It was double trouble for the Ballenas Whalers when they came to Courtenay to face the G.P. Vanier Towhees on Tuesday night.
Behind double-double performances by Mark McGinnis and Dillon Robson, the Towhees triumphed 59-51 to improve their North Island League AAA senior boys basketball record to 2-0. The Towhees are first in the league while Ballenas (1-1) is second.
Guard McGinnis scored a game-high 23 points and dished 10 dimes to pace Vanier while forward Robson tallied 21 points, 12 rebounds and had four steals. Jaron Piercy added nine points. Scott Stevens cleared nine boards and had five assists, and Cam Hughes contributed seven rebounds.
"Both teams looked tired after each had just finished playing four games at the Towhee tournament on the weekend," said Vanier head coach Larry Street. "Therefore, it was more of a chess match where we did a great job executing our offence. Shooting or finishing is still an issue as we shot 43 per cent from the field," Street said.
"Dillon and Mark were hard to stop while Scott played his normal aggressive game. This was a good win for the Towhees since they never beat Ballenas as juniors. Now they are above .500 with 10 wins and nine losses," Street said.
"Ballenas ia a very athletic, big team who have played together for a long time. Point guard Dustin Rodriguez led them with 18 points and was the focal point of their fast break and defence while guard Sean Rae scored 15 tough points," Street said.
Next action for the Towhees is Jan. 28 when they travel to Ladysmith for an exhibition game with the 49ers. Their next league game is Jan. 31 when they host the Alberni Armada.
