After answering an SOS and coming out of retirement mid-season, Mahony helped Norwood Flames beat West Adelaide 63-45 and claim back to back South Australia Premier League premierships.

Mahony was lured out of retirement when Flames coach Jess Foley was injured during the season.

Foley’s father John attended school at the Christian Brothers College in Tamworth, and joined Mahony at the AIS in 2000.

Mahony proved a superb pick-up and was named the most valuable player of the grand final after a prominent display at both ends of the court.

She scored 10 points, had six assists, four rebounds, three steals and a block in 22 minutes, her time on court cut a bit short after she was fouled out.

Tamworth Basketball is meanwhile gearing up to host the Under 12 John Davidson Country Basketball Jamboree.

It will be held at the Tamworth Sports Dome from Saturday with players travelling from associations at Albury, Merimbula in the south, to Dubbo in the west and the Southern, Central and North Coast and Hunter regions.

To qualify for the Jamboree, 450 players attended a skills day camp at one of 12 venues throughout the country from which 90 boys and girls were selected to attend the four day Jamboree.

The aim of the camps is to improve skill levels, have fun, play some games and participate in social activities to develop new friendships.