A MASSIVE game from Emily Simons was an emphatic factor in the Norths Bears’ win over the Hills Hornets in the NBL1 East Women’s over the weekend.

The Bears have enjoyed a strong start to the season, and had the opportunity to extend their winning streak against a Hills side that has struggled to start the fixture with just two wins from 13 games.

The story of the match unfolded in the opening term, where the Bears stormed out of the blocks and stamped their authority on the match with a 22-5 opening quarter. The Hornets were held to single-digits in three of the four quarters in a suffocating defensive display at Hills Basketball Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Simons posted a huge outing that was reflected by the statline she posted over the course of the match.

Hills Hornets (30) def. by Norths Bears (95)

Emily Simons – 32 points, 10 rebounds, one assist

Simons was the premier presence in a thumping win from the Bears, who further established their championship credentials. She posted a game-high 32 points in a balanced scoring showing.

The 28-year-old shot 56 per cent from the field, making nine of her 16 shots from the field, and conjuring shot attempts from all three levels. Simons was extremely solid from two-point territory, nailing four shots from seven attempts from inside the arc.

From downtown, she splashed home five three-pointers while attempting nine shots from long range. Simons can punish the opposition with her nice shooting stroke from behind the arc and ability to stretch the floor, and did so against the Hornets.

Simons and teammate Sarah Schicher controlled the glass, combining for 21 rebounds and getting first hands on the ball after an opposition miss. Simons was able to pull down eight defensive and two offensive rebounds, ensuring her side continued to have complete control of the game.

Simons delivered an eye-catching performance in a dominant display from the Bears, producing an emphatic double-double and leading from the front as Norths kept in touch with the top of the NBL1 East Women’s ladder.