Alva Review-Courier -

In a high-scoring game, the Alva Goldbugs defeated the Newkirk Tigers at home Thursday night, Feb. 8. The Goldbugs were first on the scoreboard in the makeup game and led throughout the contest.

Only three Goldbugs scored in the first quarter for a combined 26 points while holding Newkirk to 16. The Alva team kept up the pace in the second, adding 24 more points while holding the Tigers to seven. The Goldbugs led 52-23 at halftime. The Goldbugs had another 26 points in the third quarter including four three-pointers while Newkirk upped their effort to 18. Alva led 78-41 at the end of three quarters. In the final period, Coach J.B. Kimberlin brought in more Goldbugs from the bench, and Alva dropped to 18 points while Newkirk made 16. The final was Alva 96, Newkirk 57.

The Goldbugs were led in scoring by Daylon Malone with 26 and Kash Shipley with 25. Aiden Ruiz had 12 points and Aiden Kimberlin 10. Kelan Penco scored seven points followed by Lantz Mathers with four, Cameron Longhurst with three, Jantz Heaton with two and Maddox Beck with one.

The Tigers were led by Trenton Morton with 15 points, Cameron Bradley with 13 and Grady Wood with 12. Tucker Beaston, Drake Duncan and Shay Brewington had four points each. Douglas Blackwell and Logan Richards scored two points apiece.

Goldbugs at Hooker

On Monday, the Goldbugs traveled to Hooker where they ran into the No. 3 ranked Class 2A Bulldogs. Alva held their own for a tie in the low-scoring first quarter, but the Bulldogs gained the lead by halftime and continued to dominate during the remainder of the game. The Goldbugs had a good defensive effort in the first half, but the second belonged to the Bulldogs.

At the end of the first quarter, the teams were tied at 9-9. At halftime, Hooker had a four-point lead of 21-17. The gap widened in the third quarter with the Bulldogs leading 43-30. The final was Hooker 63, Alva 36.

Desiree Morehead

Alva Junior Kelan Penco (5) goes up for a layup and gets fouled by the Newkirk defense.

The Goldbugs were led in scoring by Aiden Ruiz with 10 points followed by Kash Shipley with nine, Trace Hamilton five and Lantz Mathers four. Kelan Penco, Cambell Gaisford, Daylon Malone and Aiden Kimberlin scored two points each. The Goldbugs were 6 of 11 at the free throw line.

The Bulldogs were led in scoring by sophomore Keilan Robinson with 26 points. Other top scorers were Slade Stalder with 12 and Nate Hidalgo with nine.

District Playoffs

The Goldbugs finish the regular season with a 15-7 overall record and 5-2 in district play. On Saturday, the Goldbugs host the Chisholm Longhorns in the district playoff. The game is set for 7:30 p.m.

Both teams will advance to the regional playoffs. Saturday's winner will take on the winner of the Lincoln Christian vs Rejoice Christian game at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22, in Chisholm. The loser will meet the loser of that game at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 22 in Chisholm.