The Alva Ladybugs fell short by 1 point (47-46) to the Hooker Lady Bulldogs in the final seconds of the Pioneer Tournament Championship.

The championship game featured two evenly matched teams. Alva went into the game with an overall record of 5-0 while the Lady Bulldogs were 4-1. Payton Jones continued to lead the Bugs in scoring with 23 points, followed by Hallie Durkee's 10 points, and Acacia Charles added 9.

Theresa Blalock

LEFT: Ladybug Chloe Durkee dribbles down the court at the Pioneer Tournament. RIGHT: Ladybug Payton Jones runs in for a lay up at the Pioneer Tournament.

Hooker countered with a balanced scoring attack of their own with three players in double figures. Tomi Hines provided 12 points, followed by Hollie Stalder's 10 points, and Aliyah Pinon led the team in scoring with 15 points and also made the game-winning shot.

Hooker maintained the lead through most of the game after being down 17-15 at the end of the first quarter. The Bulldogs outscored the Ladybugs 17-13 in the second quarter finishing the half up 32-30. The second half proved to be a closer game as both teams scored 7 points in the third quarter and Alva outscored Hooker by 1 point in the fourth quarter.

Alva struggled in key areas during the game, making two of their 15 three-point attempts. The Ladybugs also struggled from the free throw line only making 58 percent of their attempts. Despite having a good game overall, Charles went 1 of 7 from the line. The team also had 10 turnovers in the second half.

Alva's next games will be on the road this coming Friday (Dec. 14) against the Yellow Jackets of Fairview.