A SMART cut and drive to the hoop by Eleisha Phelps sealed victory for Ballarat's under-14 girls' Junior Development Basketball team in the Federation Health Junior Challenge final at the Minerdome.
An accurate pass from Ballarat's Jade McKay to Phelps in the dying seconds gave the home team a one point win over Moe, 36 to 35.
It was a sweet win for the team, as a slow beginning resulted in a one-point loss to Moe in the preliminary match.
Ballarat's coach Miner Eric Hayes was unavailable for the finals, but newly appointed assistant coach Candice Maggie stepped up for the hard-fought final.
The squad consisted of Rachel Cahir, Denae James, Brodie Johnson, Jackie Surman, Eleisha Phelps, Amy Marie, Kelly Richardson, Linda Powell, Nicole Verhey and Jade McKay.
In other championship games, the under-14 boys also earned a place in the championship match, but were defeated by Sale in the final by nine points.
Ballarat's under-16 boys and girls teams missed out on finals action, losing both preliminary matches.
Results
Under-14 girls: Ballarat 36 def Moe 35.
Under-14 boys: Sale 66 def Ballarat 57.
Under-16 girls: Bendigo 67 def Traralgon 53.
Under-16 boys: Sale 86 def Horsham 60.
