GIRLS 

Coach: Kris Gore 

21-22 Record: 20-10 

The Goldbugs advanced to the area finals last season before being knocked out of the playoffs. They come into this season ready with some new faces but they still have the same goal. Head coach Kris Gore says while there is work to do, the team should be ready to face the challenge. “We are a very young team with big shoes to fill,” Gore said. “We have two returning starters that are just sophomores and one part-time returning starter. Our young players are talented but inexperienced. Our junior class has a lot of potential but is inexperienced in varsity play. We don’t have much size, but hopefully, our work ethic and speed will help counter that. Alva is rich in tradition with girls’ basketball so hopefully, that will motivate this year’s Ladybugs to mature quickly and come together as a team.” 

Leading the team this season will be Lakin Gaddy. She is constantly at the gym, even when she is competing in other sports. Lakin dreams of one day playing at the college level, as well as leading her team to a state championship. Although small in stature, she has a huge heart and love for the game. She has great handles, can shoot the three-point shot, has a good pull-up jumper, and has quick hands and feet on defense. She will have to step up and be a leader and scorer this year for the Goldbugs but is ready to accept the challenge. Another returning starter for the Goldbugs is Jaycee Kelln, who is a sophomore. Her role this year will change drastically as Jaycee will have to establish herself as a consistent scorer and fierce rebounder. She will also need to step up and be a strong leader for her team since three seniors graduated last year. She is quick and agile, can score from the inside and out, and has good instincts on the press. Morgan Heath and Randee Perks are other players that will look to make big contributions this season. The assistant coach will be Jennifer Taylor.