Tyus Allen Leads NPH #12-Ranked WRCA Past St George, Despite Drew Urquhart Offensive Clinic

White Rock, BC – If opening night is any indication, it’s going to be a great season in BC AAA Boys Basketball. In a tightly contested game, in front of a standing room only crowd at White Rock Christian Academy, the Warriors hung on for a thrilling 82-79 win over the visiting St. George’s Saints.

WRCA, NPH #12-Ranked team in the nation (#4 in The Province), were led by the steady hand of point guard Tyus Allen, who scored a team high 24 points. Allen, the son of Trinity Western men’s head coach Scott Allen was solid throughout, making plays on both sides of the ball.

For Saint George’s, (#7 in The Province) Drew Urquhart had an outstanding debut, pouring in 30 points in the loss. The 6’8” junior small forward, who’s shooting range extends far beyond the thee point line, showed off a polished offensive game: creating shots for himself and his teammates off the dribble; commanding double teams in the post; using high screens to free himself for easy jumpers; and looking very comfortable running the point for extended stretches. Although this is Urquhart’s first action with the Saints senior team, he already looks comfortable playing against stronger competition and being a leader on the team.

Also for St. George’s, point guard Deklan Chung – who was playing despite an illness, and was clearly not at 100% – and guard James Choi had strong games. Choi, who late in the fourth quarter made a number of impressive defensive plays to key the Saint’s comeback, also looked strong going to the basket and finishing through contact.

Saint’s head coach Bill Disbrow, in his first year with St. Georges after spending the past three with crosstown rival Vancouver College, has instituted a more free flowing offense than what we are used to seeing from the Saints, but it was clear that there were still kinks to be worked out.

Spacing in the half court and post entry were two areas where the Saints struggled, and three point shooting was an issue when Urquhart was doubled on the block and forced to kick out. However, with the legendary Disbrow at the helm and two talent assistants in former UBC point guard Karlo Villanueva, and Aaron Graystone (of Vancouver based AllBall Academy), chances are these issues will be worked out sooner than later.

White Rock Christian will be a part of this weekend’s Tsumura Basketball Invitational Tournament, and they will take on the Findlay Prep Pilots, December 2, at 5pm at the Langley Events Centre.

Saint George’s is next in action tonight, when they host Abbotsford Secondary at 6:30pm at Dixon Gym.