Redhage claims NBL weekly award

Perth Wildcats import Shawn Redhage has claimed his third career National Basketball League (NBL) Player of the Week award after taking out the honour for Round Three of the 2006/07 season courtesy of his impressive performance against Townsville.

The 203cm forward led from the front for the Wildcats as they downed the Crocs 117-107 at Challenge Stadium. Redhage amassed a game and round-high 37 points as his team claimed their fourth straight win for 2006/07 to remain in outright first on the Philips Championship ladder.

The American big-man was outstanding for the Wildcats, lifting his side at crucial stages in the game. Redhage dominated the first term with 10 points, before finishing the night with 37 points, nine rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block for the match.

Redhage, who also won the Player of the Week award in Rounds Nine and 21 in 2005/06, continues to prove his value for the Wildcats. The player who was released by the New Zealand Breakers before joining the Wildcats now forms an integral part of the Perth’s formidable ‘Three R’s’ combination along with Tony Ronaldson and Paul Rogers but Redhage is not losing focus on the rest of the season but is pleased with the team’s start.

“It has been a dream start for us so far and we really are focused on maintaining the momentum throughout the remainder of the season,” Redhage said.

“It was an important win for us, especially to protect our home court against a team like Townsville. It was always going to be tough so we where pleased to come away with the win.”

Wollongong’s Cortez Groves was narrowly pipped by Redhage for the weekly honour after he averaged 34.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.0 blocks and 0.5 steals as his side went 1-1 for Round Three.

Other players in the running for the Philips Player of the Week award for Round Three included Nick Horvath (Adelaide), Glen Saville (Wollongong), Rashad Tucker (Melbourne), Darren Brooks (Perth), Larry Abney (Townsville), Brad Newley (Townsville), Liam Rush (West Sydney), Anthony Stewart (Cairns), Brian Wethers (New Zealand), EJ Rowland (Sydney) and Sam Mackinnon (Brisbane).

For winning the Player of the Week award this round, Redhage will receive Philips’ latest Dual DECT/Internet Skype phone - Simplicity is making discounted and free phone calls to your friends and family all around the world.