Wildcats off-season wrap: Trio star on debut

Perth Wildcats young guns Ben Henshall and Jack Andrew kicked off their New Zealand NBL campaign on a high, leading Otago to a thrilling overtime win against Southland at Dunedin’s Edgar Centre.

Henshall top-scored on debut for the Nuggets, amassing 21 points – including three triples – in the season-opening 86-79 victory on Saturday.

New Zealand big man Andrew also made the most of his starting-five opportunity, posting a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds.

Fellow Wildcats Tai Webster and Dontae Russo-Nance have also signed with the Nuggets but didn’t play.

Webster is expected to return for Friday night’s home clash against Manawatu Jets.

Elsewhere in the New Zealand competition, Hyrum Harris continued on from his brilliant debut season at the Wildcats with a huge performance for Wellington.

Harris finished with 28 points, 11 rebounds and five assists in a dominant display as the Saints defeated Auckland Tuatara 110-80.

The popular Kiwi shot at 62.5 per cent from the field on debut against the Tuatara, coached by Wildcats assistant Aaron Young.

Veteran guard Corey Webster also enjoyed a good start to his NZNBL season, scoring a team-high 18 points to go with seven assists and four rebounds for Auckland.

It was Webster’s first game for his new team after a title-winning campaign for Canterbury Rams last season.

In the NBL1 West, sharpshooter Michael Harris was on fire in his Warwick Senators debut.

Harris put on a stunning display, hitting a game-high 42 points – including six three-pointers – as the Senators prevailed over East Perth 97-83 on Thursday night.

Recent Eagles signing David Okwera didn’t feature in the match.

Guard Kyle Zunic is set to make his Keilor debut in the NBL1 South opening-round match against Frankston on Friday night.