On Dec. 21, at GP Vanier Secondary there was an exhibition basketball game between the Senior Boys Towhees and the Mark Isfeld Ice.

It was snother friendly rivalry match that brought fans from all over the Comox Valley to an exciting game. A packed house cheered on their favorites and helped display what fun a local high school basketball can bring. A fantastic atmosphere, and good indication what January will bring to both Vanier鈥檚 and Isfeld鈥檚 home games.

The two teams clashed at the Royal Bay tournament and Vanier was defeated by four points. The Ice went on to win that tournament, and Vanier finished third, leading to anticipation of another close game between the two Valley teams on the final day of school before the Christmas break.

Vanier got out to a 23-11 lead at the end of the first quarter, with good team scoring from Vanier starters. The second quarter was back and forth, with Isfeld showing their patented full-press defence, but they got into foul trouble. Vanier scored nine points from the foul line to take a 39-28 lead into the break.

The Towhees maintained the 11-point lead (60-49) heading into the fourth quarter, ultimately prevailing, 77-63.

For Vanier five players were in double figures: Simon Shuermann 13 points, Marcus Davidson 11, Jace McDowell 13, Kai Canning 19 and Walter Bulman-Fleming with 16. Four Vanier players also had at least eight rebounds, and Jace McDowell added eight assists, with five steals.

Daxin Moldenhauer scored 21 points for the Ice, and Torr Robertson added 12.

The teams meet at the end of the regular with a league game on Feb. 8th at Mark Isfeld gym.

The Towhees head to Vancouver and play two exhibition games in storied gymnasiums.

On Friday, Jan 5, the boys play highly ranked North Delta at UBC and on Jan. 6, the Towhees play at SFU against Seaquam of Delta.