CoLA made it three Under 18 Cups in the last four years, and back-to-back titles, as they beat long-standing rivals Ipswich, 65-46, in the final on Saturday in Manchester.
The win places Pride as the most decorated side in the history of the competition with five wins, though they had to weather a stern Ipswich fightback to make it a reality.
The MVP crown went to CoLA forward Chloe Vella, who put together a mighty 15-point, 21-rebound double-double, alongside a strong showing from fellow forward Adaora Dioramma, who had 12 points and 7 rebounds, and guard Monife Abidekun who finished with 13 points.
“Ipswich did an amazing job to stay in it and never gave up,” CoLA Head Coach Brian Nguru said.
“Big shout out to Harriet [Welham, Ipswich’s head coach], she did an amazing job.
“I am pleased! It’s been a great opportunity to coach these girls as head coach and a massive shout out goes to my mentor, and my coach. Jackson really prepared me for this opportunity so I’m very thankful for the privilege of being mentored by him.
“For the past 17-18 years, I have been under his wing and really soaked in everything that he taught me as a player and now I’ve been able to give back to the younger generation as a coach.”
Ipswich’s Maisie Keyes (19 points and 7 rebounds) was the main point of resistance as she fought hard to get her side back in the game. Cerys Leach (12 points) sank four triples in the comeback run, and forward Holly Ensoll (8 points, 13 rebounds) chipped in a near double-double.
The contest appeared to be over early as Ipswich spotted their opponents a 16-0 start across a disastrous first quarter, committing nine turnovers to put themselves in a sizable hole.
Things didn’t get much better in the second frame as the eventual winners continued to stretch their lead, peaking at 26 points just before the half.
Whatever Coach Welham said to her side during the main change did the trick, with the Suffolk programme storming to a 27-13 third that would set up a tense finish.
Six points is as close as the teams would come, however, with CoLA regaining their composure and seeing out the game with a 17-6 fourth quarter.
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