THE action does not stop in the Australian basketball world, with the fourth round of the NBL1 West competition showcasing some entertaining clashes over the weekend.

In an even start to the 2024 season, several sides have stood up as contenders across the men’s and women’s competitions in the first month of play. With some star players across the state – both domestic and imported – there has been no shortage of standout performances.

Round 4 saw some massive performances from both divisions, as the benchmark for individual numbers continues to rise with the level of talent at NBL1 level.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central has selected the standout player from both the men’s and women’s competitions over the weekend, and this week, it is Michael Dupree and Ashleigh Isenbarger, who both exploded on the offensive end with massive scoring performances.

Michael Dupree (Willetton Tigers) vs. Rockingham Flames

44 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal

Dupree absolutely erupted for a whopping 44 points in the Tigers’ high-scoring 119-106 win over the Flames at Mike Barnett Sports Complex on Friday night.

In the first game of Round 4, Willetton emerged victorious over Rockingham on the back of a dominant third quarter, where it outscored the opposition 34-20, before breaking even in the last term.

Dupree was undoubtedly the star of the show, posting a game-high total on 70 per cent shooting from the field. He knocked down 16 shots on 23 attempts, but did most of his damage from behind the arc in a seriously impressive sharpshooting showing.

Dupree splashed home nine three-pointers on just 13 attempts, finding his groove and pulling up from just about anywhere behind the arc. The guard’s damaging shotmaking from downtown was a huge factor in the result and will be a weapon moving forward.

Ashleigh Isenbarger (Perry Lakes Hawks) vs. Perth Redbacks

37 points, 13 rebounds, five assists, two steals

Isenbarger had herself a day out in Perry Lakes’ big 23-point win over the Redbacks at Bendat Basketball Centre on Friday night.

The Hawks won all four quarters at home, producing a dominant display to demonstrate the ability to blow out the opposition on the back of some tremendous numbers from their star forward to kick off the round.

Isenbarger stuffed the stat sheet with an enormous double-double, starting with a whopping 37 points on an accurate clip from the field, making 15 shots on 19 attempts to shoot 79 per cent from the field.

Although most of them came from close range where she does her best work, the 26-year-old was also perfect from three-point land on four attempts.

Her rebounding was just as impressive, leading the way with a game-high 13 for the match, with five coming on the offensive end.

Isenbarger’s performance was even more impressive considering she came up against an Aussie basketball star in Anneli Maley, and certainly took home the chocolates.