Big V Basketball: Mornington wins Division 2 women’s title

Mornington has broken through for its first Big V title after a hard fought serious win over a gritty Altona.

It was a historic weekend for Mornington.

The Breakers women’s team broke through for the first Big V title in club history after completing a clean sweep of the Division 2 women’s grand final series against Altona.

After trailing at quarter-time, the Breakers soon found their rhythm to eventually run out 76-61 winners.

Coach Brett Spicer always knew Altona was going to come to race out of the blocks.

“The situation was they had to win to be able to force game three so we knew the first quarter was going to be pretty hotly contested,” he said.

“It would have been hard to back up on Sunday for game three because there were a lot of sore bodies after the game on both sides. Caragh (Doria) really set us up with her play in the first half and everyone one really lifted after halftime.

“I’m really happy for this group who worked so hard to be in this position.”

Mornington celebrates its first Big V title.

Molly Turner had a big impact off the bench with her energy lifting her teammates.

She had the best plus/minus of any Breakers player with 16 in just over 20 minutes of action.

“She is a quiet achiever,” Spicer said.

“I thought I hadn’t given her many minutes but she played over half a game and did a terrific job. She’s a Mornington junior who has come right through the program so I’m glad she’s apart of this success.

“She’s quite young so hopefully there might be more ahead in future.”

Sarah Parsons was named Finals MVP after another brilliant performance with 14 points, seven rebounds and six assists.

Spicer was named the Division 2 Women’s Coach of the Year.

The club is now hopeful of moving into Division 1 for next season.

GAME ONE REVIEW

Mornington coach Brett Spicer called for his side to bring elite defence to its grand final series against Altona.

He got much more than that.

The Breakers produced a defensive masterclass to run away 70-46 winners in game one of the Division 2 women’s grand final series and move one step closer to championship glory.

Mornington forced Altona into 20 turnovers on their home court throughout the afternoon while the home side shot just 26.03 per cent from the field.

Sarah Parsons was in everything for the Breakers finishing with 13 points, 18 rebounds, seven steals and five assists in just over 34 minutes of action.

Despite leading by just seven points at halftime, a 20-8 third quarter saw Mornington break the game open.

“I’m really happy for the girls,” Spicer said.

“We just worked to a plan for four quarters. We didn’t shoot well in the first half either, I think we shot about 16 per cent in the first quarter alone. Shots just started to fall in the second half.”

Inez Lie put up terrific numbers in game 1 for Mornington. Photo: Basketball Victoria.

Such was the dominance of Mornington’s performance, Spicer was able to use all 12 of his players at various stages of the game compared to Altona who had eight.

Inez Lie finished as the leading scorer for the Breakers with 20 points while Sharna Appleby continued her brilliant season with 18 for Altona.

“While it’s about winning it’s about continuing to build the Mornington program and it was a great opportunity for the local girls to get on the floor,” Spicer said.

“We want to keep building this program to be in a better place than it has been in the past.”

Game two now represents an opportunity for Mornington to claim its first Big V title — men’s or women’s — on Saturday night in what looms as an enthralling contest.

If Altona are to level the series, game three would be played on Sunday.

“We need to bring the same level of intent and step up another level again,” Spicer said.

“Altona are a fantastic side so we know they’ll come at us again. It should be another great contest.”

SERIES PREVIEW

Grand final basketball is here for Mornington and Altona’s women’s teams.

After finishing one-two on the ladder, the Breakers and Gators are set to battle it out in a best-of-three series to decide the Big V Division 2 title across the next two weekends.

Mornington will enter as strong favourites having beaten the Gators in all three games between the two sides already this season including in a semi-final two weeks ago.

Game one will be played on Sunday from 1pm at the Altona Sports Centre.

Here’s everything you need to know about the decider.

Mornington finished the season on top of the ladder. Photo: Basketball Victoria.

WHAT THE COACHES SAID

Mornington, Brett Spicer: “It’s been a rewarding season to date but we’re not done just yet. At the start of the season when we were building the team we always knew we were going to be fairly defensively minded. I brought in three or four girls I previously had worked with because I knew what they could bring to the table.

“Altona are tough, I admire them for the way they’re able to play as a team. You’ve got to break down their team structure but if you’re not able to they can just roll you over. Cool heads is going to win this series and the girls who can handle the pressure will do the best. I believe we do have girls who thrive on that pressure.”

Altona, Cameron Wilkosz: “We came back this season with a point to prove. We finished top of the ladder last season and thought we might have been a chance to move up to Division 1 but that didn’t eventuate. The girls have been really driven to earn promotion. The talent pool at Altona is incredible, the majority of our squad are all Gator juniors. Jess Rarity is one player who has been here since under 10s and she doesn’t let you not aim for a championship.

“Mornington are stacked, they’re a fantastic basketball team. They play the game at their pace and are able to control it from there. We need to play Gators basketball to get on top. That’s a run and gun style which suits us perfectly.”

Altona is looking to finish the season on a high. Photo: Basketball Victoria.

THE STARS OF THE SHOW

Sarah Parsons, Mornington

It's impossible to go pass Parsons when it comes to picking the Breakers most important and influential player. Despite playing just nine games, starting four, Parsons will be looking to go to another level in this best-of-three series.

Expect Sharna Appleby to have a big say in the best-of-three series. Photo: Basketball Victoria.

Rebecca Borham has been a star for Mornington this season. Photo: Basketball Victoria.

Sharna Appleby, Altona

Leads her side in three of the most important stats of the game and could score big in any of the three games if required. But importantly she‘s also proven she’s able to get the job done regularly on the defensive end.

THE X-FACTORS

Rebecca Borham, Mornington

Borham‘s importance to the Breakers was highlighted when she played all 40 minutes in the second semi-final against Altona two weeks ago. She’s averaged 12.68 points per game this season, the second most of any Mornington player, while also shooting the best percentage of all her teammates.

Jess Rarity, Altona

Already nominated for several individual awards at the end of the season, Rarity will be aiming for the best one of all – a championship. She‘s an Altona junior who will be desperate to bring success to her home club.