ARARAT Redbacks and Portland Coasters have made it through to the South West Country Basketball League (CBL) Grand Final, claiming wins over their respective opponents. The Redbacks got the job done convincingly against Warrnambool Seahawks running out with a 33-point win in a dominant performance (105-72). It was a closer contest between Portland and Colac Kookas with the former reigning supreme but pushed all the way to secure a 14-point win (88-74).

The Redbacks had a plethora of stars with none more impressive in the win than Zac Dunmore who dominated with 26 points as Ethan Fiegert was another key contributor posting 23 points of his own. DJ Woods made his presence felt for Ararat amassing 15 points as William Hynes also produced a handy 14 points. Jaydo Wright was the only other player to make it to double-digits posting 13 points in a strong outing for the Redbacks. James Mitchell led the charge for Warrnambool recording 28 points while Adam Lawson collected 16 points in the loss.

Portland Coasters shared the points around with four players reaching the double-digits mark and hitting the scoreboard regularly. Jackson Dunlop did not disappoint for the Coasters producing a whopping 25 points while Nathan Hardingham also chimed in with 18 points. Toby Jennings and David Denboer kept the scoreboard ticking over with 13 and 11 points respectively. For the Kookas Matthew Lloyd impressed with 19 points as Jordan Lingard recorded 14 points but picked up five fouls in the meantime.

Ararat and Portland are set to do battle in the grand final with their previous encounter in Round 1 decided by 12 points and ending in the Redbacks’ favour a feat Portland will be eager to overturn and claim the silverware.