This semifinal was dubbed an "early final" as two traditional powerhouses competed for a spot in the championship game. However, Phan Dinh Phung quickly turned the match into a one-sided affair, leading 23-7 after just the first quarter.

Captain Vu Duong Bao Thy (number 98, white) competes for the ball with Nguyen Vu Minh Ha during the VnExpress Youth Basketball Tournament semifinal at Ha Noi Children's Palace Campus 2 on 30/11. *Photo: VYB*

With key players who had led them to victory in the two most recent VnExpress - Ziaja Cup tournaments, such as Dinh Ngoc Phuong Linh, Vu Duong Bao Thy, and Tran Tue Minh, the defending champions easily controlled the game after a strong start. Even when last season's MVP Phuong Linh sat out the final two quarters for personal reasons, Phan Dinh Phung's dominance remained unaffected.

For Viet Duc, U16 national champion Nguyen Vu Minh Ha was a standout, scoring 11 points. Despite being the game's top scorer, Minh Ha could not turn the tide for Viet Duc, who fell behind early. Ultimately, Viet Duc lost 27-46, seeing Phan Dinh Phung advance to the finals for the second consecutive year.

Phan Dinh Phung's opponent in the final will be Vinschool The Harmony. In an internal Vinschool matchup, The Harmony consistently led Smart City throughout all four quarters, maintaining a single-digit lead.

Thanks to a stellar performance from Dong Minh Anh, who scored 13 points, The Harmony led 14-12 after the first quarter. From that point, captain Ly Ha My's play improved, spearheading The Harmony's path to victory. Ha My scored 17 points, contributing significantly to her team's 33-30 lead at halftime and 41-36 lead after the third quarter.

Ha My (pink, number 2) dribbles the ball during the VnExpress Youth Basketball Tournament semifinal at Ha Noi Children's Palace Campus 2 on 30/11. *Photo: VYB*

Vinschool Smart City attempted to catch up with six three-pointers from number 4 Nguyen Minh Chau, but they could not overtake their opponent. In the end, Vinschool The Harmony won 50-42, reaching the VnExpress Youth Basketball Tournament final for the first time.

The final of the VnExpress Youth Basketball Tournament 2025 - Ziaja Cup Ha Noi region will take place on 7/12 at Ha Noi Children's Palace Campus 2, 17 Pham Hung. In addition to focusing on professional quality and tournament promotion, the organizers will award a prize to the school with the largest and most enthusiastic fan base. There is one prize each match day, valued at 2 million VND. A representative from the organizing committee stated that this activity aims to encourage team spirit, create an exciting atmosphere, and strengthen bonds between schools.

The VnExpress Youth Basketball Tournament 2025 - Ziaja Cup is organized by VnExpress Newspaper and FPT Online Services Joint Stock Company (FPT Online), with technical supervision from the Vietnam Basketball Federation. The tournament is part of the national project "Developing School Basketball by 2030."

This year's tournament saw a record number of registrations, with 80 teams submitting applications within just one week of the portal opening. Due to size limitations, the organizers selected the 36 earliest registered teams to compete: 24 boys' teams and 12 girls' teams. The group stage ran from 31/10 to 16/11, with the knockout rounds from 23/11 to 7/12.

Vy Anh