CJ Massingale – Knox Raiders
In what was a tough “Road/Home” double for the Raiders with a Friday night game in Brisbane followed by a home engagement against the Thunder CJ had what can be described as a welcome return to form for the Raiders faithful. Known for his highscoring and highlight real plays CJ has been a little inconsistent to date but may have turned the corner this weekend being the standout player in the South Conference.

On Friday night with most eyes watching new recruit Bryant, CJ slipped under the radar a bit and caught fire in the first half tallying 23 pts at the main break. With 11 and 12 pts in the first 2 quarters @ 50% and 83.3% respectively, It looked like being a big scoring night for the Alabama native but with the score line blowing out to 18 at three quarter time and coach Cotter having one eye on North West the following day, CJ only played eleven minutes in the second half finishing with 29pts @ 50%, 7rebs, 3ass and 2stls.

Returning home to the “SHOE”, CJ was the model of consistency scoring 12 points in the last three quarter to finish with 43pts @ 61.5%.In what could be a season defining come from behind victory for the Raiders who trailed by 7 at the half and 3 at the final change CJ showed this weekend that once a “Rolls-Royce”, always a “Rolls-Royce” and that if teams dismiss him to lightly this season they may do so at their own peril.

FUTURO Health Supports & braces EAST MEN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Nathan Herbert – Geelong Supercats
Playing on a deep and talented roster such as the Supercats anyone of 8 or 9 players can torch you at any stage. Nathan Herbert decided that Saturday night against the Bandits on the road was going to be his night to explode offensively. Averaging 15.5pts per game prior to this game Nathan got going early scoring 17pts in the first half at the respectable clip of 63% from 2 point field goal range and dropping 3 of 5 from downtown. He was just getting warmed up as he dropped 12 in the 3rd and 7 in the last to have a season high 36pts @ 63% from the field and a marksman like 6 of 10 from 3 point range. He was to polish off his stats with 6 rebs, 2ass, 2 stls and a block in 36 mins and reminded people of his talent after an injury interrupted 2006. With the wheels well and truly in motion this season down at sleepy hollow, this may not be the last time Herbert takes away the weekly silverware.

Other notable performances were;
q Spartans center Greg Van der Jagt had an imposing weekend averaging 22pts @ 61%& 18rebs. He could probably consider himself unlucky not claim the award after monstering Knox and welcoming their new import with 24 rebs on Friday night.
q AIS scholarship holder Patrick Mills impressed in the local derby against the Gunners with 22pts, 7rebs, 10 ass and a steal.
q Frankston Blues center David Gruber had another standout weekend averaging 28.5 ppg & 12.5rebs per game across the weekend.