There were more strong performances from Harbour representatives appearing in the Sal’s National Basketball League at the weekend.

Jack Salt made a welcome return to the court in Wellington. 

Jack had been out of action with illness and injury for two years having not played since the triumph of winning an NCAA National Championship with the University of Virginia in 2019.

His debut for the Canterbury Rams didn’t start as anticipated with the game in Wellington was delayed by 30 minutes due to a fire alarm and evacuation at TSB Arena. The Rams would go on to be defeated 95-74 by the Saints but not before the former Harbour and Westlake standout posted 16 points. Alex Talma had 9 points for the Rams.

Auckland Huskies made it two wins from two outings with a 106-97 home victory against Manawatu Jets at Eventfinda Stadium on Friday night. In just his second NBL outing Sean Murphy played a starring role accumulating a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds – current U19 representative Zach Riley chipped in with a valuable 9 points in the win.

Coming close to a double-double was Jonno Janssen. The power forward had 12 points and 9 rebounds, plus a steal and a block, as Bay Hawks defeated the Rams 104-90. 

Also producing fine form was Joseph Nunag as Franklin Bulls edged home 100-99 against Manawatu Jets on Saturday. The former Rangitoto College guard, who spent three years on a basketball scholarship in the Philippines, knocked down four triples on his way to 20 points. Another Rangitoto alum Denhym Brooke contributed 8 points in the victory.

In Men’s NBL 1 South action in Australia Mitch Dance has been Albury Wodonga Bandits leading scorer for three games running. On Saturday Mitch scored 22 points as the Bandits went down 78-73 to Knox Raiders. He followed that with 18 points on Sunday as the Bandits were defeated by Waverley 76-64. For good measure he also pulled down 14 rebounds against Waverley.

Also top scoring in an NBL 1 South defeat was Penina Davidson. The former Harbour Breeze standout amassed 20 points, 8 rebounds, 5 steals, 2 assists and a block but couldn’t prevent Nunawading Spectres going down 87-74 to Eltham Wildcats.