Whist most of us have been enjoying some R&R the majority of Harbour players at American Universities have had a busy schedule over Xmas and New Year and many of them have excelled.

Akiene-Tera Reed, Dan Fotu, Matt Freeman and Sam Waardenburg have all posted career best scoring performances whilst Yanni Wetzell and San Diego State are up to #13 in the NCAA Div I rankings after a 14-0 start to the season.

Promoted to a starting spot Dan Fotu responded in style scoring a career high 17 points as St Mary’s triumphed 84-58 against Seattle.

Playing in the unaccustomed role of centre Dan was 7 from 9 from the field and 3 from 3 from the foul line whilst also adding 5 rebounds. “We know as a team that wins are what matters most so adjusting positions is just part of what we are willing to do to get the win,” said Dan after the game.

Matt Freeman scored a career high 21 points (7/10FG, 6/7FT) as University California Santa Barbara defeated Merrimack College 68-50. The former Westlake wing also came up with 7 rebounds, an assist and a steal. In a profitable week for Sam he scored 16 points in the 85-77 win against Louisiana as the Gauchos improved to 11-4.

Another career high was set by Sam Waardenburgas he posted his first double-double for Miami in their 91-60 demolition of Coppin State. He scored a career high 15 points and corralled a career high equaling 11 rebounds. The former Rangitoto College forward made 6 of 8 from the field including 3 from 5 from threes.

In the following game Miami were given something of a hiding byNo2 ranked Duke going down 95-62 in Atlantic Coast Conference play. However Sam was complimented by Duke’s legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski who commented, “The guy who is playing really well is Sam Waardenburg. He’s an x-factor.” Sam tallied 11 points and a team high 6 rebounds.

Despite a career high 29 points (7/16FG) performance from Akiene-Tera ReedVirginia Commonwealth went down 69-58 to North Carolina A&T.

Tera scored 22 of her points in the second half and also added 5 rebounds and a pair of steals. She followed that with her season average 14 points as VCU beat Rhode Island 75-54 in there opening Atlantic 10 Conference game.

In NCAA Division II action Dallas Baptist are tracking rather well with freshman William Heatherplaying his part. In their latest win, 72-55 against Texas A&M Kingsville, Will posted 6 points, 2 rebounds and a block. Dallas are 12-1 overall and 6-1 in Lone Star Conference games.