A MAGNIFICENT all-around performance from Taylah Levy sparked the Central District Lions to a 12-point win over the Forestville Eagles in the National Basketball League (NBL)1 Central Women’s Grand Final.

The Lions came into the match off a two-week rest having won their semi-final matchup against the Sturt Sabres a fortnight ago. On the other hand, Forestville had to take the scenic route to the big dance, but defeated the Sabres in a preliminary final contest last weekend, setting up a clash between the form sides of the competition.

The first quarter demonstrated how close the contest was going to be, with the Eagles holding a slim two-point lead at the first change after Jess Simons knocked down a stepback triple to give her side the advantage late in the term. The Eagles continued to maintain scoreboard ascendancy in the second and third quarters, restricting Central District’s offensive output to lead by six points at the final change. However, the Lions came home with a wet sail, dominating the final period to outscore the Eagles 30-12 and produce a remarkable comeback win to claim the 2024 championship.

Levy was certainly the catalyst for the final quarter turnaround, and was deservingly named Finals MVP for her efforts.

Central District Lions (79) def. Forestville Eagles (67)

Taylah Levy – 25 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, one steal, one block

Levy is an established leader of the Lions, and stepped up in a time of need for her team as she led Central District to its first ever NBL1 Central title at 36ers Arena on Saturday evening.

Levy was instrumental in guiding the Lions back into the match after falling behind over the first three quarters, and showed why she is one of the most impactful performers in the NBL1 Central competition.

Her eight points and two assists in the final quarter were vital in sparking the Lions into a magnificent comeback, but she was also a consistent performer across the first three terms to keep Central District in the match.

She finished the Grand Final with a game-high 25 points and although her shooting was not the most efficient at 8/22, she made her shots from behind the arc (2/3 3PT) and the charity stripe (7/8 FT) count. Her composure at the free throw line in the final term was crucial, keeping her cool to sink vital shots with an enormous amount of pressure.

Teammates Casey Samuels and Lilly Ritz greatly benefited from Levy’s smart passes, with both players surpassing 20 points after finding themselves with good looks. Levy showed exquisite decision-making skills and made some crucial passes late in the piece to give her fellow Lions some great scoring opportunities.

On the glass, Levy demonstrated excellent positioning under the hoop to pull down eight boards for the match, including two on the offensive end which generated important baskets for the Lions to ensure the Eagles did not break away to a match-winning lead.

Levy was the standout performer in a historic performance for the Central District Lions, and looms as a key figure at this weekend’s NBL1 National Finals.