First High wins youth basketball final with buzzer-beating three-pointer against Jiyuan

Under the lights of the Taipei Gymnasium, the women's division final of the 2026 Peak Youth Basketball Invitation Tournament concluded today. Defending champions Taipei Municipal First Girls' High School faced off against elite contenders Jiyuan No. 1 Middle School from mainland China. Played in a tense and thrilling atmosphere, the match ultimately ended with a narrow 61-60 victory for First Girls' High School, as Chang Hsun-wen sank a clutch three-pointer with just 1.1 seconds left on the clock to become the focal point of the arena. This game was not only a test of strength between the two teams, but also an important showcase of cross-border youth sports exchange.

The game featured high-level competition from start to finish. First Girls' High School held a slim lead in the first half, but Jiyuan No. 1 Middle School gradually closed the gap in the second half, with the two sides trading leads and tying multiple times. Entering the final 30 seconds, First Girls' High School trailed by just one point amid a turnover of possession. Receiving a pass outside the paint and facing tight defense from an opposing guard, Chang Hsun-wen kept her composure, quickly pivoted, and drained a three-pointer with 1.1 seconds remaining. This shot not only secured the victory for First Girls' High School but also drew thunderous applause from the stands. Throughout the game, Chang tallied 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, displaying well-rounded offensive and defensive capabilities.

Since its establishment in 2010, the Peak Youth Basketball Invitation Tournament has become a vital platform for youth basketball exchanges between Taiwan and the mainland. Each year, the tournament attracts high school teams from Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, and other regions, while inviting top-tier teams from the mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, and elsewhere. Beyond technical exchange, the tournament emphasizes sportsmanship, teamwork, and cross-cultural understanding. Among this year's participants, Jiyuan No. 1 Middle School is renowned for its solid defense and efficient offense, adding significant appeal to the tournament. First Girls' High School, with its long-standing basketball tradition and numerous national championship experiences, emerged as a standout competitor in this year's event.

Since its inception, First Girls' High School has cultivated numerous national team players and achieved consistent success in domestic and international competitions. This championship victory not only extends its dominance in youth basketball but also injects new vitality into the school's basketball culture. The school plans to use this opportunity to further refine its training system, enhance the professional level of its coaching staff, and encourage more students to participate in basketball. For Chang Hsun-wen personally, this game-winning three-pointer will serve as a major milestone in her basketball career, potentially paving the way for her future advancement to higher levels of competitive play.

For Jiyuan No. 1 Middle School, despite the defeat, the high-level competition and cross-border exchange experience are of great significance to the team's development. Sports exchanges between Taiwan and the mainland have deepened continuously in recent years, with youth sports activities serving as an important channel to promote mutual understanding and respect among youths across the strait. The fierce competition in this match demonstrated the competitiveness of youths from both sides in terms of skill and psychological resilience, laying a solid foundation for more similar events in the future.

In summary, First Girls' High School's narrow victory to claim the women's division championship at the 2026 Peak Youth Basketball Invitation Tournament highlights the strength and potential of Taiwan's youth basketball. Chang Hsun-wen's clutch game-winning three-pointer not only leaves an impressive record for her personally but also brings new glory to First Girls' High School. This game was more than just a basketball showdown; it was a microcosm of cross-border friendship and cultural exchange. Looking ahead, as more young players emerge on the international stage, youth sports exchanges between Taiwan and the mainland will continue to deepen, creating broader development spaces for youths on both sides. (Factual Source: Central News Agency)