BOYS
Coach: Shane Feely
20-21 Record: 18-11
Last season, the Alva Goldbugs reached the Class 3A state tournament, but made an early exit. They enter this season bringing back the entire team from a year ago and ready to make another run at the gold ball. Head coach Shane Feely says that his squad brings a lot of experience and knowledge to the table and that will be a key for their season.
“We bring back all five starters and every substitute from last year’s team,” he said. “This team has a lot of experience and depth. The seniors all have a great deal of starting experience and play really well together. Our underclassmen have meshed really well with our seniors and provide that depth.” Jackson Feely (6-4, Sr.) returns after averaging 9.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, while also totaling 51 steals and taking fourteen charges. He is a smart player who gets the most out of his talent and he is an anchor on the defensive end. Austin Reed (6-3, Sr.) was a starter last season who tallied about nine points per game. He is a good slasher and shooter, and he is also a vocal leader for the squad. Returning to play center will be Braden Hofen (6-2, Sr.), who is athletic and has a great vertical. He is a solid rebounder and finisher around the bucket. Chuck Shelite (5-10, Sr.) did a great job of getting the team in their offense last season and will be relied on to do the same this year. He plays really hard and can make things happen on defense. Outstanding shooter Kyler Penco (6-2, Jr.) has shown a lot of improvement over the summer. Also looking to play a role this season will be Kaden Slater (6-1, Sr.), Jaxon Jones (6-2, Jr.), Phillip Randall (5-11, Jr.), Daylon Malone (5-9, So.), Drake Wharton (5-10, Jr.), Weston Tucker (6-2, Jr.), and Drew Glass (5-9, Jr.)
GIRLS
Coach: Kris Gore
20-21 Record: 11-11
The Lady Goldbugs of Alva season ended a little earlier than they had hoped a year ago. But they enter this new season with high hopes and solid leadership on the court. First year head coach, Kris Gore, says that this is a solid team, but they still have some things to work on. “We are a young team with a few seniors that show a lot of potential,” Gore said. “Their work ethic and basic fundamentals are good but still need improvement. The key to success will be their coachability and mental toughness.” Brooke Perez (5-8, Sr.) is back to play the post position. She is a solid post player and rebounder who runs the floor well. She is also a great leader. Also returning is guard Chloe Durkee (5-4, Sr.), who is a good shooter with quick hands and feet and has the ability to see the floor well. Gore says that she is also becoming a better leader for the team. Another guard for the Lady Goldbugs is Kate Foster (5-5, Sr.), who is a strong player, both physically and mentally and can handle her own on the defensive end. Hallie Hamilton (5-8, Jr.) is a good shooter with a high basketball IQ and can play wherever her team needs her. Alaina Pierce (5-8, Jr.) will be another post player for the team. She is a good defender that will work hard to shut down opposing offenses. She is also a hard worker and is very coachable. Other members of the team expected to make an impact this season will be Morgan Heath (5-6, So.) and Lakin Gaddy (5-3, Fr.)
