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.
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
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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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 San Francisco Chronicle Peninsula / South Bay Player of the Year, 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!
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Thank You for an Incredible Tournament Weekend!The 42nd Annual San Jose Ninja Invitational Basketball Tournament, held on April 19–20, 2025, was a tremendous success! We were proud to welcome top teams from the Bay Area, Sacramento, Southern California, and beyond for a weekend filled with competitive matchups, high-level basketball, and outstanding sportsmanship.
In addition to the exciting games, we had a blast at the tournament socials for adults, high schoolers, and middle schoolers. These fun-filled events brought our community together off the court and helped make the weekend even more memorable. Thank you to all the players, coaches, families, and volunteers who helped make this year’s tournament so memorable. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year for the 43rd Annual Ninja Invitational! |
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An Epic Day⚡at Inaugural Ninja CampThe 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!
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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!
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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 Jillian Chen (c/o 2028) Harker School, Skyline Division, WBAL First Team All-League Grace Curley (c/o 2027) St. Francis High, WCAL Second Team All-League Stanley Du (c/o 2025) Monta Vista High, SCVAL First 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 Honorable Mention 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 Kelly Ho (c/o 2026) Mills High, Bay Division, PAL 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 Kiara Nitao (c/o 2026) Hillsdale High, Bay Division, PAL 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!
Check out our Class of 2025 Ninja Senior Girls and Boys Tribute pages we we highlights our girls' and boys' teams with senior photos, baby pictures, special memories, and reflections.
Once a Ninja, always a Ninja! 🥷🏀🎓
Check out our Class of 2025 Ninja Senior Girls and Boys Tribute pages we we highlights our girls' and boys' teams with senior photos, baby pictures, special memories, and reflections.
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
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
Tayla Lee (c/o 2027) Piedmont Hills High, Santa Teresa Division, BVAL Honorable Mention 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 All-League
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 All-League
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 All-League
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
If an honoree is missing, kindly reach out to webmaster@ninja.org.
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
Tayla Lee (c/o 2027) Piedmont Hills High, Santa Teresa Division, BVAL Honorable Mention 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 All-League
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 All-League
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 All-League
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
If an honoree is missing, kindly reach out to webmaster@ninja.org.
Ninja Core Principles
To foster good sportsmanship, solid basketball fundamentals, self-confidence in our players, and promote lasting lifetime friendships.