PORTLAND’s Coasters women have been crowned Country Basketball South West champions for the second consecutive season, weathering a third-quarter Millicent fightback to defeat the Magic 76-61 in front of a packed Portland Basketball Stadium.

A distinctive team-focused style of play was on full display from the Portland team from the opening tip-off, as neither side took a backwards step in the frenetic and at times bruising season decider.

Following the game, Coasters captain Heidi Jones told the Observer the win was “an incredible moment.”

“Our team was so together today, and we all worked so well as a team,” she said.

“Even when Millicent went on a run and were hitting a few shots, we were able to keep our heads, keep pushing forward and everyone really got around each other.

"Every single player who came on the court played their part in this win, and that’s the kind of team that we want to be.”

Coasters coach Rebel Noter said the combination of the team’s support of one another and the support of Portland’s crowd had made the win even more special.

“It’s a very special feeling and one which the girls deserved so much,” he said.

“Each and every player did really well, and it’s been a pleasure to see them all grow so much throughout the year. It also helps that the girls all get along so well, both on and off the court.

“The team were problem solving on their own out on the court, and as a coach that’s probably the best thing that you can ask for.

“All you can ask is that they’re learning the game, and being able to read the situations they found themselves in.

“I’ve got so much confidence in the team no matter who goes out on the floor, and they showed that they have that belief in themselves.

“The Portland spectators proved to have that same belief in the team and they’re always 100 per cent behind us, that support really lifts the team to another level.”

In a team where it was hard to pick out a lone stand-out player, it was the two-way skills of Coasters guard Millie Jennings that earned her grand final MVP honours.

Bringing immense energy at both ends of the court, Jennings was the game’s top scorer with 18 points and forced numerous turnovers while also spending much of the game guarding Millicent’s top scorer and season MVP, Poppy Venn.

Tyleah Barr was on fire for the Coasters, scoring eight points in the fourth quarter alone as part of her 17-point total which included three long-range shots before suffering a rolled ankle late in the game, the only sad note on an evening of celebration for the team.

Alana Strom was again at her dominant best within the key with a performance that included 12 points and countless rebounds at both rings, often while being swarmed by Millicent defenders.

Captain Heidi Jones brought a cool head to the high-pressure game, scoring 11 points while Lexie Petch scored seven points while rotating off the bench with Summer Millard, who scored eight points.

After carrying an 11-point lead into the half-time break, Millicent brought the heat in the third quarter and scored 23 points to Portland’s 16 to bring the margin back to just four points at the final break.

But instead of allowing the comeback to knock their confidence, the Coasters put a halt to their opponents momentum, scoring 24 points in the final quarter and holding Millicent to just 13 points as the home crowd loudly supported their Coasters.

Noter praised the losing Millicent side, singling out Poppy Venn as the team’s star player.

“Millicent were a strong side all season long,” he said.

“We knew that Poppy (Venn) was going to go out there and shoot the ball pretty well, with her having been the lead scorer this year.

“They’re a quick team, and their younger kids never give up, with the young squad they have they’ve definitely got a bright future.”

Noter said Portland’s back-to-back championship win showed the team’s development, and the strength of Portland’s basketball across all facets of Portland Basketball Association.

“To get this win in Portland is pretty special for the team and for the town,” he said.

“It would have been amazing to see the men playing after us, but Hayden is doing an amazing job with that team, and we hope they’re readying for a strong season next year.

“The work that Geordie Cook has put in for us throughout the season has been amazing, if every basketball club has someone like Geordie looking after them then the sport is in a good spot.

“Portland’s junior programs are doing really well, and I think it is those programs that really help with team cohesion and leads to the successful basketball teams.”