mathew Lau (c/o 2024) Monta Vista High, SCVAL First Team All-League
Jake Nakamura (c/o 2024) Monta Vista High, SCVAL Second Team All-League
Kiara Nitao (c/o 2026) Hillsdale High, Bay Division, PAL Honorable Mention
Kenedi Nomura  (c/o 2026) Valley Christian School, WCAL Second Team All-League
Sydney Shimada (c/o 2026) Hillsdale High, Bay Division, PAL Honorable Mention
Tyler Suzuki (c/o 2024) Leigh High, Mt. Hamilton Division, BVAL Second Team All-League
Sofia Tom (c/o 2025) Castro Valley High, WCAA Honorable Mention
Valerie Wang (c/o 2024) Westmont High, Almaden Valley Division, BVAL First Team All-League
Abby Xiong (c/o 2024) The King's Academy, Skyline Division, WBAL First Team All-League
Jordyn Yamaguchi (c/o 2025) Washington High, MVAL First Team All-League

Ninja Core Principles

To foster good sportsmanship, solid basketball fundamentals, self-confidence in our players, and promote lasting lifetime friendships.