Big V Championship, Division 1, Division 2 men’s and women’s top players

Big V Basketball returned with a bang at the weekend with several impressive performances. Here are the best 10 headlined by a 46-point effort in a losing side.

The first weekend of Big V Basketball has been completed for 2022 with a number of impressive performances across the state.

Mildura Heat star Vanessa Power had a standout performance with 46 points in her side’s Division 1 women’s loss to post the highest single game total in the opening round.

Here are the players we picked as the top 10 performers from round 1.

Nicole Cameron, Sunbury, Championship Women

Cameron’s huge double-double of 15 points and 15 rebounds was crucial in her side’s win as the Jets overcame Southern Peninsula by seven points. She also finished with 5-6 from the free throw line in a game where the Jets had just six players available.

RMIT import Stephen Coffey was at his best in his side's win. Photo: Facebook.

Stephen Coffey, RMIT, Division 1 Men

The Redbacks import did it all as he finished with 18 points, 10 board and six assists as his side got their Division 1 campaign off to the perfect start. Coffey was also disruptive on the defensive end finishing with three steals.

Maurice Howard, Wyndham, Championship Men

Howard and his teammates couldn’t have asked for a better start to their season after making it two wins from two in a double header weekend. The American had 60 points across two games including 33 on opening night against Chelsea. His defensive ability was also on show with six steals across the weekend.

Maurice Howard put up big numbers in his first two games for Werribee. Photo: Supplied.

Christopher Kaba, Sherbrooke, Division 2 Men

Kaba’s 25 points and 14 rebounds ensured the Suns got their season off to the perfect start in a thrilling win over Wallan. Kaba finished with four 3s, three steals, two assists and a block in a game that had it all. He also had the best plus-minus rating on his team with 13.

MaKenzie Miller, Gippsland United, Division 2 Women

In a historic night for her club, Miller turned in a monster performance with 19 points and 2o rebounds as United ran out to a 73-point over Collingwood. Miller’s stat line was completed in just under 30 minutes on court and she also finished with no turnovers.

Mackenzie Miller enjoyed a standout first game for Gippsland United. Photo: Facebook.

Gerrard Newby, Keysborough, Division 1 Men

In his first game since returning to the club, Newby was at his brilliant best. He finished with 34 points on 63.6 per cent shooting. But it was his two steals and blocks which had his coach happiest.

Katie O’Keefe, Warrnambool, Division 1 Women

While she might have finished with 27 points and 11 rebounds in the Mermaids’ 16-point win over Melbourne University it was O’Keefe’s defensive numbers that were eye catching. She finished with a resounding seven steals and one block.

Vanessa Power, Mildura, Division 1 Women

Power marked her return from a serious injury with arguably the best performance across the entire competition. She finished with 46 points, shooting 44.7 per cent from the field, including seven 3s. She also finished with 12 rebounds and five steals. Despite her efforts Mildura went down by eight points against Bellarine on the road.

Makuei Puondak, Hume City, Championship Men

Puondak did everything in his power to get the Broncos across the line but ultimately it wasn’t enough as they went down to Wyndham. He finished with 36 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a brilliant performance.

Darcy Saunders, Coburg, Division 2 Women

After missing her side’s season opener, Saunders made up for lost time with 25 points, eight rebounds and two assists. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough as the Giants had two losses to start their season.

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