The Vanier Towhees senior boys and girls basketball teams held the Gus Vesterback Tournament on Dec. 13-14. Both teams hosted three other schools in a round-robin affair and treated local hoops fans to some fun times at the Towhee Nest.
The boys started Friday with visiting Killarney of Vancouver. Both teams play a feisty type of defence and motion offences. Vanier prevailed 63-42 in their first home game of the year. Joss Biggins led the way with numerous fast-break baskets, great drives, stellar pull-up jumpers and aggressive defence.
Helping him with a load of rebounds were Bryce Olsen and Harry Li. Colton Derycke controlled the fast break while Jordan Balon and Jakob Jungwirth contributed some pretty baskets along the way. Player of the game was Joss Biggins.
In game two, the boys played aggressive Notre Dame whose extremely athletic point guard was shut down completely by Joss Biggins on a tough assignment. The whole team played outstanding defence and held Notre Dame to only 44 points. Bryce Olsen had 19 points, and all the Towhees scored. "A great team effort, and a fun group to watch," said Vanier coach Larry Street. Player of the game was Bryce Olsen.
Game three featured the Towhees playing for the tournament championship, and they defeated Ballenas of Parksville 86-33. The offence and fast break were in full gear, and again all the Towhees contributed quality minutes.
Numerous players were in the plus side on the stats board, and again Bryce Olsen led the way with a solid all round game. Player of the Game was leapin' Harry Li.
"The true general was our most improved player to date, Colton Derycke, who is becoming a quick, aggressive point guard who leads our fast break," said Street. "The Balon brothers usually play together and they equally are feisty on the floor, and love playing together."
Most Outstanding Towhee for the tournament was Bryce Olsen.
Next up for the Towhees is the New Westminster Tournament Dec. 18-20.
– Vanier Towhees