THE Country Basketball League South West Conference came to a close on Saturday night with Portlander Tanielle Knight making an appearance despite no local teams competing in the grand final matches.

Knight was awarded Most Valuable Player across the women’s competition and was acknowledged on Saturday night during the grand final in Warrnambool between Millicent and Mount Gambier.

Despite not planning to play much of the season, Knight suited up in most games for Portland which was ultimately rewarded with the season MVP and a finals appearance.

After finding out on social media Knight said she was shocked to take home the biggest award for the season.

“I definitely did not expect it, it just makes the season that bit more special,” she said.

“I was so shocked I really though it was going to go to one of the Winter girls who play for Millicent or one of the Horsham girls.”

Knight moved to Geelong a few years ago after playing much of her representative junior basketball for Portland, before returning this season to compete with the senior CBL team.

At just 18-years-old Knight contributed double figures in nearly all of her games.

“I didn’t think I’d be playing for Portland right now, when the season started I’d figure I’d play in a few games here and there but I enjoyed those first few games and felt like there was good connections out on court so I committed,” she said.

Portland managed secure a spot in finals, taking on eventual premiers Millicent in the semi-final and going down in a close contest.

“We had such a young team so to make the semis was really good,” Knight said.

“I really thought we could beat Millicent and go all the way by the end of the season but it wasn’t meant to be.”

Knight also made the five-player All Star team for her performance, an impressive feat among some strong regional talent.

Her season with the Portland Coasters has also kept her in touch for the coming week where she will represent Victoria in the under-20 Australian Junior Championships held in Geelong.

The tournament will see her come up against the best under-20 basketballers in the country.

“I’m pretty nervous going from CBL into nationals, my role will definitely change,” she said.

“If I hadn’t been playing CBL I wouldn’t have played a game since last year, so it has been so good to keep my match play up and be out on court.”

Millicent, Mount Gambier take home titles

The CBL season came to an end on Saturday night with Millicent winning the women’s grand final while Mount Gambier took home the men’s trophy.

Millicent had been a standout side in the women’s competition throughout the season, dominating throughout the rounds and finishing off their season with a resounding 64-45 grand final win against Mount Gambier.

In the men’s competition Mount Gambier had been a benchmark side across the competition and it was proven on Saturday when they took care of Ararat, 91-77.