LACEY LOWDOWN

Despite some COVID related cancellations there are still plenty of good Kiwi performances to report on from the first few days of the second half of the 2021-22 Junior College season.

It’s been a great start to 2022 for Ash Strawbridge with a career high 21 points (9/14FG) for College of Southern Idaho in their 67-55 win against Utah State Eastern. Massive numbers for the Kiwis – Ash added 7 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal while Kyra Paniora had 6 points, 3 assists and a steal.

Ella Bradley was terrific in a losing cause – she filled the stats line with 8 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks and a steal for Utah State Eastern with Maclani Michael posting 5 points and 2 rebounds.

CSI then secured a commanding 112-33 win over Community Christian College – Paniora (9 points and 10 assists) and Strawbridge (11 points, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks) again prominent.

Those wins have pushed Southern Idaho up to a season high national ranking of sixth.

Cloud County have garnered two wins since the start of the New Year with Kay-Hauata Phillips and Te Araroa Sopoaga piling up the numbers.

Sopoaga averaged 13.5 points, 7.5rebounds, 4 assists, 2.5 steals and 2.5 blocks while Phillips averaged 9 points, 8 rebounds and 3 blocks across the two fixtures. 

In the 63-58 win against Garden City Olivia Collier-Tuipulotu had 4 points and 2 rebounds.

Keeley Tini has begun 2022 as she finished 2021 – in beast mode!

She secured another double-double as Williston State beat Dakota College at Bottineau 67-61, finishing with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Waiaaria Rogers scored a dozen points and added 5 rebounds and a couple of assists as Marshalltown were defeated 79-64 by Iowa Lakes. 

Parehuia Delamere posted 7 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists but Western Texas were defeated 66-48 by Odessa.

Tauranga’s Briarley Rogers claimed 6 points (2/2 3PG) in Weatherford’s 94-83 loss to Hill College.

Yzabelle Tevao mustered 4 points and 4 rebounds as McCook defeated Central 71-54. McCook have a real international flavour with players from Spain, Chile, Macedonia and Sweden as well as Yzabelle, the former Massey High standout.

Harata Coleman and Leata Te Nana-Williams both scored in double figures as Central Maine Mustangs crushed Suny Adirondack 74-19. Leata finished with 11 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and a pair of steals while Harata amassed similar numbers – 15 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.

In Men’s Junior College action Nico Hill had a productive outing as Missouri State-West Plains downed State Fair 89-75. The Taranaki guard finished with 11 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.

It was largely one way traffic as Midland College were thumped 99-54 by Clarendon but it didn’t stop Ollie Haywardalmost claiming a double-double. Ollie finished with 9 points, 9 rebounds and a couple of assists.

South Georgia Tech won a nail biter against South Georgia State with Nate Wilson contributing 9 points, 3 rebounds and a brace of blocks. He followed that with 8 rebounds and 5 points as SGT played out another one-pointer in a 62-61 loss to Southern Crescent Tech.

Kiani Saxon had 6 rebounds and 5 points as Louisiana State Eunice lost 80-68 to Southern Arkansas Tech.

Ezrah Vaigafa has started 2022 in style threatening a triple-double as he plundered 11 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists as Neosho County defeated McPherson 70-64.

We are used to Charlisse Leger-Walker heading the Washington State scoring but in the Cougars 60-52 loss at undefeated Arizona it was older sister Krystal that led the way with a dynamic 12 points (5/11FG), 9 rebounds and 6 assists performance.

Charlisse had 7 points – just the second time this season she has failed to score in double figures – and 6 rebounds.

Number 18 ranked BYU opened West Coast Conference play wit victories against San Francisco (76-64) and Pacific (94-68).

Against Pacific Tegan Graham, in her 136^th NCAA Division I appearance, had 15 points (5/9 3PG) and 5 assists. Arielle Mackey-Williams (3 points and 2 rebounds) and Kaylee Smiler (5 points and 2 rebounds) made contributions off the bench for BYU.

The 136^th appearance by Graham means she draws level with Jillian Harmon for the most NCAA Division I games played by a Kiwi.

Barring injury or covid interference she will hold the record outright when BYU host St Mary’s on January 13.

Also in the West Coast Conference Portland were defeated 76-65 by Gonzaga but not before Emme Shearer put up a career best 17 points (5/9FG). She also tallied a couple of rebounds and 3 steals in 24 minutes.

There was better news from the Big West Conference where Olivia Williams scored 12 points (5/10 FG, 2/2 3PG), one point shy of her season best, as UC Irvine defeated UC Davis 76-59.

Other Results:

USC 58 (Tera Reed 2 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist) Colorado 71

Wofford 72 (Helen Matthews 2 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists) Western Carolina 48

Georgia Southern 69 (Tsubasa Nisbett 1 rebound, 2 assists)  Coastal Carolina 72

In Men’s Division I action Callum McRae powered his way to a double-double of 12 points (6/8FG) and 12 rebounds as UC Riverside defeated UC San Diego 59-51. Flynn Cameron, also a starter for Riverside Highlanders, had 13 points, 4 rebounds and a couple of assists.

Abilene Christian 58 (Tobias Cameron 6 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists) Stephen F Austin 64

Charlisse and Krystal Leger-Walker showed they belong at the top table of women’s collegiate basketball in Washington State’s encounter with defending national champions University of Hartford.

Despite a sizeable 82-44 defeat the pair were the only Washington players in double figures with 15 points and 12 respectively. In addition, Krystal had 7 rebounds and 3 assists while Charlisse had 4 rebounds 2 steals and a block.

For Krystal it was her 125^th Division I game, drawing her level with Micaela Cocks (University of Oregon, 2006-10) and Ashleigh Karaitiana (University of Hawaii, 2012-16) – equal sixth on the NZ all-time list of NCAA Division I appearances.

Ahead of conference play Wofford College dominated Erskine 72-26 and although sophomore guard Helen Matthewsdidn’t score any points she did claim 8 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal.

Tara Manmaleuga had 4 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in Texas Christian’s 79-53 defeat at the hands of Southern Methodist. 

Taine Murray scored 7 points (3/5FG) as Virginia improved to 2-1 in the ACC with a 74-69 win at Syracuse. The freshman added an assist and a rebound.

Tobias Cameron had 4 points, 2 assists, and 2 rebounds as Abilene Christian improved to 2-0 in the Western Athletic Conference with a 64-50 victory against Dixie State. It was game number 90 in the Abilene purple for Cameron – the 16^thKiwi to play 90 games or more in NCAA Division I men’s basketball.

Amongst the ten Kiwi men playing Junior College hoops in 2020-21 fair to say Ollie Hayward, Nico Hill and Ezrah Vaigafa have enjoyed the most success to date this season.

Mandela Baledrokadroka (Sophomore at Tallahassee Community College)

The former Mt Albert Grammar and Waitakere guard has had little playing opportunity this season.

This season GP 5 GS 0 Points 2

Career GP 48 GS 21 Points 124

Daniel Christensen (Sophomore at Barstow College)

The former Taradale High School and Hawkes Bay wing has played 25 minutes so far this season.

This season GP 5 GS 0 Points 0

Career GP 18 GS 0 Points 11

Dallas Clayton (Freshman at Missouri State University West Plains)

Centre Dallas Clayton scored a season best 9 points against Kilgore College.

This season GP 15 GS 0 Points 25

Oliver Hayward (Freshman at Midland College)

The former Northcote College standout has enjoyed more basketball than most with Midland playing 15 games to date. Scored a game high 11 points twice.

This season GP 15 GS 10 Points 82 Rebounds 59

Nico Hill (Sophomore at Missouri State University West Plains)

The Opunake guard is the second highest scorer on the West Plains team – scored a career high 31 points against SEMO Prep making 6 from 9 three-pointers in the game.

This season GP 15 GS 14 Points 157 Rebounds 76

Career GP 61 GS 40 Points 424 rebounds 250

Matariki Kapea (Freshman at Bakersfield College)

The former Hutt Valley High School guard scored a season best 5 points against West Hills Lemoore.

This season GP 10 GS 2 Points 8

Kiani Saxon (Freshman at Louisiana State University, Eunice)

The 2021 Auckland Huskies forward scored a season high 7 points at Lee College in an injury interrupted early season.

This season GP 6 GS 3 points 24

Leo Wenham (Freshman at Southeast Community College)

The former Rosmini College forward scored his first collegiate points against Northeast Community College.

This season GP 5 GS 0 Points 2

Nathan Wilson (Freshman at South Georgia Technical College)

The former Mt Albert Grammar forward scored a season best 11 points against Franklin – has produced double figure rebounding performances on two occasions.

This season GP 14 GS 0 Points 57 Rebounds 68

Ezrah Vaigafa (Freshman at Neosho County Community College)

The 2021 Wellington Saint came within an assist of a triple-double against Ottawa finishing with 13 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists.

This season GP 10 GS 10 Points 84 Rebounds 71 Assists 43

Numerous college games have been cancelled in the last few days as Covid sweeps across the American sporting landscape. Some fixtures did survive – here is a quick review of what has transpired in NCAA Division I hoops over the past three days.

Washington State dominated a short-handed University of California Berkeley to open Pac-12 play with a 69-42 victory on New Year’s Eve in Pullman, Washington.

With a game high 22 points Charlisse Leger-Walker passed 600 career points in just her 36th game. For good measure she also tallied 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks.

Not to be outdone Krystal L-W produced team highs in rebounds (6), assists (6) and steals (3) in addition to knocking down 3 from 5 from beyond the arc for 9 points. 

Next up for Washington State is a big test against #2/3 ranked Stanford.

Boise State will have to manage the remainder of the season without Kaitlin Burgess. The former Waitakere and Rangitoto College guard has unfortunately ruptured her ACL and will undergo an extensive period of rehab. 

Amiee Book’s 6 points, in Fresno State’s 73-63 loss to UNLV, took the Nelsonian past Brooke Blair’s 837 career points and up to 17^th on the all-time list of NZ scorers in NCAA Division I women’s basketball.

Georgia Southern Eagles opened Sun Belt Conference play with an 84-75 win against Arkansas State. Eagles co-captain Tsubasa Nisbett pulled down a season best 7 rebounds, including 3 offensive boards, to accompany 2 points and a dime.

Wofford College went down 72-62 to Tulane – Helen Matthews came up with 2 points and 5 rebounds for Wofford.

In men’s Division I play Dan Fotu filled the stats line with 6 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists and a block as St Mary’s California beat Yale 87-60 ahead of the start West Coast Conference play. Those 4 steals were a career best for Fotu.

Tobias Cameron scored 8 points as Abilene Christian overcame Utah Valley to win 80-60. The former Junior Tall Black knocked down 2 from 3 from beyond the arc as he passed the 200 career points mark. In addition he dished 4 assists and garnered a steal as Abilene won its inaugural game in the Western Athletic Conference.

No fewer than 25 Kiwi women are playing Junior College basketball. Most are enjoying a few days off before fixtures (covid provided) rev up again in January.

There are plenty of fine seasons unfolding with the likes of Ella Bradley, Parehuia Delamere, Samantha Jenkins, Te Araroa Sopoaga, Safena Te Nana-Williams and Keeley Tini being key contributors to their respective teams.

Ella Bradley (Sophomore at Utah State Eastern)

Ella has scored in double figures seven times this season and 20 or more on 3 occasions. Leads the team in points scored (148) and blocks (8). Also second in assists (40), and field goal percentage at 51.6 (47/79).

This season GP 11 GS 10 Points 148, Rebounds 69

Career GP 33 GS 31 Points 326 

Rosie Campbell (Freshman at Southeast Community College)

The former  Queen Margaret College, Wellington guard scored a season best 4 points against Midland.

This season GP 11 GS 0 Points 6

Molly Cockburn (Sophomore at Miles Community College)

Second on the team in assists (2.1apg) and steals (1.3spg) Molly has scored a season best 9 points on two occasions.

This season GP 14 GS 12 Points 75 

Career GP 37 GS 13 Points 140

Harata Coleman (Sophomore at Central Maine Community College)

After a freshman season at Barton CC Harata has played all 12 games for the Mustangs this season playing alongside Safena and Leata Te Nana-Williams. Scored a season high 14 points against Villa Maria.

This season GP 12 GS 1 Points 50

Career GP 19 GS 1 

Izzy Cook (Sophomore at Western Nebraska Community College)

Scored a season best 14 points against Central Wyoming. Has passed 100 career points and rebounds for the # 10 ranked Cougars.

This season GP 9 GS 2 Points 42 Rebounds 36

Career GP 30 GS 2 Points 106 RPG 112

Parehuia Delamere (Sophomore at Western Texas College)

Parehuia appears in the national Top-20 for steals with 3.0 per game. In addition she is second on the team’s scoring list averaging 9.4ppg – scored a career high 20 points against Otero.

This season GP 14 GS 1 Points 131 Rebounds 66 Steals 42

Career GP 37 GS 7 Points 201

Samantha Jenkins (Freshman at Dawson Community College)

Nelsonian Samantha Jenkins has already racked up 200 points this season at 13.3ppg. Only Keeley Tini has more junior College points than Samantha this season. Has scored in double figures in a dozen games with a top score of 30 points against Northwest.

This season GP 15 GS 15 Points 200 Rebounds 72 Assists 33

Jordyn Maddix (Sophomore at Western Texas College)

Jordyn has started all 14 games this season – scored a season best 20 points against Weatherford. 

This season GP 14 GS 14 Points 103

Career GP 34 GS 17 Points 183

Jenna Rose Mafua (Sophomore at Dodge City Community College)

Jenna Rose is averaging 6.9ppg at Dodge City after playing alongside sister Leah at Otero College last year. Scored a season best 13 points against Butler.

This season GP 14 GS 13 Points 97 Rebounds 56

Maclani Michael (Freshman at Utah State Eastern)

Playing alongside Ella Bradley and Brooklyn Pouwhare the freshman has played all 13 of USE’s games averaging 6.8ppg and 3.8rpg. Scored a season high 12 points against Phoenix College.

This season GP 13 GS 3 Points 89

Kyra Paniora (Freshman at College of Southern Idaho)

Playing alongside Ashlee Strawbridge she scored a season high 11 points against Western Nebraska.

This season GP 16 GS 3 Points 73 Assists 33

Career GP 39 GS 4 Points 136

Kay-Hauata Phillips (Sophomore at Cloud Community College)

The Tauranga forward received limited opportunities in her freshman year at Utah State Eastern so transferred to Cloud CC where she is averaging 9.5 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. Has scored in double digits in half of the 12 games she has played with a best of 21 points against Northwest Kansas Tech.

This season GP 12 GS 8 Points 114 rebounds 71

Career GP 12 GS 0 Points 149

Brooklyn Pouwhare (Sophomore at Utah State Eastern)

The former Avonside Girls High forward has played just four games this season.

This season GP 4 GS 0 Points 0

Career GP 24 GS 0 Points 38

Briarley Rogers (Sophomore at Weatherford College)

Briarley knocked down 2 of 3 three-pointers for 6 points in her first game back after five weeks on the side-line.

This season GP 2 GS 0 Points 6

Career GP 26 GS 24 Points 193

Waiaaria Rogers (Sophomore at Marshalltown College)

The former Rangitoto College guard is second on the team for 3-point percentage making 17 from 45 at 38%. Scored a season best 14 points in the last game before the Christmas break against North Iowa Area.

This season GP 12 GS 8 Points 64

Career 27 GS 13 Points 124

Dejaan Schuler (Sophomore at Casper College)

Dejaan scored a career best 15 points against Northeastern – is third on the Casper scoring averaging 8.7ppg and second on the 3-point shooting list with 34 from 77 at a highly respectable 42%.

This season GP 18 GS 3 Points 142

Career GP 40 GS 3 Points 182

Rashaan Smith (Sophomore at Western Nebraska College)

After getting little opportunity at Dawson College Rashaan transferred to Western Nebraska where she has been quite a force off the bench averaging 6.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. Scored a career high 18 points against Miles.

This season GP 14 GS 0 Points 85 Rebounds 49

Career GP 31 GS 1 Points 126

Te Araroa Sopoaga (Freshman at Cloud Community College)

Te Araroa has been the leading light for Cloud, incredibly she leads the team in points (13.1ppg), rebounds (7.1rpg), assists (3,7apg), steals (2.9spg) and blocks (12).

This season GP 14 GS 14 Points 184 Rebounds 99 Assists 52 Steals 40

Ashlee Strawbridge (Sophomore at College of Southern Idaho)

The Cantabrian forward played at the NJCAA Women’s National Championships last season. Played all 24 games for the Golden Eagles and finished second on the rebounding list averaging 6.2rpg. Southern Idaho are now 11-1 after defeating Colorado Northwestern 82-58. Southern Idaho are ranked #9

Career GP 24 GS 12 PPG 5.9 RPG 6.2

Safena Te Nana-Williams (Freshman at Central Maine Community College)

The Mustangs co-captain is second on the team in scoring (9.9ppg) and leads the team in assists (5.0apg) and steals (3.5spg). Has scored a season high 20 points on two occasions.

This season GP 12 GS 12 Points 119 Assists 60

Leata Te Nana-Williams (Freshman at Central Maine Community College)

Leata scored a season best 14 points against Massasoit and season high 9 rebounds against Berkeley.

This season GP 12 GS 3 Points 77

Yzabelle Tevao (Sophomore at McCook Community College)

The former Massey High School forward played her freshman season at Lake Region State College where she played 21 games for the Royals. Scored a season best 8 points against Air Force Prep.

This season GP 10 GS 0 Points 15

Career GP 31 GS 1 Points 82

Keeley Tini (Sophomore at Williston State College)

Keeley has 225 points and 142 rebounds to her name this season – she sits 22^nd on the Junior College Division I scoring list and 13^th on the rebounding table. Six double-doubles to her name plus 12 double figure scoring efforts with a career best 25 against United Tribes.

This season GP 15 GS 13 Points 225 Rebounds 142

Career 39 GS 37 Points 614

Te Oriwa Tuipulotu (Freshman at Cloud Community College)

The former Gisborne Girls High player scored a season high 23 points against York College – had a season best 6 rebounds in the same game.

This season GP 14 GS 3 Points 83

Bree Trego (Freshman at College of Southern Nevada)

Played 16 games as a freshman at Miles CC but has now moved on to Southern Nevada.

This season GP 11 GS 0 Points 26

Career GP 27 GS 0 Points 48

Plenty to like about the efforts of the kiwis playing NCAA Division II and III basketball. 

In particular Eva Langton, Chanel Brodeur-Muir, Raquel Sampson, Will Heather, Conor Flanagan and Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones are putting up some good numbers.

NCAA Division II Women

Chanel Brodeur-Muir (Senior at St Thomas Aquinas College, New York)

Chanel Brodeur-Muir is second on scoring (7.8ppg)and rebounding (5.4rpg) for the Spartans. Has scored in double figures on five occasions this season.

This season GP 11 GS 8 Points 86 Rebounds 59

Career GP 58 GS 12 Points 170

Eva Langton (Texas A&M International)

Eva Langton won the Lone Star Conference Player of the Week following an outstanding 6 rebounds, 2 blocks and 6 steals to go with 13 points in the win against St Edwards. The six steals were a career high.

This season GP 9 GS 9 Points 99

Career GP 49 GS 44 Points 345

Hannah Wentworth (Sophomore at Eckerd College)

Hannah played her freshman season at Utah State University Eastern. Scored a season high 9 points against Davenport in December. Leads the team in 3-point shooting at 44% (7/16).

This season GP 7 GS 0 Points 25

Tessa Talo-Tomokino (Sophomore at Northeastern State University)

Tessa started 12 of 22 games for the Riverhawks in 2020-21. Only played 16 minutes per game but led the team in FG% making 23 from 47 at 48%.

This season GP 4 GS 0 Points 12

Career GP 26 GS 12 Points 67

Raquel Sampson (Freshman at Auburn University Montgomery)

Scored a season high 11 points against Trevecca Nazarene. Is third on the team in rebounding averaging 4 boards per game.

This season GP 6 GS 0 Points 43 Rebounds 24

NCAA Division III Women

Rachel Pike (Freshman at University of Wisconsin Superior)

Rachel Pike scored a season best 7 points against Martin Luther in December.

This season GP 6 GS 0 Points 10

Katie Van Den Bogaert (Freshman at Whitworth University)

Katie scored two points in both the games she has played this season.

This season GP 2 GS 0 Points 4

NCAA Division II Men

Matt Brien (Senior at University of Nebraska at Kearney)

Matt Brien scored a season high 15 points against Sterling. Claimed 10 rebounds in the same game for a second career double-double. 

This season GP 9 GS 2 Points 22

Career GP 31 GS 13 Points 179

Conor Flanagan (Junior at University of West Florida)

Scored a season best 13 points against Clark Atlanta and has recently passed the career 400 points mark.

This season GP 12 GS 0 Points 66 Rebounds 39

Career GP 57 GS 33 Points 415

Sam Gold (Freshman at Holy Names University)

Three appearances to date for Sam Gold – 4 points and 4 rebounds against Chaminade.

This season GP 3 GS 0 Points 4

William Heather (Junior at Dallas Baptist University)

Made 5 from 7 three-pointer against Texas A&M Commerce. Has made 15 from 29 threes at 52%. Wil scored a career best 21 points against Colorado Mesa.

This season GP 9 GS 8 Points 94

Career GP 54 GS 31 Points 426

Josh Lowe (Senior at Lee University)

Josh missed the entire 2020-21 season after undergoing surgery – has started all 7 games for Lee. Scored a season high 14 points against Johnson.

This season GP 7 GS 7 Points 35

Career GP 59 GS 36 Points 302 Rebounds 191

Sean Murphy (Freshman at University of Nebraska Kearney)

Sean scored a season high 10 points against Chadron State and has claimed 8 rebounds in a game on  three occasions.

This season GP 11 GS 8 Points 44 Rebounds 59 

Oscar Oswald (Junior at St Edwards University)

The former Junior Tall Black out of Palmerston North Boys High School hasn’t played this season as he recovers from injury.

Tom Power (Junior at University of Hawaii at Hilo)

The Waikato forward has played just two games this season.

This season GP 2 GS 0 Points 0

Career GP 59 GS 8 PPG 1.0

Mac Stodart (Sophomore at University of Colorado, Colorado Springs)

Mac Stodart has transferred to Colorado Springs after playing his freshman season at Concordia University where he made 13 appearances. Has a season high 9 points against Kansas Christian in this campaign.

This season GP 8 GS 0 Points 23

Career GP 13 GS 8 Points 166

Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones (Sophomore at University of Hawaii at Hilo)

Tait-Jones leads the Hilo scoring (16.8ppg) and rebounding (7.5rpg). Has scored in double figures in all 10 games with a season high 26 points against Simpson.

This season GP 10 GS 10 Points 168 Rebounds 75 Assists 27

Career GP 17 GS 17 Points 366 Rebounds 177

Thomas Whyte (Junior at Assumption University)

The former Auckland Grammar guard has made three appearances this season scoring 3 points against Georgian Court.

This season GP 3 GS 0 Points 3

Career GP 13 GS 0 Point 14

Marvin Williams-Dunn (Sophomore at Ouachita Baptist University)

Marvin has played all 10 games for the Tigers this season – scored 6 points against Texas-Tyler.

This season GP 10 GS 3 Points 19

Career GP 27 GS 14 PPG 81

NCAA Division III Men

Alex Blackmore (Freshman at Castleton University)

The former St Pat’s Silverstream wing has made a good start to his career at Castleton, Season highs 14 points and 6 rebounds against Norwich. Third on the team in rebounding (45).

This season GP 11 GS 0 Points 69

Lachie MacFarlane (Freshman at Orbelin College, Ohio)

Former Rangiora High School head boy Lachie McFarlane has played just the two games for the Yeomen.

This season GP 2 GS 0 Points 0

Ben Reeves (Sophomore at St Joseph’s College, Brooklyn)

Former Otago Boys High School guard Ben Reeves returns to New York for his sophomore season after all Division III programmes were cancelled in 2020-21 due to covid.

Career GP 9 Points 6

Noah Watson (Senior at Muhlenberg College)

Having started all 10 games for Muhlenberg Noah Watson scored a career high 20 points against S

Div 2 & 3 Mid-season

Plenty to like about the efforts of the kiwis playing NCAA Division II and III basketball. 

In particular Eva Langton, Chanel Brodeur-Muir, Raquel Sampson, Will Heather, Conor Flanagan and Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones are putting up some good numbers.

NCAA Division II Women

Chanel Brodeur-Muir (Senior at St Thomas Aquinas College, New York)

Chanel Brodeur-Muir is second on scoring (7.8ppg)and rebounding (5.4rpg) for the Spartans. Has scored in double figures on five occasions this season.

This season GP 11 GS 8 Points 86 Rebounds 59

Career GP 58 GS 12 Points 170

Eva Langton (Texas A&M International)

Eva Langton won the Lone Star Conference Player of the Week following an outstanding 6 rebounds, 2 blocks and 6 steals to go with 13 points in the win against St Edwards. The six steals were a career high.

This season GP 9 GS 9 Points 99

Career GP 49 GS 44 Points 345

Hannah Wentworth (Sophomore at Eckerd College)

Hannah played her freshman season at Utah State University Eastern. Scored a season high 9 points against Davenport in December. Leads the team in 3-point shooting at 44% (7/16).

This season GP 7 GS 0 Points 25

Tessa Talo-Tomokino (Sophomore at Northeastern State University)

Tessa started 12 of 22 games for the Riverhawks in 2020-21. Only played 16 minutes per game but led the team in FG% making 23 from 47 at 48%.

This season GP 4 GS 0 Points 12

Career GP 26 GS 12 Points 67

Raquel Sampson (Freshman at Auburn University Montgomery)

Scored a season high 11 points against Trevecca Nazarene. Is third on the team in rebounding averaging 4 boards per game.

This season GP 6 GS 0 Points 43 Rebounds 24

NCAA Division III Women

Rachel Pike (Freshman at University of Wisconsin Superior)

Rachel Pike scored a season best 7 points against Martin Luther in December.

This season GP 6 GS 0 Points 10

Katie Van Den Bogaert (Freshman at Whitworth University)

Katie scored two points in both the games she has played this season.

This season GP 2 GS 0 Points 4

NCAA Division II Men

Matt Brien (Senior at University of Nebraska at Kearney)

In his second season Matt scored a season high 15 points against Sterling. Claimed 10 rebounds in the same game for a second career double-double. 

This season GP 9 GS 2 Points 22

Career GP 31 GS 13 Points 179

Conor Flanagan (Junior at University of West Florida)

Scored a season best 13 points against Clark Atlanta and has recently passed the career 400 points mark.

This season GP 12 GS 0 Points 66 Rebounds 39

Career GP 57 GS 33 Points 415

Sam Gold (Freshman at Holy Names University)

Three appearances to date for Sam Gold – 4 points and 4 rebounds against Chaminade.

This season GP 3 GS 0 Points 4

William Heather (Junior at Dallas Baptist University)

Made 5 from 7 three-pointer against Texas A&M Commerce. Has made 15 from 29 threes at 52%. Wil scored a career best 21 points against Colorado Mesa.

This season GP 9 GS 8 Points 94

Career GP 54 GS 31 Points 426

Josh Lowe (Senior at Lee University)

Josh missed the entire 2020-21 season after undergoing surgery – has started all 7 games for Lee. Scored a season high 14 points against Johnson.

This season GP 7 GS 7 Points 35

Career GP 59 GS 36 Points 302 Rebounds 191

Sean Murphy (Freshman at University of Nebraska Kearney)

Sean scored a season high 10 points against Chadron State and has claimed 8 rebounds in a game on  three occasions.

This season GP 11 GS 8 Points 44 Rebounds 59 

Oscar Oswald (Junior at St Edwards University)

The former Junior Tall Black out of Palmerston North Boys High School hasn’t played this season as he recovers from injury.

Tom Power (Junior at University of Hawaii at Hilo)

The Waikato forward has played just two games this season.

This season GP 2 GS 0 Points 0

Career GP 59 GS 8 PPG 1.0

Mac Stodart (Sophomore at University of Colorado, Colorado Springs)

Mac Stodart has transferred to Colorado Springs after playing his freshman season at Concordia University where he made 13 appearances. Has a season high 9 points against Kansas Christian in this campaign.

This season GP 8 GS 0 Points 23

Career GP 13 GS 8 Points 166

Aniwaniwa Tait-Jones (Sophomore at University of Hawaii at Hilo)

Tait-Jones leads the Hilo scoring (16.8ppg) and rebounding (7.5rpg). Has scored in double figures in all 10 games with a season high 26 points against Simpson.

This season GP 10 GS 10 Points 168 Rebounds 75 Assists 27

Career GP 17 GS 17 Points 366 Rebounds 177

Thomas Whyte (Junior at Assumption University)

The former Auckland Grammar guard has made three appearances this season scoring 3 points against Georgian Court.

This season GP 3 GS 0 Points 3

Career GP 13 GS 0 Point 14

Marvin Williams-Dunn (Sophomore at Ouachita Baptist University)

Marvin has played all 10 games for the Tigers this season – scored 6 points against Texas-Tyler.

This season GP 10 GS 3 Points 19

Career GP 27 GS 14 PPG 81

NCAA Division III Men

Alex Blackmore (Freshman at Castleton University)

The former St Pat’s Silverstream wing has made a good start to his career at Castleton, Season highs 14 points and 6 rebounds against Norwich. Third on the team in rebounding (45).

This season GP 11 GS 0 Points 69

Lachie MacFarlane (Freshman at Orbelin College, Ohio)

Former Rangiora High School head boy Lachie McFarlane has played just the two games for the Yeomen.

This season GP 2 GS 0 Points 0

Ben Reeves (Sophomore at St Joseph’s College, Brooklyn)

Former Otago Boys High School guard Ben Reeves returns to New York for his sophomore season after all Division III programmes were cancelled in 2020-21 due to covid.

Career GP 9 Points 6

Noah Watson (Senior at Muhlenberg College)

Having started all 10 games for Muhlenberg Noah Watson scored a career high 20 points against Susquehanna.

This season GP 10 GS 10 Points 74

GP 52 GS 10 Points 343

In the third of our collegiate mid-term reports we take a look at the New Zealand athletes playing NAIA (the major alternative to NCAA) Division I hoops in the States and a couple of kiwis up in Canada.

Canada Division I Men

Hayden Collier (Senior at University of Regina)

The Cantabrian forward tallied 3 points and 11 rebounds in the season opener for the Cougars – doesn’t appear to have played any further games.

This season GP 1 GS 1

Career GP 14 

Canada Division I Women

Sofia Kennedy (Sophomore at University of Windsor)

Point guard Sofia Kennedy scored a career high 13 points against Waterloo and in the same game dished a season best 4 assists.

This season GP 7 GS 4 Points 31 Assists 11

Career GP 22 GS 5 Points 46 

NAIA Division I Women

Dominique Stephens (Sophomore at Rocky Mountain College, Montana)

The former Waikato rep is averaging a handy 6 points per game – Dominique scored a career high 20 points against Benedictine Mesa – named Frontier Conference Player of the Week after that performance.

This season GP 12 GS 0 Points 70 Rebounds 40 

NAIA Division I Men

Kone Nabil (Freshman at Trinity International University, Chicago)

The Mali born, Rotorua Boys High educated forward scored a season high 13 points against Missouri Valley – had 10 rebounds in the same game to record a first collegiate double-double.

This season GP 14 GS 1 Points 47 Rebounds 51

Piripi Korent (Freshman at Milligan University)

The former St Pat’s College Silverstream player has scored a season best 11 points on three separate occasions. One of three Milligan player to pull down over 50 rebounds.

This season GP 11 GS 2 Points 74 Rebounds 51

Corey Le’aupepe (Senior at Menlo College)

The former St Pat’s Town forward scored a career high 22 points against Cal Maritime. The leading rebounder (6.0rpg) is also second on the team in scoring (12.8ppg). Already well past 500 career points.

This season GP 12 GS 12 Points 154 Rebounds 72

Career GP 65 GS 38 Points 525 Rebounds 217

Finn McClure (Sophomore at Milligan University)

9 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists on the 2021-22 season opener for the Wellington guard who has since moved past 200 career points. 

This season GP 6 GS 6 Points 44

Career GP 23 GS 19 Points 204

Reihana Maxwell-Topia (Sophomore at St Francis University, Illinois)

Reihana scored a season high 14 points against MidAmerican Nazarene as he adjusts back to playing the power forward spot for the Fighting Saints.

This season GP 10 GS 0 Points 37 Rebounds 30

Career GP 32 GS 4 Points 100 Rebounds 73

Kael Robinson (Junior at Rocky Mountain College, Montana)

Playing alongside fellow Waikato native Maxim Stephens the former St John’s College wing scored a season high 15 points against Yellowstone. Shooting the three-ball at 42.9% (12/28).

This season GP 12 GS 2 Points 85

Jackson Smyth (Freshman at Southern Oregon University)

The Sydney raised, ex-Auckland Huskies guard scored a season high 7 points against William Jessup.

This season GP 11 GS 0 Points 27

Maxim Stephens (Sophomore at Rocky Mountain College, Montana)

Stephens leads Rocky in points (14.4ppg), rebounds (8.8) and blocks (12). Has scored in double figures in nine games – against Benedict Mesa had a massive double-double of 22 points and 22 rebounds! Approaching 600 career points with plenty more to come.

This season GP 12 GS 12 Points 173 Rebounds 105

Career GP 33 Points 562

As anticipated it is the fifth year seniors, along with Charlisse Leger-Walker, that are grabbing most of the headlines so far this NCAA Division I season. Tegan Graham, Kendell Heremaia, Tera Reed, Charlisse and Krystal Leger-Walker are performing some exceptional deeds for their respective teams.

5^th Year Seniors

Tegan Graham (Brigham Young University)

On the cusp of setting a new record for NCAA Division I games played by a Kiwi (the current mark is 136 games played by Jillian Harmon at Stanford University, 2005-09). Graham has already set one record that will take some beating.Against Oklahoma she made 10 shots from behind the arc from 17 attempts (59%) for a career high 30 points.

Not only did those 30 points take her past 1,000 Division I career points – the 17^th New Zealander to do so – but set a record for the most 3-pointers ever made by a Kiwi in a single game of college basketball.

This season GP 11 GS 11 Pts 131 Rebs 32 Assists 53

Div 1 Career GP 134 GS 59 Points 1039

Kendell Heremaia (Fordham University)

Heremaia recently passed 1,100 career points and 100 career starts. Matched her career high 29 points at Seton Hall in November and leads the Rams rebounding count this season.

Sits 9^th on the all-time list for points scored by a Kiwi in Women’s Division I basketball and 5^th on the all-time appearances list.

This season GP 11 GS 11 Pts 132 Rebs 61 Assists 27

Div 1 Career GP 128 GS 101 Points 1106 Rebs 693

Krystal Leger-Walker (Washington State University)

Krystal Leger-Walker has already amassed over 500 career assists, a record by a Kiwi in Women’s NCAA Division 1 play. Already with 50 for the season she is almost certain to pass the 100 dimes mark for her fifth straight year.

With 123 starts she is only 5 shy of Erin Rooney’s NZ record 128 Division I starts.

This season GP 11 GS 11 Pts 81 Rebs 49 Assists 50

Career Stats GP 123 GS 101 Points 875 Assists 537

Akienne-Tera Reed (University of Southern California) 

Tera Reed now sits second on the NZ all-time Women’s Division I points scoring list (1,563 points) behind Erin Rooney (1,648pts). After an outstanding 4-year career at Virginia Commonwealth University Tera has transferred to USC where she has taken on a leadership role while also acting more of a facilitator (she leads USC in assists per game) than premier scorer.

This season GP 10 GS 10 Pts 77 Rebs 40 Assists 32

Career Stats GP 121 GS 117 Points 1563 

Seniors

Aimee Book (Fresno State University)

Aimee Book has transferred to Fresno State University for her senior year after three years at California State University Fullerton. Still finding her feet after missing the second half of the 2020-21 season through injury, she scored a season best 18 points against UC Merced in December. Needs 2 points to pass Brooke Blair (835 points) and move up to 17^th on the NZ all-time Division I scoring list.

This season GP 11 GS 7 Pts 74 Rebs 29

Career Stats GP 77 GS 50 Points 835 

McKenna Dale (Senior at University of Virginia)

Played 45 games for Brown in two seasons scoring 432 points McKenna Dale has transferred to the University of Virginia. The former Junior Tall Fern is yet to make the impact for the Cavaliers that she did for Brown.

This season GP 11 GS 0 Pts 18 Rebs 18

Career Stats GP 56 GS 21 Points 450

Lauryn Mapusua (Houston Baptist University)

Lauryn Mapusua played two seasons at Hutchinson Community College followed by a year at Central Arkansas University (2020-21). Scored a season high 11 points against Dartford in November.

This season GP 10 GS 1 Pts 35, Rebounds 16

Career GP 22 GS 4 Points 44

Tsubasa Nisbet (Georgia Southern University)

The Eagles co-captain has started 6 of 10 games this season. Scored a season high 7 points on two occasions. 

This season GP 10 GS 6 Pts 28, Rebounds 31

Career GP 70 GS 22 Points 168, Rebounds 154

Pareunora Pene (University of Tennessee Chattanooga)

Rotorua’s Pareunora Pene has played 58 games for the Mocs. A great role player she continues to do whatever is required for her team.

This season GP 8 GS 0 Pts 3, Assists 4

Career GP 58 GS 2 Points 60

Juniors 

Kaitlin Burgess (Boise State University)

Kaitlin Burgess has joined Boise State after playing two years at Junior College for Southern Idaho Golden Eagles. Averaging 17 minutes per game for the Bulldogs and is second best on the team from beyond the arc at 33% (15/45). Scored a season best 11 points against Oregon Tech.

This season & Div I Career GP 10 GS 0 Pts 43 Rebs 10

Grace Hunter (Florida International University)

Porirua’s Grace Hunter has joined Florida International University after playing two years for South Plains Junior College. Scored a season best 13 points against Georgia Southern – has made all 12 of her free-throws so far this season.

This season & Div I Career GP 8 GS 0 Pts 45 Rebs 10

Jade Kirisome  (St Mary’s College, California)

Fourth on the team in scoring (7.2ppg) Jade Kirisome scored a season high 17 points against North Carolina State before missing the last two games prior to Xmas.

This season GP 9 GS 5 Pts 65 Rebs 21

Career GP 67 GS 32 Points 387

Tara Manumaleuga (Texas Christian University)

Tara Manumaleuga transferred to Texas Christian after two years at the University of Arizona where she played 25 games for the Wildcats. Has scored a season best 9 points on two occasions. 

This season GP 8 GS 1 Pts 28 Rebounds 9

Career GP 34 GS 1 Points 78

Kaylee Smiler (Brigham Young University)

A defensive spark off the bench Kaylee Smiler has unfortunately missed 5 of BYU’s 10 games this season due to injury. Will be a key player for BYU in upcoming conference play.

This season GP 5 GS 0 Pts 19, Rebounds 11

Career GP 54 GS 0 Points 141, Rebounds 76

Amy West (St Mary’s College, California)

Amy West is one of only two players to have started all 11 games for the Gaels this season. Is second on the team for total rebounds.

This season GP 11 GS 11 Pts 31, Rebounds 39

Career GP 40 GS 18 Points 135

Charlotte Whittaker (Redshirt Junior at University of Colorado)

Charlotte is sitting out the 2021-22 season as she recovers from hip surgery.

Career GP 50 GS 11 PPG 5.5 RPG 2.6

Sophomores

Tayla Dalton (St Mary’s College, California)

A 90% free-throw shooter Tayla Dalton is averaging 18.5 minutes per game – has scored a season best 11 points twice.

This season GP 11 GS 7 Pts 63 Rebs 20

Career GP 37 GS 10 Points 186

Victoria Ikenasio (St Peter’s University, New Jersey)

Only a small sample size but Victoria Ikenasio leads St Peter’s Peacocks field goal percentage at 50% (5/10). Averaging 7.2 minutes per game.

This season GP 10 GS 0 Pts 26 Rebs 21

Career GP 36 GS 2 Points 85, Rebounds 83

Kobe King-Hawea (University of Texas at Austin)

Melbourne educated, Kobe King-Hawea played two-years in junior college before signing with UTA. She has struggled for opportunities at the highly rated Texas with the 9-1 Longhorns ranked #12 in the country.

This season & Div I Career GP 3 GS 0 Points 10

Charlisse Leger-Walker (Washington State University)

Charlisse recently picked up the Pac 12 Player of the Week Award as she continues to put up big numbers. Currently leads the team in minutes played (36.1mpg), scoring (17.2ppg) and steals (2.3spg). Has scored in double figures in all but one game and 20 points or more on five occasions.

This season GP 11 GS 11 Pts 189 Rebounds 61, Assists 38, Steals 25

Career GP 35 GS 35 Points 594, Rebounds 188, 113 assists, 79 steals

Helen Matthews (Wofford College)

Helen Matthews is second on the team for assists made (2.1apg). Scored a season best 14 points against Brevard in early December – had 8 rebounds and 4 assists in the same game.

This season GP 12 GS 2 Pts 76 Rebounds 33, Assists 25

Career GP 35 GS 8 Points 217

Emme Shearer (University of Portland)

Emme Shearer equaled her career high with 16 points against Weber State. Also had 5 steals in that game and leads the Pilots in that statistical category with 2.2spg.

This season GP 12 GS 11 Pts 77, Rebounds 28, Steals 25

Career GP 39 GS 26 Points 266

Freshmen

Arielle Mackey-Williams (Brigham Young University)

Arielle Mackey-Williams is getting limited opportunity on a senior laden roster at #20 BYU but did score a season best 9 points in the final game before Xmas against Montana State.

This season GP 8 GS 0 Pts 15

Jess Moors (Colorado State University)

Jess Moors played a season high 13 minutes against Colorado Christian snaring 3 rebounds to add to her first collegiate field goal.

This season GP 7 GS 0 Points 3 Rebs 11

Olivia Williams (University of California Irvine)

Olivia Williams has made a strong start to her collegiate career making a start in every game to date. Averaging 5.3ppg she scored a season high 13 points against Westcliff. 

This season GP 11 GS 11 Pts 58 Rebounds 19

Redshirt Freshmen

Rochelle Fourie (University of California, Northridge) Emilee Tahata (La Salle University) and Jayzelee Waihi (Wichita State University)

All three players are sitting out the 2021-22 season as they recover from injuries.