Marist College’s proud basketball reputation was further enhanced when they took out the ACT Under-19 Division One Grand Final, defeating the Ginninderra Rats 82-70.

It was back-to-back championships for the college after they won the 2015 title also.

The college, which played a part in the development of NBA and Australian Boomers star Patty Mills, led at every change, holding off the opposition in a game of high intensity.

The team comprised Jack Bartholomeusz, James Toohey, Patrick Cross, Tyrone Mohomad, Rohnan Busing, Abraham Rodriquez Junior., Nick Wagland, Joshua Brennan, Aidan Herstik, Nick Cubit and Angus Williams.

With 28 points apiece, Toohey and Bartholomeusz were considered the team’s best players in the win, which saw Marist College land 17 three-pointers.

Cross and Herstik were monumental in getting the rebounds.

An elated senior coach, Grant Barclay, said there were plenty of highlights as a team.

He included “playing in front of a large crowd” and “shooting exceptionally well” as the better parts of the day.

But ultimately his greatest moment came at the end of the game.

“Nothing beats the feeling of seeing the clock run down to zero knowing you have achieved a season-long goal,” he said.

The mentor also paid tribute to the team’s support structure.

“Everyone involved has represented the college with distinction,” he said.

“This includes players, parents, supporters, our coaching staff and our parent manager Rebecca Bartholomeusz, who has been with the boys every season for the last six years.”

He was proud of the way his team performed not only on grand final day, but throughout the season.

“It was fitting end for this group of players and this team,” he said.

“The boys have worked hard to achieve their goals and while the win is great recognition, the most pleasing aspect is how they how responded to the challenges.”

The team ended the season with 12 wins and four losses in a year which threatened to be thrown off course due to injury and illness.

With six of the team members being in Year 12, the side will look vastly different next season. Barclay will go around again as coach and he is optimistic about the new-look team.

“With different strengths to the past season, it will provide a fresh look for the opponents,” he said.

“We will have a younger group and it will require people to step up and lead the team in the absence of the six year 12’s, but they have great potential across the board to go back-to-back again.”

Marist College aren’t taking any short-cuts in their effort to defend the division one title.

Pre-season training started with a 7am session on October 12.