Alva Review-Courier -

It's finally basketball season for Alva High School as the Ladybugs and Goldbugs began with the Pioneer Mustang Stampede Tournament at Waukomis. Both teams were victorious. The Ladybugs defeated the Blackwell JV 51-17 while the Goldbugs ran over Dove Science Academy 65-26.

The start of the round-ball season was delayed by Alva's trip to the football semifinals last week. That meant the Goldbugs moving from football to basketball had only a few days to practice.

In the girls' game Thursday morning, Alva dominated to lead 27-7 at the half and 36-11 at the end of the third period. They finished on top 51-17. Peyton Jones led the Alva scoring with 17.

The Ladybugs will move into the semifinals tonight at 7 p.m. playing against the winner of the Hennessey vs. Pioneer contest.

Thursday afternoon, the Alva Goldbugs took on the Dove Science Academy Raptors, winning 65-26. Although scoring was low in the first quarter (10-5), the Goldbugs poured on the heat in the second to lead 38-13 at the half. After that, there was no doubt who would win with Alva ahead 48-20 at the end of the third and finishing 65-26. Lane Scarbrough was the leading scorer for Alva with 12, but plenty of Goldbugs put points on the board. New Head Coach Shane Feely said he was pleased with how hard his team played though they need more practice time to iron out their technique.

The Goldbugs advance in the semifinals to play at 5:30 p.m. today. Their opponent will be the winner of the Cashion vs. Pioneer game.

Benefit Dinner

Former Goldbug player Hayden Colwell is facing open heart surgery. His brother is on the current Alva team. A benefit dinner featuring a baked potato bar and desserts is being organized for Dec. 21 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Alva. The dinner will be by donation. A love fund has also been established at Alva State Bank.