The Burnaby South Rebels made quick work of the New Westminster Hyacks.
The No. 2-ranked South senior boys’ basketball team weathered some early Hyack hustle before putting away the home team 90-42 at Pearson Gym on Wednesday.
Airon Nisperos nailed a long three-pointer to start the contest on the right foot for the host Hyacks, but South’s starting five, including star guards Jermaine Haley and Tyus Batiste, helped the Rebels to a 22-14 first-quarter lead with 19 and 21 total points, respectively.
Batiste also added seven rebounds and four of South’s 16 total steals.
Nisperos was high man for the Hyacks with 16 points.
South nearly doubled New West by half time, leading 47-24 at the interval despite sitting its starters for much of the second quarter.
While Burnaby South’s starters took a breather, the Rebel backups were able to put their stamp on the outcome, helping outscore New Westminster 25-10 in the second stanza.
The Rebels bench outscored the Hyack subs 32-15 overall.
Steven Oropel had five fourth-quarter points and three steals, while Sean San Juan added seven points to the mix. Aleks Stankovic chipped in with five points and four rebounds.
“This is part of it, getting our bench involved and everyone fluid with our offence and defence to get us down the road farther,” said South coach Mike Bell. “It really does help us to be tougher. It helps everyone get involved. That’s key to our team.”
The Rebels are in the Fraser Valley this weekend for the Snowball tournament in Abbotsford.
South opened against the winner between quad A honourable mentions Yale and St. George’s on Thursday (after NOWdeadlines).
No. 5-ranked Kelowna and No. 8 Kitsilano are also among the teams taking part, along with host and No. 1 AAA Abbotsford senior.
