The G.P. Vanier Towhees senior boys basketball team tipped off their 2015-16 season Dec. 1 in Campbell River with a 70-32 exhibition win over the Timberline Wolves.
"What a great way to start the year because we had to play a team that boasted 6'10", 6'9", 6'7", 6'7", and 6'4", with many athletic and quick guards," said Vanier coach Larry Street.
"It was a good test for our larger than normal team and the Towhees proved who was farther ahead at this time of year," Street added.
The first quarter was tight and the Towhees were up by only eight. But at the beginning of the second quarter, with new trapping and swarming defences, they broke the game wide open.
"Halftime score was 32-16 for Vanier, and by the end we were able to give all the players some valuable playing time," Street said.
Leading the way with double-doubles were Tyler Knopp (19 points, 11 rebounds, six steals) and Chase Hobenshield (14 points, 10 rebounds, 6-for-6 free throws).
Coen Leopkey-Johnson pitched in 10 points and four rebounds while Wyatt Strachan added seven steals and five assists.
Next up is the Dec. 3-5 Chilliwack Tournament, then a Dec. 8 exhibition game in Port Alberni. Vanier's first home games will be played Dec. 11-12 at the annual Gus Vesterback Tournament featuring always competitive Maple Ridge, Howe Sound and Gulf Islands.