Towhees Nest will be busy next week

THE VANIER TOWHEES from left to right: Top - manager Jake Fernandez, Jaron Piercy, Joss Biggins, Scott Stevens, Gryphon Vester, Foster Dewitt, Jacob Jungwirth, coach Larry Street. Bottom - Harry Li, Joaquin Paterna, Isaac Ng, Colton Derycke, Lucas Falconer, Jordan Balon, manager Blake Stotzer. Missing: coach Taylen Busch.

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The Vanier Towhees will enjoy home court advantage for the first time this season when they play their 2012-13 North Vancouver Island AAA senior boys basketball opener next week.

The Towhees have played their first 12 games away from Courtenay, compiling a 7-5 record to date. Not included in this record is an exhibition tournament in San Diego over the Christmas break, which coach Larry Street notes was not only a wonderful learning experience for the lads, but a great holiday for them.

"They represented Courtenay very well, and were very well received by their hosts," Street said. The Towhees wrap up their extensive, early season road trip this weekend (Jan. 11-12) at the Claremont Tournament in Victoria. Then it's home sweet home.

"Now we get to show our community what we are made of," Street said. "The first league game of the year happens to be our first home game as well. On Tuesday, Jan. 15 (we) take on nemesis Dover Bay of Nanaimo at 7 p.m. in our own Towhee's Nest. This important league tilt should be exciting, and very competitive.  Our boys very much look forward to being in the comforts of their own gym."

The home stand continues Jan. 17-19 when Vanier hosts the 45th annual Towhee Invitational. The 12-team tourney features entries from various locations of the Island and Lower Mainland.

"King George of downtown Vancouver is back to defend their title two years in a row," Street notes. "Can they make it three? Currently they are ranked top five in B.C."

Also coming are perennial powerhouses Centennial of Coquitlam, Mt. Doug of Victoria, New Westminster of the tough Burnaby and New West league, and sleeper Sentinel of West Vancouver which boasts two Provincial team players.

Rounding out the draw is always well-coached Wellington of Nanaimo, as well as Vancouver teams Gladstone and Killarney. Locally, the Highland Raiders along with Ballenas (Parksville) and Timberline (Campbell River) are looking forward to taking on these out-of-town squads, Street said.

"Come on out to Vanier next week and cheer on your Towhees," Street said.

– Vanier Towhees