Jeremy Kendle writes name into Southland Sharks record books
Jeremy Kendle has blitzed the record for most assists in a game for the Southland Sharks with a remarkable display.
American import Jeremy Kendle has etched his name into the Southland Sharks record books with a remarkable display against the Manawatu Jets on Saturday.
Kendle delivered the impressive stat-line of 20 points and 20 assists as he played another important role in lifting the Sharks to a 105-89 victory over the Jets in Palmerston North.
His 20 assists is a club record for the Sharks which entered the league in 2010.
Prior to Kendle’s blitz on Saturday night the most assists by a Southland Sharks player in a game was 12.
Both Kevin Braswell and Jarred Weeks had previously recorded 12 in the orange singlet before that record was smashed.
Kendle, at 35 years old, is fast writing his name into Southland Sharks folklore with what he has produced to date in the 2023 Sal’s NBL, which has him leading the MVP standings.
The important aspect of Saturday night’s performance against Manawatu though was Kendle found plenty of support from others.
Kendle was one of four Sharks players to deliver double-doubles against Manawatu.
The others were Brayden Inger (18 points, 11 rebounds), Alonzo Burton (16 points 11 rebounds) and Romaro Gill (15 points, 12 rebounds).
On top of that Grant Anticevich pitched in with 14 points and Ben Hall 12.
While Saturday night’s win was encouraging the short turnaround seemed to bite for the Sharks on Sunday night.
Less than 24 hours after beating the Manawatu Jets in Palmerston North Southland was back out on the court in Wellington taking on the Wellington Saints.
The Saints were too slick winning 100-84 and it was a former Shark who led the way.
Tom Vodanovich racked up 32 points which included eight threes.
Anticevich was the best of the Sharks in a losing cause contributing 28 points and 12 rebounds.
Southland now turns the focus to its next outing against Hawke’s Bay at ILT Stadium Southland in Invercargill on Saturday night.