Redhage claims second NBL Weekly honour

After narrowly missing out in Round Seven, Perth Wildcats import Shawn Redhage has earned his second National Basketball League (NBL) Player of the Week award for 2006/07.

The big American has been instrumental for the Wildcats this season claiming Player of the Week honours in Round Three and averaging 22 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in 12 appearances so far this season.

Redhage missed claiming the Round Seven award, which went to New Zealand’s Carlos Powell, by the narrowest of margins but made up for it with an outstanding performance for the Wildcats in their impressive 90-81 victory over the Sydney Kings on Saturday night.

The 203cm forward finished with an huge double-double of 20 points and 20 rebounds to go with his eight assists, three blocks and one steal in a busy night at Challenge Stadium.

Perth’s win moved the ‘Cats into outright first position on the Philips Championship ladder with a 9-3 win-loss record. The modest Redhage was pleased with his own efforts but said his team’s performance was more important.

“It was a good team effort - we had a great second half,” Redhage said. “I was please to just be able to contribute to a team win. It was great game for us in that it elevated us to first place on the ladder.”

Redhage said while confidence was high within in the playing group, Perth need to keep focus on their upcoming tough run of away games.

“The team is pretty confident at the moment but we aren’t getting ahead of ourselves. We have a tough stretch ahead with five away games. That it really going to determine the rest of our season, so if we can maintain some momentum and go into those game prepared we should be able to stay in the mix.”

Hot on the heels of Redhage for the NBL’s weekly honours was Wollongong star import Cortez Groves, who averaged 29.0 points, 5.0 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.0 blocks for the week. The Hawks went 2-0 in Round Eight with impressive wins over the Cairns Taipans and West Sydney Razorbacks, cementing their position in equal third on the Philips Championship ladder.

Also unlucky to miss the weekly award was in-form Cairns forward Martin Cattalini, who again led from the front for the Snakes as they went 1-1 for the week. Cattalini averaged 26.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists.

Other players in the running for the Player of the Week award for Round Eight included Sam Mackinnon (Brisbane Bullets), David Barlow (Sydney Kings), Shane Heal (South Dragons), Justin Bailey (West Sydney Razorbacks), Glen Saville (Wollongong Hawks), Carlos Powell (New Zealand Breakers), Willie Farley (Adelaide 36ers), John Rillie (Townsville), Darryl McDonald (Melbourne Tigers), Dusty Rychart (Brisbane Bullets) and Brett Maher (Adelaide 36ers).

For winning the Player of the Week award this round, Redhage will receive one of Philips latest products.