Five in a row? Don't think so.
That was the Vanier Towhees' mindset when they hosted the Semiahmoo Totems on Saturday in a senior boys exhibition basketball match.
The Totems were making their annual Vancouver Island road trip, and had beaten the Towhees each of the last four years. Vanier was fresh off a week-and-a-half exam break and ready to snap the White Rock team's domination.
And they did just that - to the tune of 72-61.
"This was a great game for the fans with end-to-end action, a high-scoring first quarter (23-19 for Semi) and a showcase of some very good high school talent," said Vanier head coach Larry Street.
"Too bad for the young Semiahmoo team that we were about to play our best game of the year, going up 39-36 at half time," Street said.
"There were many pretty plays, back doors, and tough baskets for the Comox Valley lads, and at three-quarter time we were up 62-51, displaying fine team play and solid switching defences."
Vanier's three seniors were the primary scorers: Tim Wilson had 17 points and five rebounds, Chase Hobenshield 10 points, seven rebounds and great leadership on the floor, and Tyler Knopp 14 points, eight rebounds, three blocked shots and a solid performance in breaking the press.
"The Grade 11s were the key though because of their solid defensive play, and their input on the offence between them with 28 points. Kudos to Rheyden Le, Kenny Selda, Nick Knopp and Zach Boutin," Street said.
The Towhees played their last home game on Tuesday against Dover Bay, with result unavailable at press time. It was also Seniors Night, with the team recognizing Tim Wilson, Tyler Knopp and Chase Hobenshield.
FREE THROWS In their other Island games, the Totems lost to top-ranked Oak Bay by three on Thursday and were defeated by Cowichan in a close one Friday…the Towhees are at the Notre Dame tournament this weekend (Feb. 4-6) and close out league play Feb. 9 at Cowichan … the North Islands go Feb. 18-20 in Duncan, the Islands are Feb. 25-27 at Dover Bay, and the B.C.s go March 9-12 at the Langley Events Centre …