Spartans stumble at tourney

Tyler Lowey
Times Reporter

 

The Strathmore High School Spartans senior boys basketball team are hoping that by exposing themselves to different teams, they educate themselves which, in turn, will help them out down the road.
The Spartans entered their second straight weekend tournament, this time in Beaumont, going 1-2.
The Spartans dropped the opener Jan. 13 100-90 to the West Central High School Rebels from Rocky Mountain House, in what was the Spartans best shooting performance of the weekend, nailing 47 per cent of their field goals.
John Le May poured in a tournament-high 34 points on 10-of-14 shooting to go with a pair of triples and knocking down 12-of-18 free throw attempts. Ryan Edwards picked up 17 points after connecting on 4-of-10 shots.
“Rocky Mountain House was a pretty good team. We were getting our shots to fall, but we just couldn’t stop anyone on defence,” said Spartans head coach Matt Laslo.
Playing on the consolation side, the Spartans smoked the Cold Lake High School Royals 82-44.
Back from his holiday vacation, Caleb Funk turned in his strongest performance of the tourney, scoring 15 points on 7-of-16 shots. Senior guard Mackenzie Bain also turned in his best performance, shooting 5-for-9 for 13 points and dialed up three 3-pointers.
“It’s great to have Caleb back with us,” said Laslo. “He’s really good down low, he’s a big body and provides a big presence for us at the rim.”
In the consolation final Jan. 14, the Spartans were bested 95-76 by the H.J. Cody School Lakers.
Le May led the way once again with 31 points on 14 shots, Funk recorded 12 points, and Isaiah Simwamu and Kashtin Running Rabbit both pulled 10 points.
“We faced some pretty strong teams and learned what we need to work on,” said Laslo. “It’s good to see the rest of the province. We will use it as a measuring stick and a better perspective of where we stand against some of the better teams.”
Earlier in the week, the Spartans downed the 0-4 Oilfields High School Drillers 94-57 Jan. 11 during Foothills Athletic Council action at the Strathmore High School gym.
The Spartans (4-1) resumed the Strathmore rivalry game Jan. 18 when they travelled to Holy Cross Collegiate to take on the Hawks (2-3). The Spartans doubled up the Hawks 80-40 in the season opener.