It is terrific to report four former Harbour reps had career nights in collegiate hoops this week. 

Sam Waardenburg, Taine Murray, Rashaan Smith and Parehuia Delamere put in big performances but they weren’t the only players to shine as this week’s wrap from the States outlines.

Sam connected with 4-of-7 from beyond the arc as Miami beat Clemson 80-75 to open Atlantic Coast Conference play.

The former Junior Tall Black, Harbour and Rangitoto College standout finished with a career best 18 points with Miami Coach Jim Larranaga full of praise for his Grad Senior.

“I think Sam Waardenburg’s performance going 6-of-10 from the field with 18 points, 3 assists, 1 turnover, 1 steal and 2 blocks is one of the best front court performances we have had in quite a while.”

Taine almost stole the show as his 14 points (11 in the second half) nearly claimed a comeback victory for Virginia. However, the Cavaliers came up just short against Iowa losing 75-74, the former Rosmini wing making 5 from 7 from the field including 4 from 6 three-pointers.

Kruz Perrott-Hunt scored a dozen points as South Dakota gave Waldorf a toweling winning a one-sided contest 93-37. That’s five straight games in double figures for SDU’s leading scorer.

Tera Reed delivered season highs in points (15), rebounds (9) and assists (5) but couldn’t prevent Southern California falling 78-63 to San Francisco.

Both St Mary’s Gaels Men’s and Women’s teams were in action on Sunday.

The Gaels Women entertained Fresno State and aided by a defensive spark from Tayla Dalton emerged 79-64 victors. Tayla had 3 rebounds, 3 steals and a block to go with 11 points. 

Unfortunately for St Mary’s Men their leading scorer this season Dan Fotu (4 points and 2 rebounds) fouled out in just 7 minutes and his absence from meaningful minutes contributed to the Gaels getting outgunned by Colorado State 74-58 for just their second loss of the season. 

Earlier in the week Dan exploded for 14 second half points to lead Saint Mary’s to a 67-50 victory over UC Riverside.Named West Coast Conference Player of the Week after averaging 16.3 points per game at the Maui Invitational the week before he was all business in the second frame making 6 from 9 from the field whilst also picking up 4 rebounds.

Colorado State made it 8 straight wins after having little trouble with Little Rock winning 86-55. James Moors scored 8 points on 4 from 5 shooting and also snared 3 rebounds.

In NCAA Division II play, 10 points on a perfect 4 from 4 from the field and 2 out of two from the foul line, from Will Heather helped Dallas Baptist (5-2) ease past Oklahoma Christian 86-72.

Nebraska-Kearney were pipped 79-77 on the buzzer by Washburn. Sean Murphy continued his good freshman form with 8 points (4/6FG) and 9 rebounds playing all 40 minutes.

St Thomas Aquinas have gone down 63-56 against Post University and 61-52 to Chestnut Hill but Chanel Brodeur-Muirhas done her utmost in both fixtures. She had 11 points and 6 rebounds against Post and 12 points and 8 rebounds in the loss to Chestnut Hill. 

In Junior College Parehuia Delamere put in a monster performance for Western Texas College. She had a career high 20 points (8/13FG, 4/6 3PG) and 12 rebounds in the commanding 71-34 win against Dawson. Jordyn Maddix chipped in with 4 points and 7 rebounds.

Former Harbour rep teammates Rashaan Smith and Keeley Tini were up against each other as Williston State and Western Nebraska faced off. Western Nebraska took the win (99-59) with Rashaan posting a career high 14 points on 6 from 8 from the field. Keeley finished with 5 points and 5 rebounds.

In news from the professional ranks Brayden Inger made his Australian NBL debut for Cairns Taipans and Jack Salt was also a debutant for Brisbane Bullets – unfortunately both teams lost their season openers at the weekend.