January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Page 2 ALVA HIGH SCHOOL GOLDBUGS

2016-2017 Alva High School Goldbugs – (Back row, from left) Ethan Flynt, Davion Murrow, Edgar Cabral, Jacob Stewart, Dylan Whitely, Mitchell Meyer, Jonathan Heinsen, Jacob Cox, Dalton Rose, Casey Harting and Chuck Knight; (middle row) Zeth Warren, Cade Madsen, Andrew Colwell, Brooks Hadwiger, Ethan Harzman, Grant Ritter, Hayden Colwell, Jacob Faulkner, Lane Scarbrough and T.W. Beiswanger; (front row) Cooper Sneary, Baylor Rust, Dawson Manning, Reece Martin, Garrett Ritter, Carson Gaisford and Payne Louthan. Not pictured: Justin Meyer and Josh Scribner. Photo by Leslie Nation 2016/17 ALVA HIGH SCHOOL GOLDBUGS ROSTER

No. Name Ht. Cl. 0 Chuck Knight 5’9” Jr. 1 Davion Murrow 5’9” Jr. 2 Casey Harting 5’9” Jr. 3 TW Beiswanger 5’10” Jr. 10 Mitchell Meyer 5’10” So. 11 Ethan Flynt 5’6” Jr. 12 Zeth Warren 5’10” Jr. 13 Grant Ritter 6’6” Sr. 13 Edgar Cabral 5’10” So. 14 Cameron Gordon 5’9” So. 15 Dalton Rose 6’1” So. 20 Ethan Harzman 6’2” Sr. 20 Jacob Cox 6’1” So. 21 Hayden Colwell 5’10” Sr. 23 Brooks Hadwiger 5’10” Sr. 24 Lane Scarbrough 6’1” Jr. 25 Jacob Faulkner 5’9” Jr. 30 Justin Meyer 6’3” Sr. 30 Jonathan Heinsen 5’10” So. 32 Andrew Colwell 6’2” Jr. 33 Dylan Whitely 5’10” So. 35 Cade Madsen 6’3” Jr. 45 Jacob Stewart 5’9” So. Head coach: Paul Duncan Assistant coach: Ryne Wilson Managers: Hannah Kornele and Calissa Fouts Filmer: Sydney Dimmick January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 3 Goldbugs continue impressive start to their season By Leslie Nation in the lane. Though the reverse layup has become a staple for The No. 12 of Class 3A, Alva High School Goldbugs have Ritter, the 6-foot-6 post player has many weapons in his arsenal tipped off their season to a fantastic start despite losing their that have made him a threat underneath the basket as well as two top scorers from the 2015-2016 season. With a deep bench, Alva’s top scorer with 12.0 points per game and 5.5 rebounds. the Goldbugs seem to have found a rhythm that has kicked Alva has a solid starting five next to Hadwiger and Ritter them off to a 9-1 start of the season. Their only loss so far came in Ethan Harzman, Ethan Flynn and TW Beiswanger, but the in the finals of the Wheat Capitol Tournament against the King- Goldbugs’ deep bench is what makes them such a threat against fisher Yellow Jackets. their opponents. Head coach Paul Duncan enters his sixth year at the helm, At any time, Coach Duncan can send in three players to and he and the Goldbugs hope to make a deep run into the relieve his starting five, or even bring in a whole new lineup. playoffs at the conclusion of the post season. But their focus re- This talented and young bench has been able to step in and step mains on the “now” as the Goldbugs plan to bounce back from up for the Goldbugs to contribute to some big wins this season. their first loss of the season to continue their winning ways. Lane Scarbrough has been a top point producer for the After taking back-to-back losses in last year’s regional tour- Goldbugs in the paint averaging 5.8 points a game. Scarbrough nament against Oklahoma Centennial and Chisholm, the Gold- has allowed Ritter some much needed rest, or even provided an bugs said good-bye to three starters from last season: Jeremiah extra threat underneath the basket. Bozeman, Tevin Long and Ridge Hughbanks. Other contributors off the bench are senior Hayden Colwell; Bozeman, Alva’s former point guard and leading scorer, juniors Jacob Faulkner, Davion Murrow and Cade Madsen; and ended his final year as a Goldbug with an 18.2 points per game sophomore Mitchell Meyer. average along with 5.5 rebounds. Currently, Bozeman resides The Goldbugs have one more tournament to compete in be- with the Tigers playing NCAA Divi- fore the post season begins as they travel to Tonkawa for the sion II basketball. NOC Tournament. The Goldbugs will end their season at home Long left Alva as the second team-high scorer averaging as they host the Woodward Boomers on Feb. 14 before District 12.9 points a game. Both Bozeman and Long contributed well playoffs begin Feb. 18-19. on the outside shot, as well as penetrating the lane to attack the basket. Despite these losses, this has not seemed to phase this Gold- bug team, as the record speaks for itself. Brooks Hadwiger returns to the starting lineup for Alva, and takes Bozeman’s place in the point-guard position. Though he had a slow start to his season, Hadwiger has the second team- high with 9.2 points per game helping to spread the floor with his outside shot and passing vision. Senior Grant Ritter has been a huge threat for the Goldbugs Alva High School Remaining 2017 basketball schedule

Date Opponent Home/Away Time Jan. 19-21 NOC Tournament Tonkawa TBA Jan. 27 Chisholm Away 6:30 p.m. Jan. 30 Woodward Away 6:30 p.m. Feb. 3 Frontier Away 6:30 p.m. Feb. 7 Fairview Home 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10 Ponca City Away 6:30 p.m. Feb. 14 Woodward Home 6:30 p.m. Feb. 18-19 Districts TBA TBA Feb. 23-25 Regionals TBA TBA March 2-4 Area TBA TBA March 9-11 State TBA TBA *Home games in bold. January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 4 ALVA HIGH SCHOOL LADYBUGS

2016-2017 Alva High School Ladybugs – (Back row, from left) Shannon Nesseralla, Karson Henke, Stephanie Spellman, Julie Owen, Payton Jones, Caitlin Hofen, Camryn Wren, Hallie Durkee, Tatum Rouse, Ray Ray Bell, Bianca Ruiz and Cassie Drew; (middle row) Lexie Shafer, Jordan Shiever, Ally Riley, Whitney Randall, Cathy Mapes, Mattie Duncan and Allison Seevers; (front row) Justine Meyer, Laney Stewart, Mia Walker, Acacia Charles, Aspen Warren and JoAnn Turner. Photo by Leslie Nation 2016/17 ALVA HIGH LADYBUGS ROSTER

No. Name Cl. 1 JoAnn Turner So. 3 Tatum Rouse Jr. 5 Camryn Wren Jr. 10 Hallie Durkee So. 11 Payton Jones Fr. 12 RayRay Bell Jr. 12 Laney Stewart Fr. 13 Julie Owen Jr. 14 Aspen Warren Fr. 15 Bianca Ruiz Jr. 20 Jordan Shiever Sr. 21 Karson Henke So. 22 Cathy Mapes Sr. 24 Stephanie Spellman So. 24 Mia Walker Fr. 30 Whitney Randall Sr. 31 Justine Meyer Fr. 32 Allison Seevers Sr. 34 Ally Riley Sr. 35 Acacia Charles Fr. 42 Lexie Shafer Sr. 33 Mattie Duncan Sr. Caitlin Hofen So. Head coach: Dusty Horn Assistant coach: Baylei Zehr Managers: Cassie Drew, Daresa Moser and Emily Swenn Filmer: Shannon Nesseralla January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 5 Ladybugs look to make another run into their post season By Leslie Nation Perhaps a big surprise joining the starting lineup is freshman After winning their third straight state championship, the newcomer Payton Jones. After Jones’ 18-point performance Alva High School Ladybugs hope to make another post season against the Tonkawa Lady Buccaneers earlier in the season, run as the 2016-2017 season winds down. Head coach Dusty Jones was quickly moved to the starting lineup and has been Horn enters his second season at the helm, finishing the previ- the second team-high scorer for Alva. Contributing 9.8 points ous season with a record of 24-6. per game and 4.2 rebounds, Jones has become a young hopeful Though the Ladybugs have had some noticeable struggles for the Ladybug team. to tip off their new season, Alva has made improvements and Other contributors off the bench for the Ladybugs are has a current record of 7-3, putting them at No. 6 in Class 3A Stephanie Spellman, Camryn Wren, Hallie Durkee and Allison girls’ basketball. Seevers. The Alva Ladybugs said goodbye to a big contributor from Alva still has a long road ahead of them as they continue last season, as their floor general Jaden Hobbs graduated to their season at the NOC Tournament in Tonkawa on Jan. 19- continue her basketball career at Oklahoma State University 21. The Ladybugs will end their season against the Woodward as a Cowgirl under the coaching of Jim Littell. Unfortunately, Lady Boomers on Feb. 14 at home before starting post season Hobbs’ first season came to a premature end as she suffered a on Feb. 18. torn ACL; she is going through a recovery to get ready for the next season. Despite that loss, Alva returns their second team-high scorer and senior, Whitney Randall. Once the go-to passing option, Randall has had to take the ball in her hands on numerous occa- sions to create opportunities for herself. After ending the previ- ous season with 12.9 points per game, Randall has moved to the top scorer for the Ladybugs with 17.6 PPG while hitting 50.6 percent of her shots to go with her 3.4 rebounds. A big contributor and threat inside the paint, Lexie Shafer is another returning starter for Alva. Shafer has shown more aggression this year in the paint, improving her 5.7 points per game from last year to 6.6 along with 4.6 rebounds. Those re- bounds have been a big factor for not just the Ladybugs’ defense but their offense as well. With her 6-foot-3 size and strength un- derneath the basket, Shafer is able to crash the boards or get the tip to keep Alva’s offense alive for an extra possession. Ally Riley and Cathy Mapes also rejoin the starting lineup for the Ladybugs with Riley adding another threat from beyond the arc. Though Riley’s accuracy from three-point range has dropped, on several occasions Riley has hit the needed trey to propel the Ladybugs against their opponents. Recently Riley had suffered an injury that took her out for a couple of games, but she has rejoined the lineup to continue to contribute in the point production. As for Mapes, while she may not be go-to for scoring she has become more aggressive in attacking the basket to score a needed layup or draw the foul. That has helped spread the field more for the Ladybugs, but Mapes’ strength is her defense, which has helped create turnovers especially when Alva turns to their full court pressure. The fourth high scorer for the Ladybugs is junior Tatum Rouse, another asset beyond the arc. Coupled with her quick- ness, Rouse has contributed both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Senior Jordan Shiever has also been a huge contributor inside the paint for the Ladybugs. Unfortunately, Shiever has been sidelined due to injuries, forcing Shafer to put in more minutes than normal. Luckily, Alva is able to rely on Mattie Duncan to give Shafer a rest. While not a scorer first, Duncan’s quickness allows her to be a huge help on defense. Alva Goldbug Cheerleader Anna Shelite. January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 6 ALVA MIDDLE SCHOOL GOLDBUGS

2016-2017 Alva Middle School Goldbugs (sixth grade). Photo by Leslie Nation

2016-2017 Alva Middle School Goldbugs (seventh grade). Photo by Leslie Nation January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 7 Alva Middle School Goldbugs AMS Goldbugs want to close 6th grade Roster No. Name out their season with wins 1 Teegan Allison By Leslie Nation off the bench. Wren is usually brought in 3 Omarion Carter The Alva Middle School Goldbugs when the Goldbugs need a deadeye for 5 A.J. Minjares are headed by coaches Pete Phillips the corner three, which Wren has deliv- 10 Jordan Lohmann (eighth grade) and Cody Hooper (seventh ered in clutch situations. 11 Weston Tucker grade) for a fourth year as the 2016-2017 Seventh-Grade Boys 12 Kaden Rhodes season winds downs. New faces don the jerseys for the 13 Edwin Torres Eighth-Grade Boys seventh-grade Goldbugs as they improve 14 Andrew Barton After moving up a grade level, the upon their fundamentals under the coach- 20 Ethan Dowty eighth-grade boys continue to develop ing of Hooper. With some match-ups 21 Jaxon Jones their fundamentals in preparation for the already under their belt from the 2016- 22 Huston Lane next level under the head coaching of 2017 season, the Goldbugs will gain 23 Aiden Faison Phillips. the needed experience going into their 24 Reichen Kraft The AMS Goldbugs are led by point- eighth-grade season. 25 Ethan Vaughan guard Gavin Perez, whose average is in The Goldbugs are led by the dual 30 Cody Anderson double-digits. Perez likes to rely on the threat of Braden Hofen and Kaden Slater. 32 Clyce Graves long-range game, and has a quick, pull- Hofen’s athleticism and quickness make 33 Phillip Randall up jumper both beyond and inside the arc. him an asset in attacking the goal as well 34 Braxton Fisher With Perez’s speed, he can easily lead as in Alva’s transition offense, while Slat- 35 Hunter Miller and finish the fastbreak game. er contributes inside the paint as a post 40 Drake Wharton Another contributor to the point pro- player, crashing the boards and attacking Head coach: Pete Phillips ductivity for the Goldbugs is Kory Faulk- underneath. ner. While not a sharp-shooter, Faulkner Other starters who contribute are Alva Middle School Goldbugs constantly fights for the ball, leading to Charles Shelite, the point-guard for the offensive rebounds and putbacks. Goldbugs who has the ability to drive in 7th / 8th Grade Roster The inside game is led by Gabe for the pull-up jumper, Colby Mackey Vasquez for Alva. Vasquez’s scrappi- and Dalong Percival with the long-range 7th-Grade ness gives him an edge as he fights for ball. No. Name loose balls, and in scoring tightly contest- The Goldbugs have two big tourna- 1 Ashton Dowty ed bumps or drawing the foul. Helping ments in January as seventh-grade fin- 2 Dalon Percival Vasquez on the boards is Tanner Quinlan, ishes up the Chisholm Tournament then 4 Charles Shelite who helps lead the Goldbugs in rebounds. they travel for the Blackwell Tournament 5 Colby Mackey Alva’s final starter is Harley Bynum, along with the eighth grade. The Gold- 11 Braden Hofen whose ball handling can help spread the bugs will close out their season at home 12 Draven Lehr floor. as they host Blackwell on Feb. 9 with tip 13 Kelton O’Neill Another contributor is Baylor Wren off scheduled for 4 p.m. 14 Aiden Owen 20 Kaden Slater 40 Ruston Erickson 41 Kayious Larry 42 Dalton Marteney 44 Sylus Graves 50 Jeremy Sterling Head coach: Cody Hooper 8th-Grade No. Name 0 Nathan Hunt 3 Gavin Perez 10 Zayin Tiger 15 Kory Faulkner 21 Isaac Ruhl 22 Tanner Quinlan 23 Harley Bynum 24 Dominic Minjares 32 Morgan Cook 33 Gabe Vasquez 35 Zach Thomas 42 Baylor Wren 50 Devin Dowty 2016-2017 Alva Middle School Goldbugs (eighth grade). Photo by Leslie Nation Head coach: Pete Phillips January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 8 ALVA MIDDLE SCHOOL LADYBUGS

2016-2017 Alva Middle School Ladybugs (sixth grade). Photo by Leslie Nation

2016-2017 Alva Middle School Ladybugs (seventh grade). Photo by Leslie Nation January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 9 Alva Middle School ladybugs AMS Ladybugs fight to 6th grade Roster No. Name 1 Alexus Shields end their season strong 2 Kinsey Harzman By Leslie Nation Fragosa, whose defense has led to forced 3 Cynthia Samaniego In her third year at the helm of the Alva turnovers for the Ladybugs, Hannah Mason 10 Hallie Hamilton Middle School Ladybugs’ basketball pro- and Kailey Gouker. 13 Ryleigh Orcutt gram, Margo Hamilton is working to end Seventh-Grade Girls 22 Jaedyn Williams the 2016-2017 season strong. This year, the seventh-grade Ladybugs 23 Alaina Pierce Eighth-Grade Girls focus on developing and gathering experi- 24 Laura Anton The eighth-grade Ladybugs have an- ence as the season winds down. 30 Erica Coday other year of experience under the belt in Chloe Durkee and Jaymee Meyer have 42 Bailey Nusser preparation for the high school level, and been big contributors on scoring for the La- 50 Clarissa Mathers they are working to end their season strong. dybugs, with Durkee using her strength and Head coach: Kanon Collins There have been some struggles for this quickness to go after loose balls. young group in taking care of the ball, but Another contributor is point-guard Ma- Alva Middle School ladybugs their aggression keeps them competitive. son Bogdanovecz, whose speed and quick- Rianna Clark is the only Ladybug to ness has proved invaluable on both sides of 7th / 8th Grade Roster average in double-digits for the Ladybugs the ball. 7th-Grade as her competitiveness makes her aggres- The Ladybugs have back-to-back tour- No. Name sive in attacking the basket in transition as naments coming up as the seventh-grade 0 Mason Bogdanovecz well as in fighting for loose boards for sec- girls compete in the Chisholm Tournament 2 Brooke Perez ond-chance points. Jan. 19 and 21 before seventh and eighth 3 Jaymee Meyer Two other big contributors for the Lady- grades travel to Blackwell for another tour- 4 Aubry Rose bugs has been point-guard Aimee Chapman nament. 10 Jarin Shirley and Delaney Lambert, who has improved Alva ends their season at home as they 11 Audrey Harting from last season with the elbow jumper. host Blackwell on Feb. 9 with tip off sched- 13 Jenna Maier Other contributors are the quick Sandra uled for 4 p.m. 14 Emme Pfannenstiel 15 Mackenzie Morris 21 Shelby Barnett 24 Chloe Durkee 31 Constance Ruiz 33 Sammy Hawley 34 Emma Perks 41 Jasmine Telinde 44 Jayden Coffman 50 Mattie Pettus Eighth Grade No. Name 1 Sandra Fragosa 5 Maddy Beiswanger 12 Aimee Chapman 25 Delaney Stewart 32 Rianna Clark 35 Adjany Antonio 45 Hannah Mason 53 Kailey Gouker 2016-2017 Alva Middle School Ladybugs (eighth grade). Photo by Leslie Nation Head coach: Margo Hamilton Alva Middle School Assistant coach: Terry Chapman Remaining 2017 basketball schedule Date Opponent Home/Away Time Jan. 19 & 21 Chisholm Tourn. (7th grade) Chisholm TBA Jan. 23, 26, 28 Blackwell Tourn. (7th & 8th grade) Blackwell TBA Jan. 30 Chisholm Away 4 p.m. Feb. 2 Ponca City Away 4 p.m. Feb. 9 Blackwell Home 4 p.m. *Home games in bold. January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 10 ALINE - CLEO HIGH SCHOOL LADY COUGARS

2016-2017 Aline-Cleo High School Lady Cougars – From left: Head Coach Mark Burdine, Krista Edwards, Casey Lady Cougars making Edwards, Taylor Dobbs, Kayli Ryel, Destiny Sinnett, Shan- non Corbitt, Morgan Hamen, DeAnna Sinnett, Elizabeth big improvements West, Megan Ryel and Lily Ingraham. Aline-Cleo High School from last year Remaining 2017 basketball schedule By Leslie Nation Date Opponent Home/Away Time The Aline-Cleo High School Lady Cougars finished another Jan. 19-21 Coyle Tournament Coyle TBA tough year during the 2015-2016 season with an overall record of Jan. 27 Kremlin-Hillsdale Away 6:30 p.m. 2-22. Jan. 30 Geary Away 6:30 p.m. Under new head coach Mark Burdine, the Lady Cougars have Feb. 3 Taloga Home 6:30 p.m. improved greatly from last year’s record with six wins under their Feb. 7 Dover Away 6:30 p.m. belts just before Christmas break. Feb. 10-11 Districts TBA TBA The Lady Cougars return eight lettermen from last season that in- Feb. 17-19 Regionals TBA TBA clude one senior, two juniors and a sophomore to the starting lineup. Feb. 23-25 Area TBA TBA The lone senior returning for a new season is Casey Edwards, March 2-4 State TBA TBA who leads the way as Aline’s top scorer averaging 22 points a game *Home games in bold. along with 4.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 3.2 steals. “Casey Edwards is a Top 15 player in western Oklahoma,” said coach Burdine; “fast, strong and can drive to the basket and has good Aline-Cleo High School Cougars instincts.” Those instincts coupled with her experience as a Lady Cougar 2016-2017 basketball roster makes her a huge asset for Aline-Cleo. Aline depends on two other upperclassmen for leadership as No. Name Pos. Ht. Cl. Kayli Ryel and Shannon Corbitt return to the starting lineup. The 1 Mikal Tomlinson G/F 5’7” Fr. 5-foot-11 Corbitt is the second team-high scorer averaging 5.1 points 3 Kolton Schmidt G 5’11” Fr. a game along with 7.2 rebounds helping the Lady Cougars on the 4 Anthony Ramirez G 5’7” Fr. boards. 5 David Park G 5’8” So. K. Ryel is another returning junior for Aline-Cleo who has been 10 Jesse Doty G 5’10” Jr. averaging 3.3 points a game. 12 Justin Conway G 5’11” Jr. “Kayli Ryel is smart and very tough on defense,” praised coach 13 Trevor Swinney F 6’0” Jr. Burdine. “She is really coming around on offense too.” 14 Cody Cosper G 5’7” So. Other two contributors for the starting five is returning sopho- 15 Lane Dobbs F 5’10” Sr. more Elizabeth West as well as newcomer freshman Megan Ryel, 23 Kyson Sacket G 6’0” Sr. who has been the third team- 25 Blake Miller C 6’2” Jr. high scorer averaging 4.6 35 Mason West F 5’9” So. See Cougars Page 13 Head coach: David Powell January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 11 BURLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL ELKS

2016-2017 Burlington High School Elks. Photo by Leslie Nation Burlington High School Elks 2016-2017 basketball roster No. Name Pos. Ht. Cl. 10 Deacon Burleson G 5’8” Jr. 11 Kutter Jewell G 5’10” Fr. 12 Ethan Barron G 5’9” Sr. 14 Thayer Barton G 5’9” Fr. 15 Gavin McCullough G 6’0” So. 20 Tateyn Rieger G 5’8” Fr. 22 Ty Stricker F 6’2” Jr. 24 Jonathan Armbruster F 6’2” Sr. 25 Tanner Rieger G 5’9” Sr. 30 Ben Ryerson G 6’0” Sr. 31 Marshall Burnet F 6’0” Sr. 32 Jacobi Cox F 6’0” Sr. 33 Gabe Stewart F 6’0” Fr. 40 Colten Kraft F 6’2” Sr. 43 Stanley Klippenstein F 6’2” Fr. Head coach: Shane Feely January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 12 Burlington Elks start the season strong with lots of depth in the lineup By Leslie Nation However, the 6-foot-2 senior Jonathan Armbruster is cur- After the retirement of head coach Ken Jones, the Burling- rently averaging a double-double with 14.5 points a game and ton Elks welcome Shane Feely to the head coaching position in 10.9 rebounds while shooting 53 percent from the field. Feely his 19th year of coaching, first with the Elks. praised Armbruster as a strong player underneath the basket Burlington is off to a great start for the 2016-2017 season with good post moves and a desire to improve his game, which as they tipped off the new year with a 10-game winning streak is beneficial to any team. before taking their first loss in the finals of the Northwest Prep Another big contributor from the field is Deacon Burleson Classic against the Timberlake Tigers, 43-51. averaging 7.8 points per game with 2.4 rebounds while hitting The No. 6 of Class B has recently faced some tough oppo- 34 percent of his shots from beyond the arc, making him a huge nents in the Cherokee Invitational: No. 8 of Class B Tyrone and threat outside. Class 2A opponent Pioneer-Pleasant Vale. The Elks’ current re- Other key players in the lineup are Colton Kraft, Caleb Mc- cord is 12-4 and they look to continue their success all the way Cullough, Ty Stricker, Marshall Burnet, Tateyn Rieger, Ben into their post-season. Ryerson (a transfer from Alva High School), Ethan Barron and The Elks return five starters from last season as well as a Jacobi Cox. All of these players give Burlington a lot of depth. group that has played significant minutes. “We have a lot of quality depth. We may run as deep as nine “This team has a chance to come together and have a real- to 10 players at times,” said Feely. “Our guards are not real big, ly good year,” said coach Feely. “They return a lot of starting but they are quick, can shoot the ball well, and handle the ball experience, but so do several teams in our conference. They under pressure. We also have solid depth at the post positions.” have worked really hard to eliminate their weaknesses as well The Elks have one more tournament that they will compete as trying to become more coachable.” in as the season comes to a close at the Cherokee Strip Con- In the starting lineup, Tanner Rieger continues as the lead- ference Tournament. Their final home game will come against ing scorer for the the Elks averaging 18.9 points a game with the Cherokee Chiefs on Feb. 6 following the Lady Elks game five rebounds. Rieger is also an All-Conference player. at 6:30 p.m. “Tanner’s motor runs hard all the time,” said Feely. “He plays hard and with a lot of passion every night. He can shoot it, defend and handle the ball.” Burlington High School Remaining 2017 basketball schedule Date Opponent Home/Away Time Jan. 19-21 Cherokee Strip Conf. Tourn. Away TBA Jan. 27 Timberlake Away 6:30 p.m. Jan. 31 Kremlin-Hillsdale Home 1 p.m. Feb. 2 Deer Creek-Lamont Home 6:30 p.m. Feb. 4 Garber Away 2 p.m. Feb. 6 Cherokee Home 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10-11 Districts TBA TBA Feb. 17-19 Regionals TBA TBA Feb. 23-25 Area TBA TBA March 2-4 State TBA TBA *Home games in bold.

Sophomore Ladybug Hallie Durkee (#10) goes for a layup agaiinst two defenders from Blackwell in a December 2, 2016 game in Alva. Photo by Lynn L. Martin January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 13

From Page 10 Cougars points a game. The Lady Cougars still have a long road ahead as the season continues, but are making strides as they prepare for post-season play. Coach Burdine has high hopes that this team will continue to improve to be at their peak when district play begins. Before that, the Lady Cougars will compete in the Coyle Tourna- ment on Jan. 19-21 as the season comes to a close. Their final home game of the season will be Feb. 3 as they host Taloga for a 6:30 p.m. tip off. Aline-Cleo High School Lady Cougars 2016-2017 basketball roster No. Name Pos. Ht. Cl. 00 Megan Ryel G 5’4” Fr. 3 Krista Edwards G 5’4” So. 4 Casey Edwards G 5’2” Sr. 5 Taylor Dobbs G 5’5” So. 10 Kayli Ryel G 5’6” Jr. 12 Lily Ingraham G 5’2” Jr. 13 Elizabeth West G 5’5” So. 14 Shannon Corbitt F 5’11” Jr. 15 DeAnna Sinnett F 5’4” So. 21 Morgan Hamen F 5’7” Jr. 22 Destiny Sinnett F 5’10” Fr. 25 Kelsi Schulp G 5’5” Jr. Head coach: Mark Burdine January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 14 BURLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL LADY ELKS

2016-2017 Burlington High School Lady Elks – (Front row, from left) Hailey Dotson, Jazmine Vest, Caitlin Flackman, Jaden Allen, Sadie Crusinbery and Laren Lagos; (back row) Head Coach Kirsten Pruett, Anna Motyoka, Abi Trujillo, Kelsi Smith, Stephanie Croft and Emily Burnet. Photo by Leslie Nation Lady Elks finding a rhythm to create more success By Leslie Nation winning ways as Kirsten Pruett enters her 14th year as Despite losing two of their big scorers from last sea- head coach. son, the Burlington Lady Elks are still continuing their In the 2015-2016 season, the Lady Elks closed out the year with an overall record of 27-4 and their third straight appearance in the Class B State Tournament quarterfinals Burlington High School Lady Elks coming up just short in a tightly contested game against Red Oak 40-42. 2016-2017 basketball roster Starting the season with a record of 12-4, the Lady Elks No. Name Pos. Ht. Cl. are working toward another deep run into their post-sea- 10 Stephanie Croft F 5’8” Jr. son. Two of Burlington’s losses came against South Bar- 11 Caitlin Flackman G 5’2” So. ber – once during the semifinals of the Northwest Prep 12 Laren Lagos G 5’3” Fr. Classic. Their other two losses were against No. 1 of Class 13 Kelsi Smith F 5’11” Sr. B Lomega, and then No. 5 of Class B Kremlin-Hillsdale 21 Jaden Allen G 5’7” Jr. on Jan. 7. 22 Hailey Dotson G 5’4” Fr. The Lady Elks lost their leading scorer in Sarah Garvie, 24 Abi Trujillo F 5’10” Jr. who averaged 24 points a game along with 5.2 rebounds, 25 Sadie Crusinbery G 5’4” So. 2.7 assists and 3.0 steals. Another noticeable loss is Aly 30 Anna Motyoka G 5’6” Fr. Stewart who also put up double digits in scoring with 10.2 32 Emily Burnet C 5’10” Fr. points a game along with 9.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.3 41 Jazmine Vest C 5’7” Jr. steals. Head coach: Kirsten Pruett Despite those losses, See Elks Page 16 January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 15 January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 16

From Page 14 Elks Burlington returns three starters that have contributed on both sides of the ball. Senior Kelsi Smith has stepped into the role of leading scorer for Burlington as she finished last season averaging around 15 points a game along with 6.2 rebounds. “Kelsi Smith has a small size, but she is versatile,” said coach Pruett. “She can play inside or out and is a very good defender.” Sophomore Caitlin Flackman is another big contribu- tor on both sides of the ball averaging in double digits in scoring while also leading the team in steals, creating turn- overs. Stephanie Croft, a junior, also returns to the starting lineup and coach Pruett praised her as a strong, good de- fender and rebounder for the Lady Elks. Other key players are juniors Abi Trujillo and Jaden Al- len, as well as newcomers Emily Burnet, Anna Motyoka and Lauren Lagos. “It’s going to be a lot different after losing our seniors,” said Pruett. “We have a lot of potential returning. It will just take time for it all to mesh. We hope to continue suc- cess that we have built here.” As they continue their season and create that “mesh,” the Lady Elks will compete in one more tournament at the Cherokee Strip Conference Tournament on Jan. 19-21. Their final home game will be against Cherokee on Feb. 6, before they go into Districts on Feb. 10-11. January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 17 January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 18 A balanced Chiefs team looks to be a threat down the line By Leslie Nation Matt Guffy has entered his seventh year at the helm of the Cherokee High School boys’ basketball program for the Cherokee Chiefs and he shows a lot of gratitude and enthusiasm to the community and coach- Remaining 2017 basketball schedule ing for his alma mater. Date Opponent Home/Away Time This mix of veterans and newcomers said goodbye to mul- Jan. 19-21 Cherokee Strip Conf. Tourn. Enid TBA tiple seniors and four starters, including a couple off the bench, Jan. 24 Kremlin Away 6:30 p.m. from last season. Despite those losses, the Chiefs have had an- Jan. 27 Pond Creek-Hunter Away 6:30 p.m. other great start to this 2016-2017 season with an overall re- Jan. 31 Mooreland Home 6:30 p.m. cord of 10-4. One of those losses came against the then-No. 3 Feb. 2 Canton Home 6:30 p.m. of Class B basketball Burlington Elks in the semifinals of the Feb. 6 Burlington Away 6:30 p.m. Northwest Prep Classic held on Dec. 8-10. The Chiefs went on Feb. 10-11 Districts TBA TBA to defeat South Central (Kansas) for third-place, 39-26. Feb. 17-19 Regionals TBA TBA In their second tournament of the season, the Chiefs hosted Feb. 23-25 Area TBA TBA the Cherokee Invitational but settled for consolation champs as March 2-4 State TBA TBA they fell in the first round against Class 2A Pioneer-Pleasant *Home games in bold. Vale. The Chiefs defeated Kremlin-Hillsdale to become Conso- lation Champions, 44-29. Cherokee had one starter returning from the 2015-2016 sea- Cherokee High School Chiefs son in Caleb Roberts, who averaged 14 points per game along 2016-2017 basketball roster with seven rebounds. The Chiefs were also joined by two transfers and brothers No. Name Pos. Ht. Cl. from Cleveland, Oklahoma – 6-foot-8 senior Zach Hall and 5 T.J. Stanley G 5’7” So. 6-foot-6 sophomore Blake Hall – who will be a lot of help in 13 Kelby Franks G 5’11” Jr. the paint. Both brothers average over eight points a game as 15 Dakota Dooley G 5’7” Fr. well as around seven rebounds. 20 Blaine Hellar G 5’8” So. Other players that are contributing are starters Jarrett James 21 Caleb Roberts F 6’4” Sr. and Kade Chance, along with Kolten Gilley, Emris Leatherman, 22 Kade Chace F 6’1” Fr. Cody Gilstrap and Matt Lancaster off the bench. 23 Davion Walls G 5’10” Sr. “Our bench has sparked some great minutes so far this sea- 24 Kolten Gilley F 6’1” Jr. son and have been very valuable to our team,” said coach Guffy. 25 Ty Hellar G 5’8” Fr. “I believe that is overlooked way too much and I respect the 30 Cody Gilstrap G 5’11” Jr. bench players so much because they never know what kind of 31 Jarrett James G 5’11” Sr. situation they are going to be in, and that creates a lot of adver- 33 Colton Carter G 5’6” Fr. sity that they have to overcome. These young men have been 34 Emris Leatherman F 6’0” Sr. very beneficial to this team so far and will continue to.” 41 Matt Lancaster G 6’0” Sr. Coach Guffy praised the Chiefs for being an unselfish team, 42 Zack Hall C 6’8” Sr. allowing them to be balanced in scoring with five guys averag- 44 Blake Hall F 6’6” So. ing five points a game. However, Guffy would like to see them Head coach: Matt Guffy improve in handling the ball during pressure while making bet- ter passing decisions. This is an adjustment he hopes to see as the season continues. Cherokee High School Lady Chiefs 2016-2017 basketball roster No. Name Pos. Ht. Cl. 2 Lizzy Webster G 5’8” Fr. 5 Penny Huntley G 5’8” Fr. 15 Taylor Miller G 5’5” Jr. 20 Haven Davis G 5’6” Sr. 21 Kimberly Vo F 5’7” So. 30 Sydney Wyatt F 6’1” Fr. 32 Raegan Hester G 5’9” Jr. 33 Jacey Jantzen F 5’10” Sr. 35 Morgan Clem F 5’10” Sr. 40 Taryn Miller G 5’8” Fr. 44 Elizabeth Fletcher G 5’8” Fr. 50 Kaitlin Miller G 5’8” Fr. Head coach: Chad Hutchinson January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 19 CHEROKEE HIGH SCHOOL CHIEFS

2016-2017 Cherokee High School Chiefs. Photo provided by Cherokee Messenger & Republican CHEROKEE HIGH SCHOOL LADY CHIEFS

2016-2017 Cherokee High School Lady Chiefs. Photo provided by Cherokee Messenger & Republican January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 20 January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 21 January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 22 FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL EAGLES

2016-2017 Freedom High School Eagles. Freedom High School Eagles 2016-2017 basketball roster No. Name Ht. Pos. Cl. 00 Casey Luddington 6’0” C So. 3 Angel Cardenas 5’8” G Jr. 12 Lance Bolar 5’11” G/F Fr. 13 Blake Lee 6’0” G So. 14 Cameron Denham 5’6” G So. 21 Kristopher Fargo 6’2” G/F So. 22 Miles Nixon 6’1” F Fr. 23 Nate Wood 6’1” F Jr. 32 Luke Bolar 5’9” G Jr. 33 Pedro Ibarra 6’1” F So. 50 Dakota Stone 6’0” C So. Head coach: Chad Warford Assistant coach: Grace Tepe Freedom High School Remaining 2017 basketball schedule Date Opponent Home/Away Time Jan. 19-21 Buffalo Tournament Buffalo TBA Jan. 26 Waynoka Away 6:30 p.m. Jan. 27 Hardesty Away 6:30 p.m. Jan. 31 Taloga Home 6:30 p.m. Feb. 4 Waynoka Home 6:30 p.m. Feb. 7 Hardesty Home 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10-11 Districts TBA TBA Feb. 17-19 Regionals TBA TBA The Freedom Public Schools launched their basketball sea- Feb. 23-25 Area TBA TBA son with shooting contests for the entire high March 2-4 State TBA TBA school during a pep rally. Photo by Lynn L. Martin *Home games in bold. January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 23 Eagles gain experience to improve their competitiveness By Leslie Nation With Chad Warford taking the helm as head coach for both basketball programs at Freedom, the Eagles work to improve on their 9-16 finish from last season. Though the Freedom boys had a very tough start last sea- son, the Eagles finished the 2015-2016 season in the first round of districts at Forgan as they fell to Buffalo 31-65. The Eagles are putting up a better start to this new season though they experience some of the same growing pains that the Lady Eagles face with a young team and a 4-10 start to their season. Despite that, the Eagles still return experience from last year as four starters return from last season. “We hope to continue to improve and be a tough competitor come playoff time,” said Coach Warford. The Eagles return the “dynamic duo,” as Coach Warford labeled them, Kristopher Fargo and Blake Lee. “Blake is our point-guard and Kris is our combo guard/for- ward and both can really go,” said Warford. “They lead the team in every major statistical category.” While Lee’s and Fargo’s position in the starting five is consistent, Warford will vary his other starters depending on match-ups and practice play. Freedom’s other key players that are considered in that starting lineup are Casey Luddington, Mile Nixon and Angel Cardenas, with Pedro Ibarra the sixth man off the bench. “Sixth man Pedro Ibarra is a Swiss Army knife that you can plug into multiple positions,” said Warford. Other key players for the Eagles are Lance Bolar, Cameron Dunham, Dakota Stone and Luke Bolar. The Eagles have a big tournament coming up as they com- pete in the Buffalo Tournament on Jan. 19-21. They will then close their season with three straight home games, their final one coming up against Hardesty on Feb. 7, before they begin district play on Feb. 10-11. January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 24 FREEDOM HIGH SCHOOL LADY EAGLES

2016-2017 Freedom High School Lady Eagles. The young Lady Eagles work to close the season strong By Leslie Nation The Freedom Lady Eagles are led by first-year head coach Chad Warford with the assistance of Grace Tepe. Though the Lady Eagles are on a 4-10 start to their 2016- 2017 season, they are on track with their 7-19 record from last season as they closed last year in the first round of district play- offs against Buffalo in a 16-52 loss. The Lady Eagles return three starters from last year, but is still a young team with no seniors; the returning starts will help develop experience for next season. That said, Coach Warford expects some growing pains for this young team. “We continue to search for that right mix and are looking to turn the corner in the second half of the season,” said Coach Warford. Those three starters that rejoin the Lady Eagles are juniors Iridian Herrera and Nicole Hughes along with sophomore Kat- lynn Galemore. Herrera was the Lady Eagles’ leading scorer from last season and helps solidify this young team with her needed leadership along with Hughes and Galemore. Freedom already has fellow junior Yamila Galindo stepping up into a leadership role as she fills the point-guard po- See Eagles Page 25 January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 25 Freedom High School Lady Eagles 2016-2017 basketball roster No. Name Ht. Pos. Cl. 00 Linsy Weber 5’10” F Fr. 5 Yamilla Galindo 5’3” G Jr. 10 Nicole Hughes 5’8” G/F Jr. 11 Vanessa Galindo 5’5” G/F Fr. 12 Iridian Herrera 5’5” G Jr. 13 Allison Galindo 5’4” G So. 15 Katlynn Galemore 5’9” F So. 22 Summer Ralston 5’10” G/F Fr. 50 Khrista McComb 5’9” C So. Head coach: Chad Warford Assistant coach: Grace Tepe

From Page 24 Eagles sition in the starting lineup for the new season. With Galindo and Hughes in the starting five, they have provided “steady play” that has helped the Lady Eagles stay competitive with their opponents. Galemore is Freedom’s current leading scorer and - er this season, making big contributions inside the lane. Another contributor for the starting five is inside and outside freshman Summer Ralston. “Katlynn Galemore has been our stat stuffer on this team, averaging near double digits in both points and rebounding,” said Coach Warford. “She is steady night in and night out. Sum- mer Ralston is growing up on the floor and has been an impact freshman for us. She will be very special with tremendous po- tential and should be included on top newcomer/freshman post season teams.” Other key players for the Lady Eagles are Linsy Weber, Alli- son Galindo, Vanessa Galindo and Khrista McComb. The Lady Eagles will compete in another tournament before closing out their season against Hardesty on Feb. 7, as they at- tend the Buffalo Tournament on Jan. 19-21. District playoffs for Class B will begin on Feb. 10-11. January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 26 SOUTH BARBER HIGH SCHOOL LADY CHIEFTAINS

2016-2017 South Barber High School Lady Chieftains – (Front row, from left) Sabrina Hughbanks, Savannah Hughbank, Anna Perez, Bailey Roberts and Madison Polson; (back row) Kaleigh Velasquez, Adrienne Allison, Takria Blick, Idallis Shaffer, Makenzie Watts, ReAnna Dunlap, Morgan Polson, Desire Doherty and Bryn Rathgeber. Chieftains off to a great start to their season By Leslie Nation 2.3 Stls) and Anna Perez (7.0 PPG, 5.6 Asts, 3.0 Stls). Head coach Steve Roberts enters year 24 at the helm of the Other key players for the Lady Chieftains are Sabrina Hugh- South Barber Lady Chieftains as they tip off their 2016-2017 banks, Savannah Hughbanks, Morgan Polson, Bryan Rathgeber season to a great start. and Kaleigh Velasquez. With nine returning lettermen coming back for the new sea- South Barber’s final home game of the season is scheduled son, three seniors and a junior return to the starting lineup giving for Feb. 17, against Burrton. the Lady Chieftains experience on the court as well as a 7-2 re- cord thus far. The South Barber girls even took home runner-up South Barber High School Lady Chieftains at the Northwest Prep Classic at Northwestern Oklahoma State University during Dec. 8-10. Conference favorite South Central 2016-2017 basketball roster squeezed by with a 36-37 win over the Lady Chieftains to win the girls’ bracket. No. Name Pos. Ht. Cl. Unfortunately, South Central is the only team thus far that 10 Bailey Roberts G 5’8” Sr. has contributed to the Lady Chieftains’ losses as South Barber 11 Desiree Doherty G 5’4” Fr. traveled to Coldwater, Kansas, on Jan. 3 taking another loss, 12 Savannah Hughbanks G 5’6” So. 44-28. As the season progresses, South Barber will continue 15 Morgan Polson F 5’9” So. to improve in hopes of paying back those losses in post-season 21 ReAnna Dunlap G 5’5” So. play. 22 Sabrina Hughbanks G 5’8” Sr. In the returning starters for the Lady Chieftains, scoring 23 Bryn Rathgeber G 5’7” So. has been spread evenly as seniors Bailey Roberts, Anna Perez, 24 Anna Perez G 5’5” Sr. Madison Polson and junior Idallis Shaffer each have been the 31 Takira Blick G 5’8” Fr. high scorer this season. 32 Adrienne Allison G 5’7” Fr. The leading scorer for South Barber, so far, has been Pol- 33 Madison Polson F 5’8” Sr. son averaging 9.7 points in the first seven game along with 4.6 41 Idallis Shaffer F 5’11” Jr. rebounds and 2.1 steals. Right there with the senior Polson is 43 Kaleigh Velasquez F 5’11” Jr. Shaffer with 8.8 points and 5.7 rebounds. 45 Makenzie Watts F 5’10” Fr. Other big contributors are Bailey Roberts (8.1 PPG, 5 RPG, Head coach: Steve Roberts Assistant coach: Brenda Beecher January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 27 SOUTH BARBER HIGH SCHOOL CHIEFTAINS

2016-2017 South Barber High School Chieftains. Photo by Leslie Nation South Barber Chieftains try to build momentum down the stretch By Leslie Nation Cantrell is not the team-high scorer, but still is a key asset, averaging Despite finishing their 2015-2016 season with an overall record just under double digits with 9.9 points a game and 4.1 rebounds. of 12-10, the South Barber High School Chieftains closed out their Another big contributor for the Chieftains is 6-foot-2 sophomore season in another appearance in the Sub-State semifinals. This new Cole Coggins, who averaged just below Cantrell last season with 9.2 season, the Chieftains have a new head coach at the helm with Tim points and 6.1 rebounds. Coggins is the leading scorer for South Bar- Carey taking the reigns. ber with 12.0 points a game along with 7.3 rebounds and 3.6 steals. It’s been a tough start to the 2016-2017 season as the Chieftains Other key players for the Chieftains are seniors Spencer Kim- have a record of 4-5, even struggling at the Northwest Prep Classic mell, Gavin Doherty and Brian Farney, juniors Trae Rathgeber, Kobe that culminated in their first four losses of the season. Fortunately, Carey and David Belohlavek, and sophomore Neal Gugelmeyer. the Chieftains were able to end that losing streak against Waynoka at the Northwest Prep Classic with a nail-biting 52-51 win. That win seemed to be the tipping point for South Barber as they have won South Barber High School Chieftains four of their last five games. 2016-2017 basketball roster The Chieftains have said good-bye to only one letterman while eight return to the lineup, along with five starters. No. Name Pos. Ht. Cl. The leading scorer of last season is returning senior Grant 2 Hernan Carbajo G 5’8” So. Cantrell, who averaged 16.1 PPG with 5.2 rebounds. This year, 5 Bryce Duncan G 5’10” Fr. 10 Gavin Doherty G 5’10” Sr. 11 Brian Farney G 6’0” Sr. South Barber High School 11 Gage Cantrell G 5’11” Fr. Remaining 2017 basketball schedule 15 Kadin Banks F 6’1” Jr. 20 Grant Cantrell G 6’0” Sr. Date Opponent Home/Away Time 20 Kanakom Thongmeesang G 5’7” So. Jan. 23 Cunningham Away 6:30 p.m. 22 Trae Rathgeber G 5’7” Jr. Jan. 30 Attica Away 6:30 p.m. 25 Cole Coggins F 6’2” So. Feb. 3 Pratt/Stafford Home 6:30 p.m. 30 Dakota Vickers G 5’7” Jr. Feb. 7 Pretty Prairie Home 4 p.m. 32 Neal Gugelmeyer G 6’0” So. Feb. 10 Central Christian Away 6:30 p.m. 33 Spencer Kimmell G 6’0” Sr. Feb. 14 Fairfield Away 4 p.m. 40 Brent Grismer G 6’0” So. Feb. 17 Burrton Home TBA 42 David Belohlavek F 6’4” Jr. Feb. 21 Skyline Away TBA Head coach: Tim Carey *Home games in bold. Assistant coach: Steve Roberts January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 28 January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 29 MEDICINE LODGE HIGH SCHOOL INDIANS

2016-2017 Medicine Lodge High School Indians – (Front row, from left) Dakota Bayliff, Garrett Burden, Blake Winter, Jose Guillen, Tanner Wedel, and Garrett Randels; (back row) Head Coach Josh Ybarra, Drew Honas, Deven Leis, Luke Fisher, Ben McKinney, Austin Walker and Assistant Coach Joe Dohrmann. Medicine Lodge boys’ basketball working to develop their defense By Leslie Nation success is dependent on these younger Medicine Lodge High School In his third year as the head coach of players to answer this adversity and step the boys’ basketball program at Medicine up into their roles. Lady Indians Lodge, Josh Ybarra and this young Indi- Returning to the starting lineup for 2016-2017 basketball roster an team will work on gaining experience the Indians is 5-foot-10 guard Drew so that they can be competitive down the Honas, the only returning player that has No. Name Cl. line. seen significant playing time on varsity. 0 Julienne Davis Fr. “Our expectations are the same every Honas has quickly answered the call and 1 Grace Koster Sr. year. We want to be competitive in the been their biggest point producer on of- 2 Taylor Wortman So. Central Plains League and in our Sub- fense finishing a game early in the season 3 Kyla Alojacin So. State,” said Ybarra. “We expect to have against Skyline with a season-high of 40 4 Jaycee Patton Fr. a tough league schedule followed by a points. 10 Madison England So. challenging Sub-State, and so we need to As far as players to keep an eye on the 11 Aaliyah Flyingout Armstrong Fr. figure out how to be competitive through- Indians’ team, senior Luke Fisher will get 12 Grace Bedwell Fr. out the season.” a chance to show his abilities this season. 15 Tori Fischer Fr. So far, Ybarra’s statement of this be- With great touch on the ball underneath 20 Danielle Bedwell Fr. ing a challenging season for the Indians the basket coupled with his ability to 22 Blayze Scott Sr. has proved true with this young team. shoot the outside shot, Fisher will help 23 Emily Hrencher Sr. Losing seven of their top players from open the floor for Medicine Lodge. 25 Rylee Waller So. last season, and only returning one starter Another contributor is Garrett Ran- 32 Kendra England Sr. can do that. dels, a 5-foot-9 junior. Ybarra depends 33 Samantha Bacon Fr. Ybarra looks to his team to develop on Randels’ relentlessness to track down 34 Corbin Smith Fr. their defense early in the season since the loose boards giving the Indians some 41 Braxton Wells Jr. their offense and scoring is “going to be Head coach: Kami Dahlberg a work in progress.” Much of the Indians’ Assistant coach: Heather Smith See Indians Page 34 January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 30 TIMBERLAKE HIGH SCHOOL TIGERS

2016-2017 Timberlake High School Tigers – From left: Xaylen Stearns, Joey Najera, Devon Kent, Alec Judd, Camdon Frech, Jake Thorp, Preston Pierce, Cooper Redding and Utah Bishard. Timberlake Tigers making a strong stand heading into post season By Leslie Nation to coaching the boys would go, but I men – three of them starters. After coaching the Timberlake Lady have really enjoyed it to this point and Those three starters returning are Tigers for the past 11 years, Kale Pierce am very proud of the effort they have Xaylen Stevens, Cooper Redding and returns for his 15th year of coaching, given so far,” said coach Pierce. “They Utah Bishard, who played key roles but this time as the head coach for the understand the commitment that it takes as sophomores on last year’s team boys’ basketball program at Timberlake. to achieve the lofty goals they have set that made Area as mentioned by coach Despite the coaching change, Pierce has for themselves, and have bought into an Pierce. been confident in this team. emphasis on improving defensively and “Their perimeter scoring anchored “I was unsure how this transition improving shot selection.” around Xaylen and Cooper’s outside Last season, the Tigers finished up shooting and ability to drive and fin- Timberlake High Tigers their season with a record of 15-14 end- ished, or dish off to open teammates,” ing their year in the first round of the said K. Pierce. “Utah played the role of 2016-2017 basketball roster Area Tournament against Coyle in close a versatile, inside-out post scorer, and match-up 42-43. The Tigers are off to a their best post defender. He is our lead- No. Name Pos. Ht. Cl. great start for the 2016-2017 season as ing rebounder from a year ago and has 0 Camdon Frech G 5’8” So. they went on a seven-game win streak, anchored our defense this year.” 2 Joey Najera G 5’11” Jr. winning their first tournament of the Coach Pierce credits these three, as 4 Devon Kent G 5’10” Fr. season at the Northwest Prep Classic well as the maturation of the rest of the 11 Alec Judd F 5’10” Fr. against Burlington in the finals. Their team, to the great start to their season. 12 Utah Bishard F 6’3” Jr. current record is 11-3 as their season Those three juniors are aver- 21 Cooper Redding G 5’11” Jr. winds down. aging in double-digit scoring over 23 Preston Pierce G 5’10” Fr. The Tigers said goodbye to four let- midway through the season, led by 24 Xaylen Stearns F 6’3” Jr. termen from last season, three of them 32 Jake Thorp C 5’11” So. graduates, but welcome back six letter- Head Coach: Kale Pierce See Tigers Page 34 January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 31 TIMBERLAKE HIGH SCHOOL LADY TIGERS

2016-2017 Timberlake High School Lady Tigers – (Front row, from left) Dru Bryant, Jayden Dillon and Jaden Severin; (back row) Caitlyn Fargo, Kylee Fargo, Meagan Scobey, Raegan Scobey, Kamber LeForce and Kaylynn LeForce. Lady Tigers work to develop experience By Leslie Nation with six sophomores along with two seniors Fargo, Jayden Fargo and Kalyn LeForce. The Timberlake Lady Tigers are helmed and one junior. Timberlake have lost four It is obvious that the Lady Tigers will be by new coach Darral Barnett who has had lettermen – three of them starters – from depending on young players, but this sea- 32 years of experience in the head coaching last year, two of them big point producers son will allow them to gain the experience position – 43 years total. that averaged 14.1 points per game and 9.3. they need to improve. After the Lady Tigers finished last sea- Despite those losses, the Lady Tigers The Lady Tigers will be competing in son with a record of 18-10, they ended the do welcome back their two starters, seniors one more tournament for the season at the 2015-2016 season in the second round of Kamber LeForce and Kylee Fargo, to give Cherokee Strip Conference Tournament on the area tournament in a 39-44 loss against Timberlake some experience on the court. Jan. 19-21. Their final home game before Webbers Falls. Other key players off the bench are post season begins will be against Cimarron With eight returning lettermen, the sophomores Jaden Severin, Maegan Sco- on Jan. 31 with a tip off at 6:30 p.m. District Lady Tigers have a very young team filled bey, Dru Bryant, Raegan Scobey, Caitlyn playoffs will begin on Feb. 10-11. Timberlake High School Timberlake High Lady Tigers Remaining 2017 basketball schedule 2016-2017 basketball roster Date Opponent Home/Away Time No. Name Pos. Ht. Cl. Jan. 19-21 Cherokee Strip Conf. Tourn. Enid TBA 1 Raegan Scobey F 5’5” So. Jan. 24 Medford Home 6:30 p.m. 2 Maegan Scobey F 5’5” So. Jan. 27 Burlington Home 6:30 p.m. 3 Jaden Severin F 5’5” So. Jan. 31 Cimarron Home 6:30 p.m. 4 Caitlyn Fargo G 5’1” So. Feb. 3 Lomega Away 6:30 p.m. 5 Kamber LeForce G 5’6” Sr. Feb. 10-11 Districts TBA TBA 14 Kylee Fargo G 5’6” Sr. Feb. 17-19 Regionals TBA TBA 20 Jayden Dillon F 5’4” Jr. Feb. 23-25 Area TBA TBA 22 Dru Bryant F 5’6” So. March 2-4 State TBA TBA 23 Kalynn LeForce G 5’2” So. *Home games in bold. Head coach: Darral Barnett January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 32 WAYNOKA HIGH SCHOOL RAILROADERS

2016-2017 Waynoka High School Railroaders – (Front row, from left) Tabor Budy, Chase Zook, Kolten Childers, Hadyn Burns, Kade Flores and Brady Blankenship; (middle row) Nathan Pitts, Darius Langley, Tyler Newton, Chris Green, Josh Castillo and Garrison George; (back row) Curan Olson, Leon Seiger, Dylan McGuire, JP Smiley, Nick Castillo, Traben Redgate and Head Coach Gavin Beavers. Waynoka High School Waynoka High School Railroaders Remaining 2017 basketball schedule 2016-2017 basketball roster Date Opponent Home/Away Time No. Name Pos. Ht. Cl. Jan. 19-21 Buffalo Tournament Buffalo TBA 1 Treben Redgate G 6’0” So. Jan. 26 Freedom Home 6:30 p.m. 5 Kolten Childers G 5’10” So. Jan. 27 Mooreland Away 6:30 p.m. 10 Kade Flores G 5’5” Fr. Jan. 31 Ringwood Home 6 p.m. 11 Nathan Pitts C 5’10” Jr. Feb. 3 Medford Home 6:30 p.m. 12 Tyler Newton G 5’10” Fr. Feb. 4 Freedom Away 6:30 p.m. 13 Josh Castillo G 5’11” Sr. Feb. 7 Buffalo Home 6:30 p.m. 14 Tabor Budy G 5’9” Fr. Feb. 10-11 Districts TBA TBA 15 Darius Langley G 5’11” Fr. Feb. 17-19 Regionals TBA TBA 21 J.P. Smiley C 6’5” Jr. Feb. 23-25 Area TBA TBA 22 Brady Blankenship G 5’9” Fr. March 2-4 State TBA TBA 23 Garrison George F 6’0” Fr. *Home games in bold. 24 Nick Castillo F 6’2” So. 25 Leon Seiger F 6’0” Fr. 30 Chris Green G 5’9” Fr. 32 Dylan McGuire F 6’4” So. 33 Chase Zook F 5’9” Jr. Head coach: Gavin Beavers January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 33 WAYNOKA HIGH SCHOOL LADY RAILROADERS Lady Railroaders looking for their first win of the season By Leslie Nation After finishing their last season with an overall record of 10- Waynoka High School Lady Railroaders 17, the Waynoka High School Lady Railroaders enter their new season under new coaching as Robbie Gaskill enters his first 2016-2017 basketball roster year as head coach. No. Name Pos. Ht. Cl. Though it was an up-and-down battle for the Lady Railroad- 3 Laura Blair G 5’5” So. ers last year, Waynoka finished last season strong, beating Buf- 4 Lupita Vargas F 5’5” Sr. falo in the first round of the regionals before falling to Arnett 5 Faith Kincade G 5’8” So. 44-79 to end the 2015-2016 season. 10 Tatum Rose F 5’9” Jr. Thus far, it has been quite the uphill battle as they struggle to 12 Cassi Johnson G 5’5” Sr. get their first win midway through the new season. 20 Shelby Seiger G 5’8” Fr. The Railroaders return six lettermen, four of them back in 21 Brooke Ferguson G 5’3” Fr. the starting lineup: seniors Cassie Johnson and Lupita Vargas, 23 Morgan Ross F 5’7” So. junior Tatum Rose and sophomore Morgan Ross. 24 Talyn Hagelberg C 5’8” Fr. Waynoka loses two lettermen, including key starter Sara Head coach: Robbie Gaskill Stinson, who was a top scorer for the Lady Railroaders, averaging 12 points a game. Despite having four returning starters from last season, the Waynoka Railroad- ers are a young team with three freshmen and three sophomore. Only three of Way- noka’s starters are upperclassmen, two of them seniors: Johnson and Vargas. Coach Gaskill praised both his seniors in their leadership for the Lady Railroaders. “Our two seniors have been great leaders from Day One,” said coach Gas- kill. “They work hard and never stop competing. We have a very good group of freshmen and sophomores that are step- ping into their roles and starting to make some plays for us. They have good team chemistry, but we’re still learning how to compete for four quarters.” On the defensive side of the ball, se- nior Johnson and junior Rose help create issues for their opponents with Johnson able to force some turnovers. On the oth- er side, Vargas has proven to be a great spot up shooter for the Lady Railroaders while also improving on attacking the rim. Rose has also been a threat for Way- noka on offense with the long-range ball. With the season in its closing half, the Lady Railroaders will look to use this op- portunity to gain experience, while fight- ing for their first win. Waynoka will close their season with a home game against 2016-2017 Waynoka High School Lady Railroaders – (Front row, from left) Buffalo before entering their post season Brooke Ferguson, Laura Blair, Cassie Johnson and Lupita Vargas; (back row) with district playoffs on Feb. 10-11. Tatum Rose, Talyn Hagelberg, Morgan Ross, Faith Kincade and Shelby Seiger. Photo by Leslie Nation January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 34 Medicine Lodge Medicine Lodge High School High School Indians Remaining 2017 basketball schedule 2016-2017 basketball roster Date Opponent Home/Away Time Jan. 24, 27-28 Skyline tournament Away TBA No. Name Cl. Feb. 3 Garden Plain Home 6 p.m. 0 Dakota Bayliff So. Feb. 7 Belle Plaine Home 6 p.m. 2 Drew Honas Jr. Feb. 10 Cheney Away 6 p.m. 3 Garrett Burden So. Feb. 14 Anthony-Harper-Chaparral Away 6 p.m. 4 Austin Walker Sr. Feb. 17 Conway Springs Away 6 p.m. 11 Garrett Randels Jr. Feb. 21 Trinity Academy Home 6 p.m. 12 Deven Leis So. *Home games in bold. 13 Blake Winter Jr. 15 Jose Guillen So. 20 Luke Fisher Sr. 22 Tanner Wedel Jr. 23 Ben McKinney Jr. 34 Lewe Schmaeschke Sr. From Page 30 Tigers C-Team No. Name Cl. Stearns, who averages 17.8 points per point shooter giving some relief to their 1 Jackson Pettit Fr. game along with 6.9 rebounds with 30 inside game with Stearns and Redding, 2 Brayden Schmidt Fr. assists and 31 steals. Redding averages while adding another outside threat with 5 Cason Leibst Fr. 12 points a game with 7.1 rebounds and Bishard. 10 Tyce Lonker Fr. 41 assists and 22 steals, while Bishard Rounding out the team on the bench 14 Dasik Clouse Fr. averages 11.8 points with 8.3 rebounds. are freshmen Davon Kent and Alec 20 Kobe Collins Fr. Those starters are joined by three Judd, both of whom K. Pierce describes 21 Kirk Fisher Fr. young players that have had significant as “unselfish that show up to make them- 24 Kyson Cunningham Fr. playing time this season. selves and the team better every day.” 30 Chance Bender Fr. “We have a good mix with four ju- Unfortunately, the Tigers have been 31 Brayden Paxson Fr. niors bringing needed experience along without one key component on the floor 32 Grant Ricke Fr. with talented freshmen and a sophomore in sophomore Jake Thorp, who is out for 40 Devon Cox Fr. that have made big impacts so far,” said the season with a torn ACL. Head coach: Josh Ybarra Pierce. “Joey Najera, Camden Frech “We’ve really missed Jake on the Assistant coach: Joe Dohrmann and Preston Pierce have all been in the court this season, but he has been with starting lineup for numerous games and the team throughout,” said K. Pierce. complement our three returning starters “I’m looking forward to getting him very well.” back as a junior to give us an additional From Page 34 Najera, Frech and P. Pierce all bring player that can play in the post.” their own strengths to this talented Tiger As the season comes to a close, the team starting with Najera back after suf- Tigers will compete in one more tour- Indians fering back issues from last season pro- nament scheduled on Jan. 19-21 at the viding athleticism and toughness in their Cherokee Strip Conference Tournament. extra possessions, as well as disrupting defense. Frech adds another ball handler Timberlake’s final home game comes on offenses. with a great basketball IQ on both sides Jan. 31, as they host Cimarron before Sophomore Garrett Burden is another of the ball, as well as disrupting their they close out their season on the road player who has been a contributor on of- opponents’ offense. Lastly, P. Pierce has against Lomega on Feb. 3. Post season fense for Medicine Lodge. been the Tigers most consistent three- play will start Feb. 10-11. “He (Burden) is so fluid with his game and probably the best basketball mind on the team,” said Ybarra. “He has a great shot and knows how to score, but just like most young players, he has to get better on the defensive end.” While this team has some talented shooters to provide for the offensive side, Ybarra is looking to help this inexperi- enced team develop their defensive game as the season winds down. The Indians plan to compete in the 54 Classic at Cunningham High School that begins on Jan. 17. Their final home game will be on Feb. 21 against Wichita Trinity Academy before entering their post sea- son. January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 35 January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 36 NORTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA STATE RANGERS Ranger men’s basketball stocked with new leadership By Leslie Nation a ninth-place finish while the East ing the Rangers in the starting lineup After gearing up for the new sea- Central University Tigers coming in are Greg Minor Jr., a transfer from son, the Northwestern Oklahoma first. Scottsdale Community College, and State University men’s basketball Though Northwestern has tacked Cody Halvorson, another transfer team has some new leadership both four wins under their belts, they con- from Hesston College. on the court and on the sideline. After tinue to struggle against their GAC Motley returns to his final year the completion of the 2015-2016 sea- opponents coming up short in all six as a senior for the Rangers and con- son in March, Northwestern’s then of their meetings. Their 4-7 record tinues to be Northwestern’s biggest head coach, Brad Franz, was named puts the Rangers at 11th place, just point producer after finishing a 18.0 the new athletic director of NWOSU ahead of Southeastern Oklahoma points-per-game from the previous while the men’s basketball program State (4-8) and below Southwestern year along with eight rebounds. Mot- began their search for a new head Oklahoma State (4-8) in the current ley has, thus far, improved his point coach during the offseason. GAC standings. production to 19.5 with 7.8 rebounds, In July, Shawn Dirden, coming Though the Rangers lose two with a long season still ahead. from the coaching staff at Universi- starters in Laakeem Henderson and Though not a starter, Zachary Du- ty of North Dokota, was selected as T’aries Taylor, they return three start- mas finished last year as the second the new head coach for the Rang- ers – Adrian Motley, Brandon Green ers’ 2016-2017 season. Dirden was and Austin Klug – to the lineup. Join- See Rangers Page 38 responsible for player development with UND, helping them improve from an 8-22 season to 17-16 before Northwestern Oklahoma State University Dirden’s hiring to Northwestern. Prior to Dirden joining the NWO- 2016-2017 men’s basketball roster SU family, Jason Hinson was part of No. Name Pos. Ht. Cl. Hometown/Previous School the coaching staff for Northern Okla- 1 Deiondray Martin SG 6’4” Sr. Columbus, Ohio/Angelina College homa College in Tonkawa for three 2 Austin Klug C/F 6’9” Sr. Riverside, Calif./ seasons as the head assistant coach. Mt. San Jacinto College With the new coaching staff, 3 Jared Jenkins G 5’11” Fr. Irving, Texas/Nimitz HS Northwestern hopes to improve on 5 Trey Johnson F 6’6” Jr. Phoenix, Ariz./Glendale College their 9-18 season, 9-13 against Great 10 Greg Minor Jr. G 6’2” Jr. Louisville, Ky./Scottsdale CC American Conference opponents. 11 Brandon Green G 6’2” Jr. Houston, Texas/Northshore HS That season led the Rangers into the 14 Zachary Dumas G 6’3” R-So. Huffman, Texas/Huffman-Hargrave HS first round of the GAC Champion- 15 Adrian Motley F 6’5” R-Sr. Humble, Texas/Humble HS ship coming up short against Harding 21 Cedric Collinge F 6’4” Jr. Ft. Collins, Colo./Eastern University 61-76 to end their year. Wyoming College During the pre-season polls for 22 Paco Jones F 6’5” Jr. Midwest City, Okla./ GAC, the Rangers were selected for St. Gregory’s University 23 Alonzo Williams G 6’5” Fr. Olathe, Kan./Olathe North HS 24 Cody Halvorson G 6’0” Jr. Temple, Texas/Hesston College 25 Brandon Kirk G 6’3” Fr. Weatherford, Okla./Weatherford HS 32 Anthony Bolton PF/C 6’5” Sr. Houston, Texas/Univ. of Science & Arts of Okla. 33 Hunter Frisby F 6’6” R-Fr. Okarche, Okla./Okarche HS John Godwin G 6’0” Fr. Stroud, Okla./Stroud HS Hayden Graham F 6’6” Fr. Coweta, Okla./Coweta HS Trevor Johnson PG 5’9” So. Alva, Okla./Alva HS Elijah Parks F 6’7” Fr. Putnam City, Okla./Putnam City North Lense Ramey IV G 6’3” Fr. Kiefer, Okla./Kiefer HS Head coach: Shawn Dirden Assistant coach: Jason Hinson and Jordan Franz Graduate assistant: Dylan Painter January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 37 NORTHWESTERN OKLAHOMA STATE LADY RANGERS Northwestern women’s basketball strives to improve on their previous season By Leslie Nation After struggling throughout their Northwestern Oklahoma State University 2015-2016 seasons, the Northwest- 2016-2017 women’s basketball roster ern Oklahoma State women’s bas- ketball are under new leadership at No. Name Pos. Ht. Cl. Hometown/Previous School the commencement of the new sea- 1 Ashley Pride PG 5’5” Sr. Dallas, Texas/Woodrow Wilson HS son. Tasha Diesselhorst helms the 2 Renee Contreras PG 5’3” Jr. Avondale, Ariz./Westview HS women’s basketball program for 3 Kalea King G 5’8” Jr. Round Rock, Texas/Pflugerville HS Northwestern after finishing up an- 4 Deanna Bugarinovic G 5’8” So. Overland Park, Kan./Blue Valley other great season as head coach to Northwest HS the Pond Creek-Hunter Lady Pan- 10 Jakeria Otey G 5’5” So. Bryant, Ark./Bryant HS thers that resulted in a Class A State 11 Jaylan Robinson G 5’6” Jr. Houston, Texas/Northshore HS Championship appearance against 13 Kori Barrios G — Jr. Hammon, Okla./Utah Valley Seiling. Though the Lady Panthers 20 Bailey Forell G — So. Alva, Okla./Hutchinson CC finished as state runner-up, Pond 22 Jonae Isaac G 5’7” Sr. McKinney, Texas/Princeton HS Creek-Hunter finished their season 24 Deja Beechum G 5’9” R-So. Round Rock, Texas/Rouse HS 28-3. 25 McKenzie Billy F — So. Thomas, Okla./Western JC In nine seasons as head coach 30 Jade Jones G 5’5” R-SO. Pond Creek, Okla./ for the Lady Panthers, Diesselhorst Southwestern Okla. State Univ. has compiled an impressive overall 33 Destinee Robinson G 5’6” Fr. Leavenworth, Kan./Leavenworth HS record 187-63. With her hiring, the 35 Taylor Cell G — Fr. Fairview, Okla./Fairview HS Rangers are hoping to improve on 42 Relina Johnson G 5’10” Sr. Wichita, Kan./East HS last season’s tough run as they fin- Head coach: Tasha Diesselhorst ished the year with a record of 2-26 Assistant coaches: Kim Barth and Kylie Franz – 0-22 against Great American Con- Student Assistant: Kelsey Schumpert ference (GAC) opponents. Despite that record, the Rangers proved on Northwestern Oklahoma State University multiple occasions that they are ca- pable of competing with their GAC Remaining 2017 basketball schedule adversaries, leading before halftime Date Opponent Home/Away Time before dropping the second-half to come up short. Jan. 19 Oklahoma Baptist University Home 5:30 p.m. Jan. 21 East Central University Away 1 p.m. The Rangers have lost one key starter from last season, and their Jan. 26 Arkansas Tech University Home 5:30 p.m. major big in the paint in Kamera Jan. 28 Harding University Home 1 p.m. Feb. 2 University of Arkansas-Monticello Away 5:30 p.m. Bozeman, who was their top scorer Feb. 4 Southern Arkansas University Away 1 p.m. for the 2015-2016 season, averaging 13.5 points a game and hitting 60.9 Feb. 9 Southeastern Oklahoma State University Home 5:30 p.m. Feb. 11 Southern Nazarene University Away 1 p.m. percent of her field goals along with Feb. 13 Southwestern Oklahoma State University Away 5:30 p.m. crashing 6.6 rebounds per game. Northwestern lost two other starters Feb. 16 East Central University Home 5:30 p.m. Feb. 18 Oklahoma Baptist University Away 1 p.m. in Micaela Yu (7.1 PPG) and Kaci Hansen (3.5 PPG), but despite those Feb. 23 Henderson State University Home 5:30 p.m. losses, the Rangers have made huge Feb. 25 Ouachita Baptist University Home 1 p.m. strides. *Home games in bold. Returning to the floor in the start- ing lineup is Northwestern’s point guard, Ashley Pride, who has been See Lady Rangers Page 38 January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 38

From Page 37 Lady Rangers averaging 9.7 points per game as their second team-high scorer. The Rangers are led by the 5-foot-8 guard and junior, Kalea King with 15.7 points per game to go with 3.9 rebounds. Other big contributors in the points production for the Rangers are newcomer Kori Barrios (8.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG), returner Jonae Isaac (6.4 PPG, 4.5 RPG) and Deja Beechum (5.6 PPG). Another familiar face to the Alva community is the return of Alva native Bailey Forell; however, instead of donning her former black and gold, Forell puts on the black and red at Percefull Fieldhouse. Forell averages about 15.1 minutes a game while also scoring 3.1. The Rangers have picked up three wins thus far this season, two of them against GAC opponents Southern Ar- kansas University and the University of Arkansas-Monti- cello. This gave them their first wins against a GAC team in over a year already putting them on the right track. Selected as 12th in the Great American Conference, the Rangers work to improve upon their current season as they host Oklahoma Baptist on Jan. 19. The Rangers will end their season hosting back-to- back home games against Henderson State University on Feb. 23rd and Ouachita Baptist on Feb. 25.

From Page 36 Rangers highest scorer for the Rangers and continues that trend for another year, averaging 10.1 points a game off the bench. Halvorson, a new face on the team, has been another big The under-the-bucket battls in Ranger GAC competition is contributor on the court coming just short of averaging ferocious. Here, Ranger Hunter Frisy (#33) competes for the double-digits with 9.8 points per game. Halvorson relies rebound against half the Mules Riders team in blue. Photo by on the deep three, and has showed success, hitting 28-of- Lynn L. Martin 63 for an average of 44.4 percent. At the point guard position, Green fills that position contributing to the Rangers’ score with 8.6 points per game and 5.5 assists. Other contributors are Deiondray Martin (7.3 PPG), Minor Jr. (7.2 PPG), Trey Johnson (7.0 PPG) and Klug (6.9 PPG, 4.4 RPG). The Rangers will end their season with back-to-back home games, hosting Henderson State University and Ouachita Baptist University. With 13 games left on the calendar, the Rangers have a ground to cover to improve their standings to try and make another go at the GAC Championship in March. Fortunately, the Rangers are on pace with their record from the previous year as they were 4-10 by Jan. 18. January 18, 2017 Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram - 2016 - 2017 Basketball Page 39

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