FOREST Built are the top guns of Coffs Harbour basketball after winning Coffs Harbour Basketball Association’s A-grade grand final at Sportz Central.

A dominant fourth quarter saw Forest Built win the championship 52-36 against Knuckleheads, after Forest Built led by 4 points at three quarter time.

The grand final was a defensive grind to start with both teams locked at 10-10 at quarter time.

The first half was an evenly matched affair, with the biggest lead for any team 4 points.

Knuckleheads dominance on the boards and solid defence helped them to take a 24-21 lead into half-time.

The third quarter was a seesawing affair as the lead changed hands constantly as both teams looked to land the knockout blow.

Two late threes to end the quarter saw Forest Built take a 37-33 lead into three quarter time.

A dominant fourth quarter would prove pivotal as Forest Built made their run, ramping up their defensive intensity and a full court press which gave Knuckleheads problems leading to transition points, and ultimately the grand final victory.

Simon Vos was named Most Valuable Player of the grand final for Forest Built.

After finishing runners up in last season’s A-grade competition, Forest Built player Justin Mcmillan explained that the grand final win was the end of an era for his team who had played together for years.

“Most of us aren’t playing again, and it’s a great way for us to go out,” he said.

“If we had won last season that would have been it.”

The grand final winner said their full court defensive pressure was a big key to victory.

“We were hoping that they’d run out of legs, just forcing turnovers with our full court pressure, that was the difference,” he said.

By Aiden BURGESS