W.R. Myers Rebels varsity boys basketball team is undefeated no more in Southern Alberta High School Boys Basketball League competition, as the squad took a tough-pill-to-swallow 70-63 loss to a rebuilding Magrath Zeniths team on the road last Thursday.
Still saddled with injuries with post presence McKay Lepard out with an ankle injury and Conner Layton nursing a concussion, the Rebels were not able to get things going offensively.
“Saying we struggled from the three-point line would be an understatement. Perhaps even more troubling was our willingness to settle for threes when they obviously weren't falling,” said Aaron Edlund, head coach of the W.R. Myers varsity boys basketball team, who added the team was an anemic 6-for-35 from beyond the arc. “I've been happy with how well we have pounded the ball inside this year. About 80 per cent of our shots have been two-point shots. In Magrath that number dropped to 50 per cent. Shooting threes all game doesn't put much pressure on the defence, especially when they weren't dropping. Nobody on Magrath was in any foul trouble because we never took it at them.”
The defence was able to compensate in the contest for the most part. With its defensive goal of not allowing 15 points per quarter, the Zeniths only put up 14 in each of the first three quarters. But Magrath eventually opened the flood gates with a 28-point fourth quarter.
“We got rattled in the fourth and couldn't get stops when we needed them,” said Edlund. “Rhys Bennett and Brody Jensen stepped up to fill the void admirably left by the injured Rebels, but their efforts were not quite enough.”
The Rebels hosted the LCI Rams on Tuesday, with results unavailable at press time, results that would be very interesting for Edlund to see how his team responds.
“It’s been smooth sailing in league play so far this year and maybe we got caught peaking ahead to Tuesday's matchup with LCI. For the first time all year we are going to have to play with our backs against the wall,” said Edlund. “I'm actually excited to see how we respond to a little bit of adversity. I think we have a good team, but one characteristic of a great team is being able to rebound from a tough loss. We'll find out Tuesday if we are a great team.”  
W.R. Myers Rebels varsity boys basketball team does not return to hardcourt action until its home Rebel Classic tournament on Feb. 3-4. Opening ceremonies are at 5 p.m. on Feb. 3 where there will be a skills competition along with welcoming all teams. Boys play starts at 8 p.m. that day when the Rebels square off against Ponoka on its home gym. Games will also be played at D.A. Ferguson, Central and St. Mary’s for the eight-team field.