The G.P. Vanier Towhees senior boys basketball team went 1-2 at the eight-team New Westminster Tournament, Dec. 19-21.
Game 1 - Reynolds from Victoria
This really was a no contest game due to Vanier's ferocious defence and relentless rebounding. Everyone played good minutes, and the Towhees held Reynolds to only 33 points. Final score: 62-33
Leading the pack with 12 points was Harry Li, and contributing 10 each were Joaquin Paterna and Joss Biggins. Foster Dewitt added eight points and eight rebounds for a solid game. The team forced 23 steals that led to numerous layups on the fast break.
Game 2 - North Delta Huskies
The Huskies were a very tall group, with every starter outsizing every Towhee starter. But the boys from Courtenay gave this talented team a run for their money, keeping the score close at half time, down only two points. The final score was 62-53 for North Delta.
Scoring is still an issue for the Vanier squad, where our team shooting is still too low (today at 36 per cent). Joaquin, our point guard, led the way with 13 points, five assists and three steals. Scott Stevens also had 13 points on a very sore ankle. Harry Li had another fine game with 12 tough points inside and three steals, and was voted the Player of the Game
Game 3 - vs New West, the host team
The Hyacks are a very talented high scoring team who two weeks earlier knocked off #5 in the Province Tamanawis of Surrey. Loaded with lots of good one on one players, New West had to be defended tough, and so it was with the Towhees.
The Vanier guys were up by two points at the half, but faltered in the second half not adjusting to the 6'6" centre of New West, and still missing too many easy shots. Shooting 28 per cent will not beat many good high school teams.
Stevens played very well hitting for 17 points, but no other Towhees were consistent enough. Dewitt worked hard for seven rebounds while Joaquin dished out seven assists.
Player of the Game was Jaron Piercy. Joaquin Paterna was a tournament all-star, for the third week in a row.
Next up for the Towhees is a 16-team tournament in San Diego, California post Christmas. Then, another trip to Victoria before they play six home games in a row starting Jan. 15.
– Vanier Towhees