The Tenison Woods College Titans took on South Australia’s best and won at last week’s Division A State finals in Adelaide.

Tenison sent over its Year 10 boys and girls squads and returned with plenty of silverware after both sides secured grand final berths.

The Year 10 girls bounced back from a rough start to go all the way and be crowned state champions, while the boys fell six points short in the decider, but could hold their heads high.

Tenison Woods Titans coach Tom Daly said his players had every reason to be proud of their efforts.

“We are very proud and pleased with how it went being the most successful day we have had for a few years,” he said.

“The girls did a fantastic job playing against some really talented players and coaches.

“They gutted it out with only seven players to outlast the other teams.

“They made some crucial decisions and plays towards the end of the semi-final and grand final to win.

“They played with a lot of heart and togetherness to win.

“The boys were coached by Richard Hill and were fantastic as well getting the best result we have ever achieved.

“To do that against huge private schools from Adelaide that have much more resources and massive basketball programs that play every week was really impressive.”

After being “a bit slow” in the opener against Modbury following a late-night road trip, the girls responded and fronted up Concordia College with more aggression.

Important wins against Concordia and Blackwood secured a ticket into the semi with Cabra Dominican College.

After a tight and tense battle, the Titans emerged on top to meet rivals Modbury in an unforgettable final where some Portia McRae magic sealed the deal.

“It was basket for basket through the entire game, but we looked to be in a bit of trouble at one stage,” Daly said.

“But we got a defensive stop and took it down to our end.

“Portia was brave enough to drive really hard at the basket and they clobbered her.

“With five seconds to go she was cool and calm and knocked down two free throws to put us up by a point.

“She was also a bit crook, so she had fought through all day, played with aggression and then composed herself with the game on the line, it cannot be understated how difficult that was.

“After a timeout Modbury shot for three points and it almost went in, but the girls did a great job to hold on.”

The boys outfit got off to a winning start with a strong performance against Modbury, but lost a tight contest with Concordia.

Tenison bounced back to record a convincing win over Glenunga and secure a semi-final berth against last year’s winner Henly High School.

After four hard and physical quarters the Titans progressed to the decider to meet Trinity College, a team coached by a man who had led the Adelaide 36ers to three NBL titles, Rupert Sapwell.

Although Trinity took out the trophy in a thrilling finale, Daly said Tenison’s efforts were nothing short of exceptional.

“The boys were really good and came up against Trinity who have probably had the strongest basketball program in South Australia for at least the last five years,” he said.

“To almost knock them off after beating Henley is a testament to Richard Hill’s coaching and the fact we have some really talented kids around the area.

“It has been a three to four year build with those kids and they have worked really hard.

“Regardless of the gold and silver medals, it was just great because of the hard work put in the process behind what led to the day.”