Boys: GP Vanier vs. Mt. Boucherie
Written by: Devin Delany, Handsworth Grad 2006
Key question leading into the match………. What on earth is a towhee?
Once the Handsworth gym had finally cooled down from this afternoons Spirit Games, the court gave way to two visiting teams visiting the lower mainland: the GP Vanier Towhees and the Mount Boucherie Bears.
Vaniers #12 Macyn Leopkey started the game as the apparent offensive threat for the Towhees with two quick dazzling layups leading the charge for the Towhees. It was clear that the Towhees coach Larry Street was encouraging an up-tempo offense reminiscent of coach Mike D’antoni’s Houston Rockets.
It wasn’t the prettiest basketball once each team settled in as both teams were showcasing their press defences and seemed to be getting their hands on every ball in the lane. This resulted in turnovers for both sides as coaches on each side began to get frustrated and make multiple substitutions.
At halftime, the Bears led the visiting Towhees 27-22 in a tight back and fourth first half.
The second half had the Towhees looking to feature their 6’8 forward Peter Greaves as he had a clear height advantage over any of the Bears in the low post. Peter wasn’t able to stuff the score sheet but he was attracting double teams and able to space out the floor for his offense. The bears quietly continued to put up baskets with Grade 11 guard Ethan Williams letting his athleticism run the floor for his team. At the end of the 3rd quarter the Bears were still leading the way with a 10-point advantage going into the final frame. If it hadn’t been for the Towhees numerous turnovers it could have been a much tighter score line going into the fourth quarter.
One would have thought the bears would have slowed the pace in the fourth to burn some time and protect their lead but their ‘run and gun’ style didn’t waver at all. Athleticism and speed was their advantage in this affair and coach Kelly Broderick wanted them to continue to play their brand of ball. The Towhees had narrowed the deficit to 4 at one point but as soon it got close the Bear’s Ethan Williams wanted the ball in his hands to regain their advantage. He finished the game with an impressive game-high 27 points leading his team to an opening game victory. It finished up with the bears taking home a narrow 62-57 victory in a highly competitive contest.
A big thanks to both teams for making the trip to contend in the highly competitive Quinn Keast Memorial Tournament. Best of luck to both teams in their upcoming games.
Towhee: A distinctive bird that is often heard before it is seen, scraping about in the brush.