ALL National Basketball League (NBL)1 competitions were firing over the weekend, with some big numbers and entertaining games taking place around Australia in the past seven days, and all states edging closer to the halfway mark of the fixture.

With all five states producing some of the best basketball in years throughout the 2024 season, there was plenty to take in, whether it was overtime encounters, huge individual outings, or dominant team performances.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central will be delivering weekly updates on some of the most impressive scoring performances around the country across both the men’s and women’s competitions, with no shortage of notable showings.

In the men’s side of the round, Joel Murray led the way with an impressive 42 points in the win over the Giants. He did his best work at the free throw line, nailing 16 shots on 17 attempts as he punished the defence for ill-discipline. Also out West, Jonathan Jannsen had 38 points to go with 13 rebounds and six assists in a towering performance.

Kody Stattmann was a standout for the Marlins in the tough loss to the Phoenix with 36 points, while Trevor Lakes (13/24 FG) and Nick Marshall (13/16 FG) round out the top scorers.

There were some enormous scores in the women’s competition, with Cierra Dillard leading the way with a roud-high 46 points. She accounted for over half of Melbourne’s total score of 72, shooting 15/24 from the field in an offensive clinic.

Tahlia Tupaea shot 12/19 from the field in an outstanding scoring showing en route to 39 points, while Miela Goodchild (39 points) and Kahlaijah Dean (38 points) had an excellent duel as the Seahawks downed the Force, while Lauren Jackson produced another strong performance.

Men’s

1) Joel Murray (Mandurah Magic) vs. Goldfield Giants – 42
2) Jonathan Jannsen (Rockingham Flames) vs. Eastern Suns – 38
3) Kody Stattmann (Cairns Marlins) vs. Sunshine Coast Phoenix – 36
=4) Trevor Lakes (Keilor Thunder) vs. Dandenong Rangers – 34
=4) Nick Marshall (Mt. Gambier Pioneers) vs. Nunawading Spectres – 34

Women’s

1) Cierra Dillard (Melbourne Tigers) vs. Hobart Chargers – 46
=2) Tahlia Tupaea (Penrith Panthers) vs. Norths Bears – 39
=2) Miela Goodchild (North Gold Coast Seahawks) vs. Ipswich Force – 39
4) Kahlaijah Dean (Ipswich Force) vs. North Gold Coast Seahawks – 38
5) Lauren Jackson (Albury Wodonga Bandits) vs. Penrith Panthers – 37