The G.P. Vanier Towhees senior boys finished fifth at the eight-team Claremont Spartan Invitational basketball tournament on the weekend (Jan. 6-7) with Dillon Robson named to the all-star team.
After dropping their Friday opener 68-52 to Delta, the Courtenay cagers put in two strong games Saturday, defeating Matthew McNair 79-56 and South Delta 54-53.
Friday was not a great game for the Towhees, who had to leave two players at home due to injury, and one player was sick at the game. So, being short staffed, and still not playing to potential, the Towhees came up short against Delta.
"Twenty-one turnovers doesn't help, as does being outrebounded 22-17," noted Vanier head coach Larry Street. Captain and point guard Mark McGinnis scored 16 points and had four steals while co-captain Robson dumped in 17 points while adding seven rebounds.
"The Towhees are having issues mentally preparing for their games. Hopefully things will improve for them after they see the University of Victoria Vikes play Saskatchewan tonight," Street said.
And perhaps that was the case, as the Towhees mauled Matthew McNdair 79-56 Saturday morning. "A fine team effort, with some of the younger Towhees pulling through with competitive results," said Street.
Robson once again led the way with 26 points while McGinnis had 21. "Mark shot 64 per cent from the field, added four assists and four rebounds while Dillon had a double-double with 10 rebounds; he finished with 26 points, three assists, 100 per cent free throw shooting and 58 per cent from the field," said Street.
"An excellent performance from Grade 11 Jaron Piercy who added 17 points and 55 per cent shooting. Scott Stevens also produced 10 points and had nine tough rebounds while he always checks the other team's best player."
The Towhees wrapped things up with a 54-53 barnburner win over South Delta.
"This game was interesting from the beginning. The boys thought a bit too much about all-Canadian and former Toronto coach Jay Triano ... well, actually his son, Grade 12 star Jeff," Street said.
South Delta started with a 14-0 lead, and were up 16-1 before Vanier scored their first basket. "The first quarter was dismal, and it looked like the boys were reverting back to the same problems we've been having all season," Street said.
But after a bit of a tongue lashing from coaches Street and Tobacca, the boys stepped up their intensity and showed some character, pulling to within six points at half time. The second half was owned by the Towhees, although things got tight near the end. But the Towhees prevailed and ended the tournament with a good win to take the consolation championship.
Dillon scored 17 points and contributed 12 aggressive rebounds to earn a tournament all-star. "We had to play without guard Mark McGinnis in the second half due to a wicked elbow to the back late in the first half," Street said. "Mark was playing great at the time, and now we were down to seven healthy players.
"Coming through with a solid defensive effort and few mistakes in the second half were Kris Ding, Zach Hunter, Stevens, Jaron Piercy and Cam Hughes. Good job boys, and hopefully these two wins will carry through to the first league game on Tuesday and the Towhee Tournament on Thursday," Street said.
鈥� G.P. Vanier Towhee basketball
