26

Apr

West Men's Profile

On-fire Elijah is the world's hottest Pepper

Written By

basketball.com.au

On-fire Elijah is the world's hottest Pepper
On-fire Elijah is the world's hottest Pepper

Warwick Senators and Perth Wildcats star Elijah Pepper won the ANZAC medal for his 50-point performance against the Perth Redbacks. Photo: Vikki Edwards

Elijah Pepper delivers four straight 48+ point performances for Warwick Senators in NBL1 West

  • Elijah Pepper averages almost 50 POINTS per game across four dominant NBL1 West outings
  • The Perth Wildcats guard nails 37 triples and racks up 26 assists in April
  • Pepper’s stellar NBL1 West form follows his Boomers call-up and NBL contract extension

Ridiculously on-fire Elijah Pepper, 23, has delivered a remarkable scoring spree for the Warwick Senators, posting four consecutive games of 48 points or more in April 2025 NBL1 West action.

Pepper had 50 points in just 32 MINUTES against the Perth Redbacks on April 26, 2025.

Elijah's April Outburst: Four Games, Almost 200 Points

Australian-American guard Pepper has set the NBL1 West alight in April, producing an extraordinary run of performances for the Warwick Senators.

In just four games this month, Pepper has averaged 49.75 points, 6.5 assists, and 6.25 rebounds, while connecting on an astonishing 35 triples.

Pepper’s scoring run began on April 5, when he detonated for 50 points, including nine three-pointers, as the Senators cruised past the Lakeside Lightning 117–79. He followed up a week later with 51 and another nine triples to help Warwick topple the Rockingham Flames 134–109.

The impressive streak continued on April 17, as Pepper poured in 48 and a season-high 10 three-pointers in a hard-fought 102–98 win against the Joondalup Wolves.

He capped off the month’s action with another 50-point performance on April 26, leading the Senators to a 119–83 victory over the Perth Redbacks.

Across these four contests, Pepper has also averaged 6.5 assists and 6.25 rebounds, showing his all-round ability on both ends of the floor. He has added 1.75 steals per game and is getting to the charity stripe regularly, making 10.5 free throws per game.

Elijah Pepper lets fly from three against the Perth Redbacks. Photo: Vikki Edwards

By the Numbers: Pepper’s Dominance

A closer look at Pepper’s April numbers highlights the scale of his dominance:

  • April 5 vs Lakeside Lightning: 50 points, 9 triples, 7 assists, 7 rebounds
  • April 12 vs Rockingham Flames: 51 points, 9 triples, 6 assists, 3 rebounds
  • April 17 vs Joondalup Wolves: 48 points, 10 triples, 8 assists, 5 rebounds
  • April 26 vs Perth Redbacks: 50 points, 7 triples, 5 assists, 10 rebounds

Pepper’s efficiency from outside the arc has been a key weapon, with 37 three-pointers in four games. He has also contributed 26 assists, showing his ability to create for teammates even while leading the scoring charge.

Pepper’s Key Details

  • Position: Shooting guard
  • Height: 193 cm
  • Weight: 91 kg
  • Birthplace: Shepparton, Victoria
  • College: UC Davis (2019–2024)
  • NBL Debut: 2024–25 with Perth Wildcats
  • NBL1 West: Warwick Senators (2025–present)
  • National Team: Boomers squad (2025)
Elijah Pepper shoots a tough, contested jumper against the Perth Senators. Photo: Vikki Edwards

From Wildcats Bench to NBL1 West Star

Pepper’s NBL1 West surge comes off the back of his rookie season with the Perth Wildcats in the NBL, where he provided a spark off the bench.

In the 2024–25 NBL campaign, Pepper averaged 7.1 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game, with a season-high 18 points against the Sydney Kings.

The Wildcats have since picked up the second-year team option on Pepper’s contract, confirming he will return to Perth for the 2025–26 NBL season.

His NBL1 West form is likely to boost his role and confidence ahead of the next NBL campaign.

Boomers Recognition for Pepper

Pepper’s outstanding play has not gone unnoticed at the national level. In February 2025, he was named in the Australian Boomers squad for FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers. He has since retained his spot for the upcoming trans-Tasman series against New Zealand in May.

Born in Shepparton, Victoria, Pepper holds dual Australian and American nationality. He played college basketball at UC Davis, where he was named Big West Player of the Year in 2024 before going undrafted in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Elijah Pepper of Australia in action during the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifier match between Australia Boomers and Thailand at Gippsland Regional Indoor Sports Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Gippsland. Photo: Graham Denholm/Getty Images

Pepper’s All-Round Game

While his scoring has grabbed the headlines, Pepper’s all-round effort has been equally impressive. He is averaging over six assists and six rebounds per contest, while also collecting nearly two steals per game. His ability to impact the game across multiple statistical categories underlines his value to the Senators and his potential at higher levels.

Despite a turnover average of 5.25 per game in April, Pepper’s overall control and offensive output have more than compensated, especially given his high usage rate and role as primary ball-handler.

What’s Next for Pepper and the Senators?

The Warwick Senators have started the NBL1 West season in dominant fashion, powered by Pepper’s scoring heroics. With Pepper in this kind of form, the Senators will be eyeing a deep run into the postseason.

For Pepper, continued strong performances in the NBL1 West could pave the way for a larger role with the Wildcats next season and further Boomers opportunities. Australian basketball fans will be watching closely as the Shepparton-born guard continues his remarkable rise.

Stay in the Loop with the latest Hoops

Related Articles

See all articles