Sports Special

2013 Basketball Special Jan. 9, 2013

Covering NWOSU, Nine area high schools One middle school

Northwestern leaves behind NAIA foes for NCAA II and Great American Conference

Basketball 2012-2013

Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram

January 9, 2013 - Page 2

We’re glad you thought up basketball, Dr. Naismith

By Roger McKenzie Basketball: a sport played on a rectangular court by two teams of five players each using a spherical ball that is put through a round hoop to score up to 150 (or more) points.

Sounds like it was invented by a geometry teacher.

Actually, it was Dr. James Naismith, a coach and extremely talented innovator. Of course, the game he invented back in 1891 to provide the Springfield YMCA with a relatively safe indoor game that could be played in the harsh Massachusetts winter was nothing like the versions we see today It started with peach baskets and the ball had to be taken out every time in was put in. The games rules and its speed have evolved to the point where this year in November, a Grinnell College basketball player by the name of Jack Taylor set the NCAA scoring record by scoring 138 points in a single game.

The final score of the game was 179-104.

Believe it or not, that isn’t the most points ever scored in a game by an individual. Of course, there may be some unknown player out there who holds the real, though unknown, mark because it was never reported. But as far as I can tell, the record is 139 points (probably makes Taylor wish he had not been pulled for another minute or so) scored by, believe it or not, an eighthgrader on a regulation court in a regulation (for eighth grade) game of eight minute quarters.

In 1941, Bob Harrison scored all of his team’s points in a 139-8 win. I have not named the losing school out of sympathy.

Of course, Harrison also broke another record – becoming the world’s best (or worst, depending on how you look at it) ball hog.

If you knew James Naismith invented basketball, did you know he started the University of Kansas basketball program?

Or that he is sometimes credited with introducing the first football helmet? He apparently was a stickler for safety. The NFL could use him now. Unfortunately, he died in 1939, but not before seeing his invention become an official event at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. He also saw his beloved basketball evolve into the NIT and NCAA Basketball Tournaments that keep us all so entertained in March or thereabouts.

He couldn’t have foreseen, however, how the game is loved here in Alva and the surrounding communities. As we covered the basketball programs at Northwestern Oklahoma State and

Dr. James Naismith, basketball’s inventor. in Alva, Cherokee, Burlington, Aline-Cleo, Helena, Waynoka, Freedom, Kiowa and Medicine Lodge, it became abundantly clear that the heart of these communities revolves around their children and the sports they play, especially basketball.

We hope you enjoy some of the games of your favorite teams now that school is back in session. Some of them are on roll, some are not. But all are giving their best on the court in a game that is fun and exciting.

Dr. Naismith would be proud.

Basketball 2012-2013

Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram

January 9, 2013 - Page 3

Basketball 2012-2013

Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram

January 9, 2013 - Page 4

2012-13 NWOSU LADY RANGERS! First year coach Eric Bozeman (back row, far left) and his staff and players pose in front of the Northwestern Oklahoma State campus. The Lady Rangers and their coach are in their first season as NCAA Division II members of the Great American Conference.

Lack of playing experience, depth hurting Lady Rangers’ chances

By Roger McKenzie Northwestern Oklahoma State’s women’s basketball team is in a steep learning curve this season. They are learning a new coach and his system, and a new conference – the Great American Conference (GAC) – and its teams. Almost as important, they are learning to get along without their top returning player. It’s a combination that is difficult to overcome and, so far, the Lady Rangers are competitive but making too many mistakes. The result is an early 3-6 record that could have been 4-5 or 2-7.

Coach Eric Bozeman is new to the Lady Rangers and to women’s basketball at the collegiate level. However, he knows collegiate basketball and he is familiar with the GAC because he comes to Northwestern after coaching men’s basketball at the GAC’s Southern Arkansas University, a school only slightly larger than Northwestern. He led the Muleriders

in Magnolia, Ark, from 2005 through last season when the team reached the GAC post-season tournament in that league’s first season. It was Southern Arkansas’ first post-season in 10 years.

He has also been the head coach for the men at another GAC school – Henderson State University (1993-98) – and an assistant at University of Mississippi (19982005).

The Lady Rangers’ chief losses from last year’s team, which finished 14-16 overall and 10-11 in the SAC, were Autumn Klugh, a big time three-point shooter, and Talytha Williams, a ball handler and scorer. Nine returning players plus eight newcomers began the 2012-13 season. However, a key returning member of the team, Audrey Richmond, was injured in the pre-season and is out for the year.

Richmond, who is a senior, may yet get to come back next season with an injury deferment. She was expected to be a team

leader as well as a scorer (13.6 points average last year).

The teams’ leadership role has been a rotating one, with no one claiming fulltime possession. Returning seniors Titania Simmons, Renee Golliday, LaParis Newsom and Mandy Norman have all stepped up during the season. They have started every game, but no one has really claimed role of team leader. Simmons, a 5’11” forward, and Golliday, a 5’9” guard, are the leading candidates by virtue of their playing time.

Whether it is one person or a collective, however, the leadership role has to be established on the court. But the Lady Rangers have more than just a leadership issue.

No one who watches them doubts their energy and quickness. Those traits have helped them be competitive. Few teams See Lady

Rangers Page 5

Basketball 2012-2013

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Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram

Lady Rangers

will out-run Northwestern’s women. But the team is, despite its returning nucleus, relatively inexperienced.

Simmons, Golliday and Newsom have the most experience on the court. After that, Norman averaged 17 minutes a game last season. Macy Gibson, the other senior returnee, averaged 12 minutes.

The team is also undersized (in height and weight) when it comes to the rest of the league. The tallest player on the roster is freshman Lauren Fonteno at 6’1”.

Three players are next at 5’11”. The Lady Rangers are ninth in the GAC in rebounding. Golliday, as she did last year, leads the Northwestern women in that category with six a game.

Simmons is the team’s leading scorer – the only player averaging in double digits at 10.2 points. Golliday is averaging almost 10 points and should improve. Newsom is averaging 7.1 points. That means the three highest scorers for the Lady Rangers are combining for an average of 26.9 points.

That’s just not enough to compete at the highest levels in the GAC. The Lady Rangers are ninth in scoring offense in the league. Every team has a player with an average higher than that of Simmons.

Seven of them have two or three players with higher averages.

Most of the rest of Northwestern’s

statistics rank them in the bottom half of the GAC. They rank ninth or 10th in six categories. Their best showing is fourth in the league. Surprisingly, they are fourth in defensive rebounds and fifth in blocked shots. They are also fourth in three-point shooting percentage.

Yet despite all that, there is good news.

The season is still young and the Lady Rangers find themselves in the exact middle of the 11-team conference standings.

If they finish in fifth place, where they are now, their season will have been a success. It they finish one place higher, Coach Bozeman will deserve a raise. But unless they really step up their play, don’t expect either to happen.

The keys will be whether the established players can step up their level of play and hold it consistently over the course of the rest of the schedule and whether the new players can improve.

Simmons was the most consistent player early, but has averaged just 6.5 points a game in her last four games. Golliday has taken over in the consistency department by scoring in double digits in the team’s last four games.

Newsom scored 20 points in a win over Arkansas-Monticello, but came back and played 31 minutes while missing all eight of her shots and scoring just one point in a

Northwestern Oklahoma State Lady Rangers 2012-13 Basketball Roster

January 9, 2013 - Page 5

No. Name Pos. 1 Erika Baca G 3 Macy Gibson F 4 Jonna Gregory F 5 Renee Golliday G 10 Emily Eaton G 11 Dierra Gilmore G 12 Kierra Gilmore PG 13 Ashley Catlett G 14 Lauren Fonteno F 15 Destiney Garrett G 20 Audrey Richmond F 22 Titania Simmons F 25 LaParis Newsom G 31 Fernanda Tomazini G 32 Carli Richmond F 33 Mandy Norman G

Ht. Cl. Hometown/Prev. School 5’7” Jr Albuquerque,N.M./Lamar CC 5’9” Sr Afton, Okla./Afton HS 5’11” So Vici, Okla./Vici HS 5’9” Sr L.A., Calif./Univ. Of Texas-Pan American 5’6” So Calumet, Okla./Calumet HS 5’4” Jr Sallis, Miss./Holmes CC 5’4” Jr Sallis, Miss./Holmes CC 5’7” Jr San Antonio, Texas/Eastern OK State 6’1” Fr Oklahoma City, Okla./Millwood HS 5’10” Fr Okla. City, OK./OK Centennial HS 6’0” Sr Cherokee, Okla./Cherokee HS 5’11” Sr Lawton, Okla./Midland College 5’6” Sr Chicago, Ill./Western Illinois 5’4” Jr Sao Paulo, Brazil/Arizona Western 5’11” Fr Cherokee, Okla./Cherokee HS 5’6” Sr Alva, Okla./Alva HS

Coach: Eric Bozeman Assistant Coach: Leah Lanie

loss to Southern Nazarene, the team’s last game before the Christmas break. Alva’s Mandy Norman has shown she can bust out after a 14-point game against last place Southern Arkansas. She needs to show she can do that against the better teams.

A returning sophomore and a junior transfer have stepped up their games of late. The sophomore, 5’11” forward Jonna Gregory, has started all year. But she has shown that when she gets more minutes she can produce significantly more. Her last two games have been her most productive. In her first seven games, she averaged only 3.3 points a game while playing less than 12 minutes on average. In her two last two games, however, Gregory averaged 11 points while playing an average of 26.5 minutes.

The transfer, 5’4” guard Dierra Gilmore, scored 18 points – eight more than her previous high – in her last game.

Gilmore’s twin – Kierra – actually has gotten more playing time than her sister, with pretty similar results. The two, from Holmes Community College in Mississippi, are the only newcomers to see significant court time.

The only other player besides the starters and the Gilmore twins who gets consistent playing time is Gibson. That’s a problem that shows the lack of depth on this squad. For instance, Fonteno and Audrey Richmond’s sister Carli, a talented player for Cherokee last season, have played just 96 (in nine games) and 39 (in six games) minutes. Of course, both are freshmen and Richmond has had some back problems slowing her down.

The presence of Audrey Richmond would have certainly changed the dynamics of this team for the better. But the Lady Rangers will have to play the hand they have been dealt. Not in their favor is the fact that the Lady Rangers’ two conference wins have come against the GAC’s two last place teams. They have yet to meet the top teams.

If no one steps up, things could get ugly, especially as the starters wear down.

And if Coach Bozeman doesn’t get a lot of help with the next recruiting class, next year could be even worse.

Coach Bozeman remains optimistic about his team, however. Besides continuing to play each game one at a time, he said with some pride in his voice, “This squad has grown tremendously since day one.”

Basketball 2012-2013

Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram

January 9, 2013 - Page 6

2012-13 NWOSU RANGERS! The Rangers are in their first season as NCAA Division II members of the Great American Conference.

Individual players need to step up, be consistent for Rangers

By Roger McKenzie When the Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU) Ranger men went back into action on Jan. 3, the Rangers had a losing record at 4-5. That’s not what Coach Andrew Brown had envisioned before the season began. He told this writer he was thinking more along the lines of 6-3 or maybe 5-4. The difference was the Rangers lost two home games he was hoping to win and they only got one “steal” on the road.

“We played decent in the two home games we lost (74-77 to University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma [USAO] and 78-84 to Northeastern State),” he said.

“The teams we played were just a little better.”

The Rangers began the season as members of NCAA Division II, not the NAIA. They no longer have a connection to the Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC)

the team had played in for years. As a probational member of the Great American Conference (GAC), the Rangers can’t claim a conference championship. Nor can they advance to post-season play. But they can have the best record in the GAC. That was and still is a goal for the Rangers.

But they do have some reminders of the SAC this season. They play Southern Nazarene, an old SAC foe who is now a GAC foe. In addition, their schedule includes some non-conference games with former SAC teams such as the USAO and Rogers State University.

And there are carryovers from their final SAC season last year – which ended with the Rangers in a three-way tie for eighth place and out of the SAC post-season tournament. Four returning starters, including three of the team’s top scorers, return from that squad.

Jonathan Freemyer (6’6” senior for-

ward), Marshall Bell (5’11” senior guard), Daryl Glover (5’10” senior guard), and Eze Akwari (6’1” junior guard) started last year, giving the team an instant foundation. Freemyer and Bell were already in the top 10 as members of the NWOSU 1,000 Point Club when the 2012-13 season began.

Also coming back were Jesse Smith and Brandon Wooley. Some talented newcomers, including transfer Bruce Wright, red-shirt freshman T’aries Taylor, and true freshmen Demarcus Sparks and Laakeem Henderson. are also seeing significant playing time.

After some initial experimentation, the starting lineup of late has been Glover and Wooley at guards, with Bell coming off the bench, and Freemyer, Wright and Akwari at forwards.

See Rangers Page 7

Basketball 2012-2013

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Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram

Rangers

Northwestern Oklahoma State Rangers 2012-13 Basketball Roster

No. Name Pos. Ht. Cl. Hometown/Prev. School 00 Latigo Collins G 6’0” Fr Pampa, Texas/Pampa H.S. 1 Daryl Glover G 5’10” Sr Inglewood, Calif./Morningside HS 2 Jonathan Freemyer F 6’6” Sr Kingwood, Texas/Kingwood Hs 3 Brandon Wooley W 6’3” R-Jr Austin, Texas/Akins HS 4 Rhett Radcliff G 6’2” Fr Forgan, Okla./Forgan HS 5 Laakeem Henderson G 6’3” F r Houston, Texas/Aldine HS 10 T’aries Taylor G 6’2” rs-Fr OKC, Okla./NW Classen HS 11 Blake Cochran G 6’2” Fr Ft. Worth, Texas/Ft. Worth HS 14 Ryan Radcliff G 6’2” Fr Forgan, Okla./Foran HS 20 Adrian Motley F 6’5” Fr Humble, Texas/Humble HS 21 Demarcus Sparks F 6’4” Fr Houston, Texas/Aldine HS 22 Bruce Wright F 6’8” Jr McKinney, Texas/Northlake Coll.

23 Marshall Bell G 5’11” Sr Katy, Texas/Morton Ranch HS 24 Eze Akwari G 6’1” Jr Pearland, Texas/Chavez HS 25 Jackson Harris F 6’5” Fr Houston, Texas/St. Pius HS 30 Brock Rutter F 6’6” Fr Sapulpa, Okla./Mounds HS 32 Dwight Mcelroy F 6’4” Fr Chouteau, Okla./Chouteau-Mazie HS 33 Jesse Smith F 6’7” So Kopperl, Texas/Kopperl HS

January 9, 2013 - Page 7

Coach: Andrew Brown Assistant Coach: Jeremy Jones

Through nine games (this article was written prior to the Rangers’ return to the court on Jan. 3), the Rangers haven’t quite lived up to the identity Brown wants his team to have. That team will have a good team chemistry (on and off the floor); play tough physical defense; and rebound well.

Brown and his team are working to get there, though. That’s one thing that can be said of all of Brown’s teams in the six seasons he has headed up the Rangers – they all work hard.

The strength of the new league, and the fact that the Rangers are facing some teams they’ve never faced before, is a factor in the team’s slower-than-expected start.

“This is a good league,” Brown said.

“It’s an exciting league to be a part of.”

He has said in the past that he will miss rivalries with teams like Oklahoma Baptist and Oklahoma Christian, but he has noted that since the GAC schools also play football with the Rangers, rivalries that develop in the new league may be even stronger.

See Rangers Page 9

Basketball 2012-2013

Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram

January 9, 2013 - Page 8

2012-13 ALVA LADYBUGS! Pictured from the left are (front row, seated) Natalie Seevers, Kally Gordon, Jaden Hobbs, Bailey Forell, Lora Riley, Riley Bryant, Jayna Hadwiger; (back row standing); Assistant Coach Jerrad Hada, manager Valerie Venosdel, Jordan Shiever, Courtney Mapes, Nicole Ritter, Carrie Wallis, Rozlyn Murrow, manager Julia Buckingham and Coach Eric Smith.

Ladybugs have reloaded, plan deep run in the playoffs

By Roger McKenzie Alva’s Ladybugs are rolling toward the play-offs once again. They were 7-1 at the Christmas break with their only loss coming in a close game to Class A’s top-ranked Okarche in the championship final of the KOFM Prep Classic Basketball Tournament in Enid. They are averaging almost 54 points a game and their margin in games in plus 17 points.

Their early success may have caught some opponents by surprise, but not Coach Eric Smith.

“I thought we had a chance to be really good,” he said.

He knows the Ladybugs aren’t yet where they need to be, but he also knows they are getting there despite big graduation losses.

Alva’s Ladybugs lost a lot of talent this past May, and some opponents, who don’t follow the progression of talent here very closely, may have been breathing a sigh of relief to see Rylie Swanson, JemiKay Hofer and Cari Theademan graduate.

That trio accounted for many points, rebounds and assists as the Ladybugs rolled into the playoffs before losing by a single point to Sayre in the second round of the Area tournament last season. Be-

yond that big three, the Ladybugs also lost some good players in Brooke Nation, Aimee Slaughter, and twins Kylee and Kelsey Harper.

What sometimes gets overlooked is that last year’s team was very young.

Four juniors, three sophomores, and five freshmen also contributed to last year’s success. Ten of them return, all with play-off experience, including all four juniors who are returning as seniors. The seniors are led by Jayna Hadwiger who will be starting for the third year. Coming off the bench will be Riley Bryant, Carrie Wallis and Cheyenne Colvin.

Back as a junior is Courtney Mapes; while all five of last year’s freshmen also return as sophomores, making the sophomore class the most represented on the team. Three of the sophomores have cracked the starting lineup, which bodes well for the future. Guard Bailey Forell and wing Lora Riley saw extensive playing time last season, while forward/post Morgan Shiever also played well in a lesser role due primarily to the athleticism of Rylie Swanson and Slaughter in the paint.

Forell and Riley are solid. Forell overcame an early leg injury that kept her off the court to hit the winning

bucket against eighth-ranked Ripley this year. She is getting better and better. Riley piled up 17 first-half points on the way to a 22-point game which was a big reason the Ladybugs toppled the defending state champion Fairview Ladyjackets right before the Christmas break.

Riley (who is 5’8”) gets the edge over Forell as a defender. In fact, her scoring had slumped a little (before the Fairview game) because she was frequently the stopper for the opponents’ best taller players. She’s also the team’s most consistent rebounder.

All Shiever has done is step up to become a force under the basket with her scoring. No one could completely fill Rylie Swanson’s shoes, but Shiever has more than earned her way into the starters role.

The other two sophomores, Kally Gordon (who happens to be the 2A state broad jump champion) and Nicole Ritter, are getting significant court time.

Gordon played more last year because of her quickness and agility and because, unlike Ritter, she didn’t share the same position as Swanson. Smith described Gordon being “like another starter.” She See Ladybugs Page 11

Basketball 2012-2013

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Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram

Rangers

And while the SAC may have been strong at the top, Brown added, “From the top to the bottom, it (the GAC) probably has more balance than the Sooner Athletic Conference.”

Whatever the league, however, Brown said, “The Rangers are going to have to get better.”

Thus far, the team’s improvement is a mixed bag. The offense is scoring slightly fewer points, but doing so at a higher percentage from the field. Three point shooting is down percentage-wise, as is rebounding, but assists are up and this year’s team is making fewer turnovers per game. Free-throw shooting is down almost six percentage points from a year ago.

Defensively, Brown said, “The Rangers have been solid but the statistics don’t show it.”

The coach isn’t that big on statistics, anyway. He just wants individual players to consistently play up to their ability.

Two players – Freemyer and Glover, who have to step up and lead for the Rangers to succeed – are doing so. They are the only two players averaging double figures in scoring. Four players did it last season.

Freemyer is leading the team with a 17 points per game average, over two points better than last season. His size and strength (he’s the team’s second leading rebounder) and his ability to score inside or outside from anywhere on the court, plus his passing ability (which has him second on the team in assists), make it imperative that he stay on the court whenever possible. Fortunately, he has yet to miss a game in his Ranger career. He also gives the Rangers a weapon at the free throw line. He leads the team with a .750 mark from the charity stripe.

As the point guard, Glover has been given a lot of responsibility. He has responded by scoring at a 15.7 point clip, almost four points better than last year. He leads the team in assists with 39 and is averaging just over three-turnovers a game – very good for the team’s chief ball handler. He also leads the team in steals.

Northwestern Ranger Basketball

Remaining Men’s and Women’s 2013 Schedules DATE

Jan. 10

Jan. 12 Jan. 17 Jan. 19 Jan. 26 Jan. 31 Feb. 2 Feb. 7 Feb. 9 Feb. 14 Feb. 16 Feb. 21 Feb. 23 Feb. 28 Mar. 2

January 9, 2013 - Page 9

OPPONENT East Central* Southeastern Okla. State* at Ouachita Baptist* at Henderson State* Southwestern Okla. State* at Arkansas-Monticello* at Southern Arkansas* Harding* Arkansas Tech* at Southeastern Okla. State* at East Central* Ouachita Baptist* Henderson State* at Southwestern Okla. State* Southern Nazarene*

LOCATION ALVA ALVA Arkadelphia, Ark. Arkadelphia, Ark. ALVA Monticello, Ark. Magnolia, Ark. ALVA ALVA Durant.

Ada. ALVA ALVA Weatherford.

ALVA

TIME 5:30/7:30 2/4 5:30/7:30 2/4 2/4 5:30/7:30 2/4 5:30/7:30 2/4 5:30/7:30 2/4 5:30/7:30 2/4 5:30/7:30 2/4

*Great American Conference Game Women’s game time listed first, followed by the mens’ time.

Note: Because of Northwestern's provisional status, its basketball teams will not be eligible to participate in the post-season GAC Basketball Tournament

Brandon Wooley, who played a lot his sophomore season but red-shirted last season, has stepped into the other guard spot and is steadily improving his offense. He’s a good ball-handler and defender as well. What makes him even better as a defender is he doesn’t foul often. He only has 10 fouls in nine games.

Marshall Bell is already high on the Rangers career scoring list and he sits atop the school’s three-point shooters’ list. He was the starter at the beginning of the season, but now comes in as first off the bench to provide some spark offensively and to spell the Ranger guards who operate at a high energy pace.

He continues to lead the team in three pointers, but his percentage is down as he has slumped somewhat of late. However, he can still be counted on to provide some crowd excitement with his shooting. Coach Brown stressed that it will be important for Bell to have a good second half of the season.

Eze Akwari is a defender and ball handler who can do a lot of things, all with energy. What he hasn’t always done is look for his own shots. He’s taken just 38 shots in nine games because he sometimes passes up a good shot to find his teammates. Like Wooley, he doesn’t foul very much.

Bruce Wright is the final starter. A transfer from Northlake Junior College in Irving, Texas, Wright is in his first season with the Rangers. With his height, the junior provides a nice complement for Freemyer and leads the team in rebounding. However, he’s a good perimeter shooter who was recruited to hit shots away from the basket as well as inside the paint. He hasn’t lived up to Coach Brown’s expectations in that department, but Brown expects him to get better as he learns his role on the team.

If Bell is the first guard off the bench, Jesse Smith is the first forward off the bench. Almost as tall as Wright at 6’7”, the sophomore comes back and is much improved over last year. Strictly an inside player, Smith leads the team in field goal percentage, hitting over 56 percent of his shots. He should continue to improve and provides another front court complement, allowing Coach Brown to interchange bodies and keep his big men fresh.

Three freshmen who need it haven’t always gotten the playing time Brown would like to give them. When they have played, they have done some good things, although Brown said, “They have to make more progress.”

T’aries Taylor, who played at Northwest Classen in Oklahoma City, is actually a red-shirt freshman. He’s been doing some good things at guard. Getting less time at guard because of the depth there is Taylor’s 6’3” teammate Laakeem Henderson from Aldine High School outside of Houston. However, Brown noted that Henderson deserves more playing time – a possible indication that he may see more playing time in 2013.

Another highly touted freshman who was Henderson’s teammate at Aldine High School, is 6’4” Demarcus Sparks, who may get more playing time because the forward spot is not as deep.

All the young players will have to show improvement, however, if they want to see those additional minutes.

The Rangers are not yet playing at their peak, although they have had some good games already. As they work for that team identity that Brown wants to achieve, they should improve. However, the new league and its teams will be tough.

Just how much progress the Rangers can make in their climb up the conference standings remains a question mark at this time.

But one thing is clear. They have to start their climb by winning consistently at home.

Basketball 2012-2013

Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram

January 9, 2013 - Page 10

2012-13 ALVA GOLDBUGS! Pictured from the left are (front row, sitting) Kolby Slater, Dalton Manning, Josh Nichols, Ridge Hughbanks, Jeremiah Bozeman, Tevin Long, Dade Graham, Brandon Nesseralla, Conner Dimmick; (middle row, kneeling) Collin Fouts, Brandon Ellis, Lane Madsen, Jordan Flynt, Cade Pfleider, Ty Hooper, Riley Hess, Aaron Marquez, Cody Jones; (back row, standing) Assistant Coach Dustin Horn, Coach Paul Duncan, Riley Duncan, Daniel Haltom, Cody Forell, Trevor Johnson, Reygan Martin, Sean Pitt and assistant student coach Connor Martin.

Goldbugs deep, talented and raring to run deep into the playoffs

By Roger McKenzie Back for a second helping, Coach Paul Duncan, Assistant Coach Dustin Horn and the Alva Goldbug basketball team have started the season at 6-2 and ranked 12th by OK Rankings. Last year, in his first go-round as head coach, Duncan inherited a strong team. Even so, it was a surprise to most people – even Alva devotees – when the Goldbugs started the season with a 19-1 record.

They ended their year 22-4 in the Area Tournament’s second round. Along the way, the Goldbugs won the Okeene Invitational Tournament, their District Championship, and took home the runner-up trophy in the Area Tournament.

Lost from that team is its lone senior and hard-charging starter Kolby Dietz. Back, however, are 17 returnees to go along with six newcomers. With 23 players to choose from, including seven or eight who either started or saw significant playing time, Coach Duncan’s team is still very young. The mix includes just four seniors: Riley Duncan, Cody Forell, Daniel Haltom and Reygan Martin. Underclassmen predominate. There are nine juniors, five sophomores and five freshmen.

The depth is easy to see and talent runs up and down the roster. However,

the team got a late start thanks to football success that kept 13 of the Goldbugs on the football field and off the basketball court.

Blackwell didn’t have that problem.

The Maroons are a good team, especially at home, and they handed visiting Alva a setback in the first game of the season.

After a win over Oklahoma Bible Academy, the Goldbugs dropped their second game – a shocker against Woodward that came in the final minute and yielded a two-point win for the Boomers.

Since then Coach Duncan’s team has won five straight games, including a close two-point win over top-seeded Okarche to claim the championship of the KOFM Tournament in Enid. They ended that run with an impressive 52-36 win right before Christmas beak at Fairview, which is currently 6-2 and ranked one spot behind Alva.

The Goldbugs have some height, but not great height. One of their strengths is scoring in close in the paint on drives by the guards or passes in close to the forwards. Riley Hess (6’4”) and Cade Pfleider (6’3”), both juniors, start in the front court. Hess is a leaper who plays inside and outside and can power his way to the basket from wherever he is. Pfleider patrols closer to the basket.

Most of his scoring comes off layups and short jumpers. Both can control the boards with their rebounding.

Junior Lane Madsen (6’6”) and senior Daniel Haltom (6’2”) come in to provide relief in the paint. Madsen has been particularly effective in that role.

The team’s three starting guards have been sophomore Trevor Johnson and seniors Riley Duncan and Cody Forell, with junior Ty Hooper coming off the bench to provide an extra spark. All can handle the ball, but Johnson (5’8”) usually brings it down and sets things in motion. Last season, he and Hooper came off the bench to relieve Reygan Martin.

Martin, a 5’9” junior, was injured playing football and subsequently held out of the pre-Christmas basketball games. He is well now and provides Coach Duncan with the pleasant prospect of having two starting guards who are both quick, good shooters, ball handlers and passers. Martin will likely get the nod, but expect to see Johnson get a lot of playing time as well, with Hooper in a relief role.

“Adding Reygan will make us better,” said the coach.

Riley Duncan, the coach’s son, proSee Goldbugs Page 12

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Ladybugs

provides an offensive and defensive spark when she comes in.

Ritter is the tallest player on the team at 6’2”. With more confidence and experience, both she and Mapes (who is 6’0”) should push Shiever for playing time. This trio, along with senior Carrie Wallis (who has the most experience of the group), needs help the team improve its rebounding and scoring in the paint. Rebounding may be team’s biggest weakness, according to Smith.

“Rebounding is going to be a struggle,” he said. “We have to make a conscious effort to block out. “We’ve got to get something out of our post players every night.”

The fifth starter is one of three freshmen. Jaden Hobbs led her Alva Middle School teams to wins in all but one game of her two-year career. She’s picked up in high school where she left off. From the season’s start, she has been the team’s leading scorer, as well as sharing duties with Hadwiger as the team’s ball handlers.

Both Hobbs and Hadwiger aren’t real tall. Hobbs is 5’8” and Hadwiger is 5’5”. They compliment each other like Hofer and Theademan did last season. Both are quick and smart.

“Jaden is an unselfish player,” said Ladybug Coach Eric Smith, who is in his eighth season at the girls’ helm. “She plays basketball all year and puts a lot of work into it. She can shoot, pass, handle the ball and defend.”

Hobbs’ can hit threes, but also excels at getting to the basket where she can score or pass off. When Riley scored 22 against Fairview, Hobbs quietly filled up the basket with 24 points. If Hobbs has a weakness, it would be hard to find, but Smith did said he’d like to see her rebound more.

Hadwiger the senior and three-year starter, however, is the leader of the team.

“Jayna plays hard all the time and she never gets low,” said Smith.

She is very good at finding the open spot and slipping through it for a layup. But defense may be where she is most valuable. She never stops defending and frequently gets the call to defend the other team’s best guard.

Alva Ladybugs One of the team’s unsung and unselfish 2012-13 Basketball Roster players is senior Ri- No. Name Ht. Cl. ley Bryant. Smith de3 Bailey Forell 5’6” 10 scribed her as a good 10 Morgan Shiever 5’9” 10 leader.

5’6” 12 “Riley has given 11 Riley Bryant 5’6” 10 us good minutes and 12 Kally Gordon 5’8” 10 stepped up defensive- 15 Lora Riley ly,” he added.

20 Jayna Hadwiger 5’5” 12 Another element 22 Courtney Mapes 6’0” 11 that makes this team 23 Jaden Hobbs 5’8” 9 better is new assistant 24 Nicole Ritter 6’2” 10 coach Jarad Hada.

5’6” 9 “He has made me 25 Natalie Seevers 5’5” 12 a better coach,” Smith 32 Cheyenne Colvin 33 Carrie Wallis 5’9” 12 admitted.

Coming back from 34 Rozlynn Murrow 5’9” 9 the Christmas break, Coach: Eric Smith both coaches know Assistant Coach: Jerrad Hada the sixth-ranked (OK

Rankings) Ladybugs will no longer sneak up on the teams they will face, including Fairview, Tonkawa, Newkirk and Chisholm (who played within eight points of the Ladybugs earlier in the season without their best player).

Alva High School Smith said one Remaining 2013 concern he has is that Basketball Schedule the team may lose foJan. 10

W heat Capital Tourn. TBA cus against a team it is supposed to beat Jan. 11 Wheat Capital Tourn. TBA just because they Jan. 12 Wheat Capital Tourn. TBA are so young. Some- Jan. 15 Newkirk HS 6:30 times, the Ladybug Jan. 18 Cherokee 6:30 court presence will Jan. 22 Woodward HS 6:30 consist of four sophJan. 24 Okeene Invitational TBA omores and a freshJan. 25 Okeene Invitational

TBA man, he explained.

“We have a long Jan. 26 Okeene Invitational TBA way to go and a lot Jan. 29 Watonga HS 6:30 of things to get better Jan. 1 Chisholm 6:30 at,” he said.

Feb. 2 Tonkawa HS 6:30 Still, the present Feb. 5 Fairview 6:30 looks very bright and Feb. 8 Pioneer HS 6:30 the future (with another wave of talent Time listed is for girls’ game with coming next year) boys’ game to follow. could be even better.

Basketball 2012-2013

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Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram

Goldbugs

vides height at the guard position, making him difficult to match up with for opposing teams. At 6’3”, he drives to the basket like a quicker, smaller player, but at the bucket acts more like a forward.

He has stepped up his play from a year ago and is solid, although he will likely get more rest as Martin joins the guard rotation.

The other starting guard, Cody Forell, probably won’t be affected by the addition of Martin. That’s because Forell, a 6’0” senior, is the team leader, its best perimeter shooter, and a fierce defender who relishes shutting down the opposing team’s best player. Against Fairview, he opened the game with three treys and played a big defensive role.

When Forell is hot, opponents beware.

When he’s not, which isn’t very often, they still look out because of his defensive skills.

Because of the large number of players and the skill level of the starters, a lot of the Goldbugs are getting most of their playing time on the junior varsity

team. But there are some players who have seen significant playing time and have helped keep the Goldbugs rolling.

Juniors Brandon Ellis, along with sophomore Dalton Manning, have helped out in the front court, while junior Jordan Flynt has shown that he can light it up from beyond the arc.

The Goldbugs have a busy schedule ahead of them. They began 2013 by hosting Blackwell on Jan. 8 looking to avenge their earlier loss to the Maroons.

Then they are off to the Wheat Capital Tournament, starting on Thursday, Jan. 10.

“We had a good Christmas break with a couple of scrimmages,” said Coach Duncan. “We can’t wait to get back in the swing and see how good we can be by March.”

That enthusiasm is contagious. The rest of this season will certainly be exciting as the Goldbugs try to surpass last year’s success. It should be a fun ride as both the Alva boys and the girls provide some post-season thrills.

January 9, 2013 - Page 12

Alva Goldbugs

2012-13 Basketball Roster

No. Name Ht. Cl. 0 Aaron Marquez 5’9” 11 1 Josh Nichols 5’7” 9 3 Ty Hooper 5’11” 11 4 Dade Graham 5’9” 9 5 Trevor Johnson 5’8” 10 10 Riley Duncan 6’3” 12 11 Jordan Flynt 5’9” 11 12 Jeremiah Bozeman 5’8” 9 13 Riley Hess 6’4” 11 15 Tevin Long 5’9” 9 20 Lane Madsen 6’6” 11 22 Cody Forell 6’0” 12 23 Cody Jones 5’10” 11 24 Kolby Slater 5’10” 10 25 Connor Dimmick 5’10” 10 30 Daniel Haltom 6’2” 12 32 Dalton Manning 5’11” 10 33 Brandon Ellis 6’2” 11 34 Reygan Martin 5’9” 12 35 Cade Pfleider 6’3” 11 40 Brandon Nesseralla 6’1” 10 42 Ridge Hughbanks 5’10” 9 44 Collin Fouts 6’3” 11 Coach: Paul Duncan Assistant Coach: Dustin Horn Student Asst. Coach Connor Martin

Basketball 2012-2013

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Basketball 2012-2013

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AMS girls nearly unbeatable so far

By Roger McKenzie For the second year in a row, Alva Middle School (AMS) girls basketball coach Jaci Heaton has her teams flying high. Last year, the seventh-grade girls went undefeated and the eighth graders suffered only a loss to Fairview. This season, the seventh- and eighth-grade girls are on an almost identical track.

Between the two teams, the girls had just two losses at the Christmas break.

Fast and furious describes the play of the AMS girls. The seventh-grade team is larger in numbers, but both teams have plenty of players to allow Coach Heaton to keep them running, scoring and defending at high speeds.

Eighth-Grade Girls The eighth-grade girls who went undefeated last year as seventh graders got off to a 9-0 start, which included a 3-0 run and a championship at the Clinton Tournament to start the season. The championship game, however, was a nail-biting 31-30 win over Weatherford in which the final point See AMS

girls Page 14

2012-13 AMS EIGHTH-GRADE LADYBUGS! Pictured from the left are (front row) Emily Swenn, Daresa Moser, Ally Riley, Cathy Mapes, Shannon Nesseralla; (back row) Coach Jaci Heaton, Mattie Duncan, Lexie Shafer, Whitney Randall and Sabrina Hughbanks. Not pictured is Allison Seevers.

2012-13 AMS SEVENTH-GRADE LADYBUGS! Pictured from the left are (front row) Cassie Drew, RayRay Bell, Karlee Dietz, Maya Stewart, Shadi Nettles; (middle row) coach Jaci Heaton, Hannah Hall, Kaliegh Henke, Julie Owen, Hannah Kornele, MaKenna Tyree; (back row) Roslyn Davidson, Calli Duncan, Tatus Hughes, Camryn Wren and Carli Murrow.

Not pictured is Kristen Perks.

Basketball 2012-2013

From Page 12

Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram

AMS girls

was scored by Ally Riley on a free throw with less than a second to play.

None of their remaining games was that close until they played Chisholm. The visiting Lady Longhorns capitalized on a shooting drought by the Ladybugs to hand them a 3426 loss. It was the first-ever loss for the eighth-grade team members at the middle school level. The eight-point loss, far from deflating the girls, didn’t seem to faze them. They went on to defeat Woodward right before the Christmas break to complete that half of their season at 10-1.

Whitney Randall is the team’s leading scorer, with Jordan Shiever, Cathy Mapes, Allison Seevers, Sabrina Hughbanks, Mattie Duncan, Lexie Shafer and Riley all regularly contributing points. In addition to its speed, this team is tall – taller overall than the current high school team.

Shafer is the tallest player, but Duncan, Randall and Riley give the Ladybugs a formidable presence in the paint when Alva Middle School they aren’t hitting Ladybugs jumpers. The com2012-13 Basketball Roster bination of height and speed makes it very difficult for Eighth Grade teams to match up 2 Allison Seevers well with this team 11 Emily Swenn – offensively or de13 Shannon Nesserella fensively.

21 Daresa Moser Seventh-Grade 22 Cathy Mapes Girls 30 Whitney Randall The seventhgrade girls are al32 Sabrina Hughbanks most as fast, though 35 Mattie Duncan not nearly as tall as 40 Ally Riley their eighth-grade 42 Lexie Shafer counter-parts. They Seventh Grade No. Name 0 Shadi Nettles 1 Hannah Hall 3 RayRay Bell 4 Maya Stewart 5 Callie Duncan 10 Julie Owen 12 Tatum Hughes 14 Cassie Drew 15 Kaleigh Henke 20 Carly Murrow 24 Kristen Perks 33 Camryn Wren 35 MaKennah Tyree 41 Karlee Dietz 54 Hannah Kornele

Coach: Jaci Heaton

January 9, 2013 - Page 17

win with a swarming defense that creates turnovers and fast breaks.

A number of players have traded places while leading the scoring of the seventh graders. Camryn Wren and Carly Murrow have typically lead the way, but the team has a number of players (there are 16 players on the roster) who can all score and play defense.

It is not unusual to have seven or more players con-

tributing points. In addition to Wren and Murrow, Hannah Hall, Julie Owen, Karlee Dietz, Makennah Tyree and others have all contributed points in what is usually a defensive blowout. One game was an untypical slow day for the Ladybugs. Elk City limited the Ladybugs to 19 points to hand them their only loss after two wins at the Alva Middle School Clinton Tournament Goldbugs to start the season.

Remaining 2013 Since then, the Ladybugs have been Basketball Schedule tested only by Fair- Jan. 14 Ponca City 4:00 view, which lost to

4:00 Alva by five points, Jan. 17 Fairview th Jan. 21 7 Chisholm Festival TBA as the Alva girls rolled to a 10-1 re- Jan. 24 7th Chisholm Festival TBA cord at the break.

Jan. 26 7th Chisholm Festival TBA Right now the Jan. 28 8th AMS Festival TBA biggest competition Jan. 29 8th AMS Festival TBA seems for this team Jan. 31 8th AMS Festival TBA is the Alva eighthFeb. 4

Chisholm 4:00 grade team – as both Feb. 7 OBA 4:00 teams compete to avoid being handed Time listed is for girls’ game with a second loss. boys’ game to follow.

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2012-13 AMS EIGHTH-GRADE GOLDBUGS! Pictured from the left are (front row) Brooks Hadwiger, Ben Ryerson, Ethan Swanson, Zane Hilbig, Jaret Gavitt, Kennedy McKnight, Rafferty Brown; (back row) Coach Brandon Bookout, Hayden Colwell, Chase Jones, Ethan Harzman, Landen Stewart, Grant Ritter and Assistant Coach Jeff Levetzow. Not pictured are Justin Meyer and Colten Kraft.

AMS boys: more effort to finish out and win more consistently

By Roger McKenzie It’s been a tough season for the Alva Middle School (AMS) boys. The seventh and eighth grade boys have a new coach and just five wins between the two teams.

Coach Brandon Bookout is a familiar face, however, and both teams are working hard for him. The AMS football coach has replaced Garret Bebermeyer on the basketball court, but hasn’t managed to get results that are much different from last season. However, he’s working on the fundamentals and hoping to see improvement after the Goldbugs come back after the Christmas break.

The Goldbugs’ schedule called for an early game on Jan. 3 in Enid, then

one on Monday here. Their next game is not until Jan. 17 when they will host Fairview, one of the teams they have beaten.

Eighth Grade Boys At the Christmas break, the eighthgrade boys had a record of 2-9, with wins coming against Elk City and Fairview. They’ve also suffered losses by just two points to Blackwell and Chisholm, and they played Woodward close before losing by six points. With a little luck and just a little more effort, they could be 5-6.

Defensive lapses have hurt them. In both of their close losses, they held a lead late, but couldn’t hold it against increased defensive pressure.

The eighth graders play a faster

game than their younger counterparts.

Sharing the scoring load have been Ethan Harzman, Hayden Colwell, Grant Ritter and Ben Ryerson.

With continued focus on getting defensive stops and using the clock wisely, the eighth graders and their coach hope to add some more wins after the Christmas vacation.

Seventh Grade Boys The seventh-grade Goldbugs had played one fewer game and stood at 3-7 when the Christmas vacation arrived.

Like their older counterparts, the seventh graders are working hard.

Some of the players are participating in competitive basketball for the See AMS

boys Page 17

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From Page 12

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January 9, 2013 - Page 19

AMS boys

first time. Others have played before, but the level of competition has not been as good.

Seventh graders typically score less, especially at the beginning of they year.

The AMS young Goldbugs have shown heart and desire in pulling out wins over Fairview, Blackwell and Chisholm. The win over Blackwell was doubly satisfying because it reversed an earlier loss to the Maroons (by a single point) and because the Goldbugs scored a season high 32 points for the second time.

Most of their scoring has come by committee, but Thomas Beiswanger is their top scorer with multiple double figure games. Ethan Flynt has the top individual score in a game with 15 points against Clinton. Cade Madsen, Lane Scarbrough and Jacob Faulkner have also had good games scoring.

Wyatt Radford has impressed with his blocking ability.

Coach Bookout is hoping the seventh graders come back from the Christmas break recharged and raring to go get some more wins.

Alva Middle School Goldbugs 2012-13 Basketball Roster

No. 11 12 13 14 15 20 21 22 23 24 33 35 42 45

Eighth Grade Name Rafferty Brown Ben Ryerson Grant Ritter Justin Meyer Zane Hilbig Ethan Harzman Hayden Colwell Landen Stewart Brooks Hadwiger Kennedy McKnight Jaret Gavitt Chase Jones Ethan Swanson Colten Kraft

No. 0 1 2 3 4 5 10 30 31 32 34 35 41 43 50

Seventh Grade Name Jacob Faulkner Davion Murrow Zeth Warren TW Beiswanger Brayden Thomas Drake Lewis Ethan Flynt Caleb Chapman David Zeller Taylor Nichols Lane Scarbrough Blake Meiser Cade Madsen Darian Smith Wyatt Radford

Coach: Brandon Bookout Assistant Coach: Jeff Levetzow

2012-13 AMS SEVENTH-GRADE GOLDBUGS! Pictured from the left are (front row) Drale Lewis, Brayden Thomas, TW Beiswanger, Taylor Nichols, Davion Murrow, Zeth Warren, Jacob Faulkner; (back row) Coach Brandon Bookout, Lane Scarbrough, Blake Meiser, Caleb Champman, Wyatt Radford, Darian Smith, David Zeller, Cade Madsen and Assistant Coach Jeff Levetzow. Not pictured is Ethan Flynt.

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2012-13 ALINE-CLEO LADY COUGARS! Pictured from the left are (front row) Chelsea Moore, Willow Gahr, Kara Hamen, Lori Miller, Ariel Raver, Tarryn Davidson, Lorrin Bromlow; (back row) Coach Dani Wood, Jaden Liebsch, Capri Gahr, Ashlee Beckwith, Morgan Gregory and Shycotta Tomlinson.

Lady Cougars struggling, but moving in the right direction

By Roger McKenzie Aline-Cleo’s Lady Cougars return four players, including two starters, from last year’s squad. But they are basically starting over, with a new coach for the second time in as many years and some player turnover after a disappointing 0-12 start going into the Christmas break.

New coach Dani Wood has five years of coaching experience, but any time you start over, things are going to be tough.

“I’ve had to move players around which has taken some getting used to,” Wood said. “The girls are working hard, adjusting to a new coach and a new style of play.”

Senior guard Willow Gahr provides the leadership for the Lady Cougars. She and sophomore Ashlee Beckwith are the returning starters and have been doing most of the heavy lifting. Gahr is an aggressive ball-handler and scorer who hustles all the time. Beckwith has greatly

improved her shooting rebounding.

Lori Miller, a returning senior, and junior Chelsea Moore also provide some experience and leadership for the three freshmen and two sophomores on the team for the first time. Moore has blossomed into an excellent defender, Wood said.

The coach said her team needs improvement “across the board,” including basic basketball skills.

The Class B Lady Cougars have a lot to contend with anyway because as members of the Orient Conference they face some tough competition, including contenders Burlington, Timberlake, Mooreland and Cherokee.

In their favor is their aggressiveness and work ethic.

“I see us moving in the right direction,” said Wood.

That’s good news for team that is struggling to find some.

Aline-Cleo Lady Cougars 2012-13 Basketball Roster

No. Name Ht. 3 Capri Gahr 5’7” 5 Ariel Raner 5’4” 10 Ashlee Beckwith 5’10” 11 Kara Hamen 5’4” 13 Williow Gahr 5’7” 14 Tarryn Davidson 5’5” 15 Lorrin Bromlow 5’3” 20 Chelsea Moore 5’1” 25 Morgan Gregory 5’6” 35 Shycotta Tomlinson 5’5” 45 Lori Miller 5’5” 55 Jaden Liebsch 5’6” Coach: Dani Wood

Cl. 9 9 10 9 12 9 10 11 9 10 12 9

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January 9, 2013 - Page 21

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January 9, 2013 - Page 22

2012-13 ALINE-CLEO COUGARS! Pictured from the left are (front row) Kristopher Robinson, Tanner Swinney, Justin Dobbs, Cordell Eastman, Jerry Vaag, JD Doty; (back row) Kevin Cosper, Dustin Jackson, Nathan Dobbs, Kevin Wallace, Daniel Lesta, Davon Stokes and Coach Aaron Swartz.

Cougar boys inexperienced, with a new coach, but playing hard

By Roger McKenzie Just like the girls at Aline-Cleo, the school’s boys’ basketball team is undergoing change – learning from a new coach for the second time in two years.

The Cougars have more numbers and more wins, however, to help them cope a little better than the girls.

Even with that help, Coach Aaron Swart doesn’t have what Dani Wood has on the girls’ side – experience. He is in his first year of coaching.

Last year, the Cougars had just seven players. Five of those players return, including two starters. But the Cougars have also added eight newcomers – five freshmen, two sophomores and a junior.

That at least gives Coach Swart more bodies to practice and play with – and more choices about who starts.

He’s building his team around three returning starters. Nathan Dobbs is the elder statesman, the team’s lone senior and its second tallest player at 6’2”.

He’ll be asked to supply leadership as

well as points and rebounding.

The other two starters were just freshmen last season. Davon Stokes (5’11”) and Justin Dobbs (5’9”) will help be the foundation. The other building blocks will come from another returnee and five new players who are expected to join with the starters in various combinations.

The returnee is Kevin Wallace, the tallest player on the team at 6’4” and a sophomore. The newbies are Daniel Lesta, a 5’11” junior, and four freshmen: Kristopher Robinson, Tanner Swinney, Dustin Jackson and Jerry Vaag.

Still learning, the Cougars went into the Christmas break with a 2-10 record, with the wins coming over Freedom and Waynoka. They have their work cut out for them because they compete with the likes of Mooreland, Cherokee and Burlington in the Orient Conference.

“We’re a young, hard working team,” said Coach Swart. “We play hard.”

If the Cougars can keep their coach

and their new players, that hard work should pay off with an even better record than they end up with this season.

Aline-Cleo Cougars

2012-13 Basketball Roster No. Name Ht. 3 Kris Robinson 5’6” 4 Justin Dobbs 5’7” 5 Tanner Swinney 5’6” 10 Cordell Eastman 5’7” 11 Davon Stokes 5’10” 12 Daniel Lesta 5’10” 14 Jerry Vaag 5’7” 15 Nathan Dobbs 6’2” 23 Dustin Jackson 5’11” 35 Kevin Cosper 5’9” 45 J.D. Doty 5’4” 55 Kevin Wallace 6’3” Coach: Barry Nault

Cl. 9 10 9 10 10 11 9 12 9 10 10 10

Basketball 2012-2013

Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram

Aline-Cleo High School

Remaining 2013 Basketball Schedule

Jan. 10 Jan. 11 Jan. 12 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 28 Jan. 29 Jan. 31 Feb. 7 Feb. 8 Feb. 9

Cherokee Tourn.

Cherokee Tourn.

Cherokee Tourn.

Mooreland Ringwood Cherokee Waynoka Sharon Mutual Geary Districts Districts Districts

TBA TBA TBA 6:30 6:30 6:30 6:30 6:30 6:30 TBA TBA TBA

Time listed is for girls’ game with boys’ game to follow.

January 9, 2013 - Page 23

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2012-13 BURLINGTON LADY ELKS! Pictured from the left are (front row) Allysson Stewart, Sarah Garvie, Tiffany Rieger, Julia Ferrell, Katelyn Garvie, Jessica Ferrell; (back row) Sadie Vore, Makayla Nall, Savanna Nall, Abbie Newman, Heather Armbruster and Tabitha James.

Rieger and Garvie sisters should lead Lady Elks on deep playoff run

By Roger McKenzie Unlike their counterparts on the boys side, the Burlington Lady Elks have numbers. Twelve young ladies, including all six of last season’s lettermen return. That team went 21-11 for coach Kirsten Pruett and reached the Area consolation finals. Pruett, in her 10th season at Burlington and eighth as a coach, is preparing her team for another, hopefully deeper, playoff run.

She has compiled an 85-105 record and is rapidly approaching her 100th win.

Only three of the 12 Lady Elks are seniors, but it’s a very good group that Coach Pruett said is providing good senior leadership. Two of the seniors are returning starters. That trio is headed up by Tiffany Rieger, a short (5’4”) dynamo of a guard who continues to set school scoring records with each bas-

ket she makes. And she makes plenty.

In an early season win over top-ranked Lomega, she needed three overtimes to do it, but she made 57 points to lead the Lady Elks to a 111-103 victory.

Rieger can drive to the basket, shoot from all over the court, pass to an open teammate – and rebound. She is averaging 23 points, but also pulls down seven rebounds a game. But as good as Rieger is, the Lady Elks are definitely not a one-girl team.

The other two returning starters are Katelyn Garvie and Heather Armbruster. Garvie, a senior, is the team’s second leading scorer, averaging 17 points and five rebounds a game. Armbruster. a junior, is a defensive leader.

A senior, junior, sophomore and freshman provide key support and fill out the other two starting spots. Sarah

Garvie is just a freshman, but she has become a third go-to scorer for the Lady Elks. Sophomore Sarah Nall is experienced and works hard.

Supporting the starters and seeing lots of playing time are Jessica Ferrell, a senior who is new to the team, and Makayla Nall, a junior.

Two juniors, three sophomore, and four freshmen join the seniors, giving the Lady Elks youth to go along with their senior leadership – boding well for the future.

The sixth-ranked Burlington girls went to the Christmas break with a sparkling 11-1 record, including their third championship in three seasons at the Northwestern Prep Classic. Their only loss came in a rematch of that See Lady

Elks Page 27

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2012-13 BURLINGTON ELKS! Pictured from the left are Tyler Flackman, Carter Stewart, Brandon Gosselin, Kyle Ellerback, Lane Newlin, Daniel Ross and Reno Talbott.

Despite big losses, low numbers, Elks on a roll to playoffs

By Roger McKenzie How do you replace the loss of an All-State player (Garrett Butler) who set school scoring records for boys?

And two supporting players who were All-Conference (Keith Ellerbeck) and Honorable Mention All-Conference (Stetson Vore)?

That was the task facing Burling-

Burlington High School Remaining 2013 Basketball Schedule

Jan. 10 Jan. 11 Jan. 12 Jan. 14 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 24 Jan. 25 Jan. 26 Feb. 1 Feb. 5

Cherokee Tourn.

TBA Cherokee Tourn.

TBA Cherokee Tourn.

TBA DCLA 6:30 Ringwood 6:30 Medford 6:30 Cherokee Strip Tourn. TBA Cherokee Strip Tourn. TBA Cherokee Strip Tourn. TBA Timberlake 6:30 Mooreland 6:30

Time listed is for girls’ game with boys’ game to follow.

ton’s veteran boys coach Randy Turney.

You would think entering his 16th season at the small Class B school would be a big challenge under those conditions. But Turney has made Burlington an exception to most small schools, turning it into a basketball factory of sorts.

Turney and his players have compiled a 321-110 record. That is impressive enough, but in his 34 years of coaching (both boys and girls) his record of wins is more than twice that – 760 against just 282 losses. Last year’s 27-3 team seemed destined to reach the state finals, but it was surprised in the state quarterfinals.

So how are the Burlington boys coping? They aren’t. With a few minor bumps, they are cruising, taking a 9-3 record into the Christmas break and a number 10 ranking. They, too, are headed to the playoffs.

They are doing it because the stream of talent continues to flow strong. Despite the fact that Burlington has just seven players, all are returning lettermen, including starters Brandon Gosselin, Lane Newlin and Carter Stewart.

All three are back on track and have the

Elks running smoothly.

Gosselin, a 6’2” senior, is the big man on the team and its big rebounder.

He’s also averaging six points a game.

Newlin went out in early January last season with an injury, but he’s back as a senior and is the team’s leading scorer, averaging nine points a game. Stewart, the team’s lone junior, replaced Newlin after his injury last season and became a veteran, starting the last 15 games.

This season he and Newlin are on the court together.

See Elks Page 30

Burlington Elks

2012-13 Basketball Roster No. Name Ht. 11 Reno Talbott 5’5” 15 Daniel Ross 5’9” 22 Carter Stewart 6’0” 30 Kyle Ellerback 6’2” 31 Tyler Flackman 5’8” 32 Lane Newlin 6’1” 40 Brandon Gosselin 6’2” Coach: Randy Turney

Cl. 10 10 11 10 12 12 12

Basketball 2012-2013

From Page 24

Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram

Lady Elks

championship game when the Lady Elks went to South Barber and fell to the Lady Chieftains by two points.

Now that the second half of their season is here, Coach Pruett said, “We are looking forward to a good year with this group. We have good senior leadership and two explosive senior guards. And we’ve improved out defense.”

That’s good news for Burlington fans, but bad news for their upcoming opponents.

Burlington Lady Elks

2012-13 Basketball Roster No. Name Ht. 10 Heather Armbruster 5’6” 11 Julia Ferrell 5’0” 12 Sadie Vore 5’6” 21 Savanna Nall 5’7” 22 Sarah Garvie 5’5” 23 Jessica Ferrell 5’4” 24 Tiffany Rieger 5’4” 25 Makayla Nall 5’8” 30 Tabitha James 5’7” 32 Katelyn Garvie 5’5” 33 Abbie Newman 5’7” 34 Alysson Stewart 5’2” Coach: Kirsten Pruett

From Page 26

Cl. 11 9 10 10 9 12 12 11 10 12 9 9

Elks

Supporting them are another senior, Tyler Flackman, and three sophomores: Kyle Ellerbeck, Reno Talbott and Daniel Ross. With only seven players, it is essential that all of them contribute to the team’s success.

That success is built on the leadership of the seniors, experience and hard work. That formula has helped Burlington’s boys win 97 games over the last four seasons, including two trips to the state tournament.

The Elks’ only blemishes have come against unbeaten Drummond twice, including in the championship game of the Northwestern Prep Classic, and a three-point loss to Cherokee.

Coach Turney would like to see his team improve its shooting and cut down on turnovers. Foul trouble could be a problem in the playoffs, but one thing is certain – that’s where the Elks are headed.

January 9, 2013 - Page 27

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2012-13 CHEROKEE LADY CHIEFS! Pictured from the left after getting the third place trophy at the Northwestern Prep Classic are (back row) Coach Margo Hamilton, Mollie Hawkins, Ashlee Wright, Katie Schanbacher, Jessica Unruh, Nicole Unruh, Brianna Wilhite, Savanna Eshleman, Macy Starks, Assistant Coach Stephanie Hines and transfer Morgan Gregrory. In the front are an unidentified manager and manager Jacey Jantzen (at right).

Small numbers, youth, big losses will be hard to overcome for Lady Chiefs

By Roger McKenzie Margo Hamilton is entering her second season as head coach of the Cherokee Lady Chiefs and loving it just as much as ever. But she and assistant coach Stephanie Hines face a much tougher road this season with small numbers and a big void to fill with mostly young players.

Gone from last year’s 17-9 regional play-off team are Carli Richmond, Katelyn Roberts and Taylor Highfill. Richmond led the team in just about every category last season and Roberts and Highfill combined to average 12 points, six rebounds, and four assists. The departure of this trio leaves a big hole to fill.

Filling it will be seven returnees and one freshman. Eight bodies is not a lot, but Hamilton isn’t complaining. She plans to use them all.

Two starters return. Jessica Unruh, a 5’9” senior, can play both guard and forward. She is a good rebounder, is smart and can score. Mollie Hawkins is the other returning starter – a quick 5’4” junior guard who runs the offense, scores a lot and is a very good defender.

Joining them will be a sophomore.

Unruh’s sister, Nicole Unruh, is the team’s tallest player at 5’11, She can play in the backcourt, but her height lets her go down low in the paint as well. She can score and rebound.

Junior Brianna Wilhite and sophomore Ashley Wright can fill out the backcourt with Hawkins or, as needed, sophomore Katie Schanbacher or junior Macy Starks (both 5’9”) can spell the Unruh sisters or make it a threesome in the paint.

One thing is clear, everyone will get lots of playing time, including the team’s lone freshman, Savanna Eshleman.

Going into the Christmas break, the Lady Chiefs were 4-4 on the season. But a pair of their losses came against highpowered and sixth-ranked (Class B) Burlington’s Lady Elks.

A member of the Orient and Cherokee Strip conferences, the Cherokee ladies have to battle four big powerhouses – Timberlake, Lomega, Burlington and DCLA. It’s a tough road and not for the faint-hearted.

The Lady Chiefs are definitely not faint-hearted, but their numbers and youth are obstacles that Coach Hamilton

is trying to get them to overcome.

“We are a very young team, but we are getting better every practice,” she said. “We have good size and we play hard. We are in the process of building scorers and understanding each others’ role as a player.”

It is too much to expect this year’s team to perform as well as last year’s team did. But they are young and should be better and more experienced next season.

Cherokee Lady Chiefs

2012-13 Basketball Roster No. Name Ht. Cl. 10 Mollie Hawkins 5’3” 11 11 Ashlee Wright 5’3” 10 15 Brianna Wilhite 5’5” 11 22 Savanna Eshleman 5’7” 9 24 Katie Schanbacher 5’9” 10 25 Macy Starks 5’9” 11 33 Jessica Unruh 5’9” 12 34 Nicole Unruh 5’10” 10 Coach: Margo Hamilton

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Basketball 2012-2013

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2012-13 CHEROKEE CHIEFS! Pictured from the left are (front row) seniors Josh Argraves, Grant DeWitt, Landon Schanbacher, Dereck McKinnon, and Austin Huckabee; (middle row) Coach Matt Guffy, Cole DeWitt, Trey Salinas, Hunter Jordan, Alex Castro, Tanner Bowman, Brandon Kreiman, Connor Hester, Assistant Coach Austin Hawkins; (back row) Tim James, Chris Klick, Avery Bagenstos, Ezekiel Cloyd, Braden Waugh, Evan Kingcade, Austin Guffy and Jadon Hicks.

Chiefs set to make a big improvement this season

By Roger McKenzie Twelve returning lettermen and four returning starters have Cherokee coach Matt Guffy excited about his Cherokee Chiefs prospects this season. He excitement has been justified because the Chiefs compiled a 6-2 record before the Christmas break. They will definitely be a fun team to watch.

Guffy is entering his fourth year guiding the Chiefs. He has compiled a 31-43 record, including a 12-12 mark last season. Austin Hawkins is his assistant coach.

This year, the Chiefs opened the season with wins over Medford and Freedom before winning their first game at the Northwestern Prep Classic Basketball Tournament in early December in Alva over South Central.

Then they lost two tournament games, including a three-point loss (46-49) to unbeaten and ninth-ranked (Class A) Drummond, the eventual tourney winner. That narrow loss is just as impressive as any of their wins.

Guffy’s team finished up its schedule before the Christmas break by winning its next three games. After

coming back, they headed off to three straight road games with a lot of momentum and expectation. The trio of games (which began at our press time for this edition) ended at Ringwood on Jan. 8. They will get to show off before their home folks on Jan. 10-12 as hosts of the Cherokee Tournament. When they do, their winning streak could be as high as six games.

Austin Hawkins and Evan Bagenstos and their combined 16 points and eight rebounds will be missed from last year’s team, but a strong nucleus comes back including the four senior returning starters Grant DeWitt, Derek McKinnon, Austin Huckabee and Josh Argraves. That big four is the basis for Cherokee’s success. DeWitt (6’2”, forward) leads the team in scoring, including two games of 26 points. McKinnon (6’0”, guard) is the number two scorer.

Huckabee (5’8” guard), who was injured last season and only played in one game, has come back strong. Argraves (5’9” guard) was a big scorer See Chiefs Page 33

Cherokee Chiefs

2012-13 Basketball Roster No. Name Ht. Cl. 5 Landon Schanbacher 6’1” 12 10 Austin Guffy 5’7” 9 11 Jadon Hicks 5’3” 9 13 Josh Argraves 5’9” 12 15 Cole DeWitt 6’2” 12 20 Tanner Bowman 5’9” 10 21 Grant DeWitt 6’2” 12 22 Braden Waugh 5’10” 10 23 Avery Bagenstos 5’10” 9 24 Alex Castro 6’0” 11 30 Tim James 5’11” 11 31 Austin Huckabee 5’8” 12 32 Connor Hester 5’7” 10 33 Nick Cochran 5’11” 9 34 Chris Klick 6’2” 11 35 Derek McKinnon 6’0” 12 41 Trey Salinas 6’1” 10 42 Ezekiel Cloyd 5’10” 9 50 Hunter Jordan 5’11” 9 55 Brandon Kreiman 5’11” 11 Coach: Matt Guffy

Basketball 2012-2013

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Chiefs

last season at almost 10 points a game and is scoring important points.

Other important contributors have been the team’s other senior Landon Schanbacher, junior Alex Castro, sophomores Tanner Bowman (injured last season) and Braden Waugh, and freshmen Austin Guffy, Avery Bagenstos and Cole DeWitt.

“We have a veteran group returning who understands the game very well,” said Coach Guffy. “These are unselfish young men who will do what it takes to win. But we also have a young bench that continues to grow and develop as the season goes by. We are very excited about this season.”

The Chiefs are athletic, smart and are building team chemistry, but they have some work to do.

“We have to continue to improve defensively and limit our mistakes,” Coach Guffy said. “Our goal is to make progress every day.”

The Class A Chiefs are members of both the Orient and the Cherokee Strip conferences and have to be considered one of the favorites in each. At the Christmas break, the Chiefs were unblemished in both.

Cherokee High School Remaining 2013 Basketball Schedule

Jan. 10 Jan. 11 Jan. 12 Jan. 14 Jan. 16 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 24 Jan. 25 Jan. 26 Jan. 29 Jan. 31 Feb. 8 Feb. 9 Feb. 14 Feb. 15 Feb. 16 Feb. 21 Feb. 22 Feb. 23 Feb. 28 Mar. 1 Mar. 2 Mar. 4 Mar. 5 Mar. 6

Cherokee Tourn.

TBA Cherokee Tourn.

TBA Cherokee Tourn.

TBA Pond-Creek Hunter 6:30 Waynoka 12:00 Alva--Homecoming 6:30 Aline-Cleo 6:30 Cherokee Strip Tourn. 6:30 Cherokee Strip Tourn. 6:30 Cherokee Strip Tourn. 6:30 Kremlin 6:30 Deer-Creek Lamont 6:30 Districts TBA Districts TBA Regionals TBA Regionals TBA Regionals TBA Area TBA Area TBA Area TBA State TBA State TBA State TBA State Tourn.

OKC State Tourn.

OKC State Tourn.

OKC

Time listed is for girls’ game with boys’ game to follow.

January 9, 2013 - Page 33

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Young Lady Eagles are playing well

By Roger McKenzie It’s always hard at a small school to keep a team intact. That’s the case at Freedom High School. Coach Ryan Penner knows what it is like to be coaching what sometimes seems like a whole new team every year. He’s back for his second go-round at the small town in the northwest corner of Woods County and coaching both the girls and the boys.

Fortunately, on both accounts, his teams have returning players to build around. For the Lady Eagles, four returning starters have made things a little bit easier for the coach.

One of them is a four-year leader who scores, rebounds and gets to the charity stripe frequently. When she does, she usually makes the shot. Rebecca Eden, at 5’8”, is also the tallest player on the team. She is averaging about 12 points and 10 rebounds a game.

Eden is surrounded by three sophomores and a couple of freshmen who share time. Makenna Nixon, Emma Reed and Victoria Mullins are the sophomores. All got to start last season. Nixon is a good scorer, averaging 10 points and pulling down eight rebounds. Reed can score, but contributes more with her defense and rebounding. Mullins is averaging close to double digits as a scorer and she’s contributing about four rebounds a game.

There are four freshmen new to the team, a very good sign if they keep playing. Of course, as freshmen, Brice Barke, Tiffany Weber, JoAnna Smith and Mariah Luddington are still learning. The two who see the most court time are Barke and Weber.

Go Lady Eagles Go!

2012-13 FREEDOM LADY EAGLES! Pictured from the left are (front row) Tiffany Weber, Brice Barke, Mariah Luddington, JoAnna Smith; (back row) Victoria Mullins, Emma Reed, Rebecca Eden, Mckenna Nixon and Head Coach Ryan Penner.

The Lady Eagles are improving. Going into the Christmas break they were 6-5, impressive for such a small school.

The starting five are providing a nice offensive effort. Part of that is being patient while looking for the right shot.

Another part of their success has been patience and persistence on defense.

“This is a senior-led team that is very young, but also hardworking, said Penner. “They have been playing very

Freedom Lady Eagles

2012-13 Basketball Roster No. Name Ht. 00 Brice Barke 5’4” 10 JoAnna Smith 5’2” 11 Tiffany Weber 5’2” 12 Rebecca Eden 5’8” 13 Emma Reed 5’6” 14 Victoria Mullins 5’5” 15 Mckenna Nixon 5’7” 22 Mariah Luddington 5’3” Coach: Ryan Penner

Cl. 9 9 9 12 10 10 10 9

well, spreading the ball around and finding the open player.”

Two things they do need to work on, the coach noted, are their rebounding and turnovers.

The Lady Eagles are back and playing and will head with the boys to the Fargo Tournament on Jan. 10.

Freedom High School Remaining 2013 Basketball Schedule

Jan. 10 Jan. 11 Jan. 12 Jan. 21 Jan. 25 Jan. 29 Jan. 31 Feb. 1

Fargo Tournament Fargo Tournament Fargo Tournament Sharon Mutual Keyes Homecoming Fort Supply Waynoka Hardesty

TBA TBA TBA 6:30 5:00 6:30 6:30 5:00

Time listed is for girls’ game with boys’ game to follow.

Basketball 2012-2013

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Reasons for Aerial Photography Real Estate Projects Site Views Applications Include: Property Development Property Surveying Brochures Planning applications Boundary disputes Insurance claims Site Development Realtors Websites Brochures - Tourism Property Maintenance

January 9, 2013 - Page 35

800-526-1087 - Lynn Martin Photography

Roof Inspections Business and Leisure Promotion

Boundary Disputes Crime scene

Hotels Shopping Centers Pubs Factories Garden Centers Golf Courses

Environmental Monitoring

Road Transport Erosion News Agencies Event Photography

Route Risk Assessment Accident Prone Areas Legal: Photographic Evidence Agricultural Structural Failures Accident investigation Subsidy applications Agricultural Shows

Festivals Outdoor events and Shows Corporate events Sporting Events Conservation Monitoring Land purchase Road design and junction planning Grant applications Architectural consultation Historical archives Archaeology Progress Recording Site Appraisal

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Small in numbers, the Freedom Eagles play hard, work hard

By Roger McKenzie Freedom is a very small school. It is hard for small schools to keep coaches, but Freedom Coach Ryan Penner returns for a second year to coach the boys’ (and girls’) basketball team. That continuity is important.

Penner still has to cope with low numbers. There were just seven boys on the squad, but a newcomer has arrived to give him eight. Fortunately, five players return from last season. And a small squad means that most or all of them started at one point or another. That’s another form of continuity that will help the Eagles.

But it will be hard to replace the anchor they lost to graduation. Matthew Smith was a four-year player who provided an average of 15 points and 12 rebounds a game.

He is being replaced by a solid player who arrived last year and is making an impact. Anthony (Tony) Saitta, a 5’11” junior, has become the go-to player for the Eagles. He leads the team in scoring, can drive the basket and plays defense.

Saitta is averaging about 14 points and 10 rebounds a game.

The other starters are capable of stepping up as well. Rhett and Connor Mullins can handle the ball in the back court.

They are combining for about 10 points and a dozen rebounds per game.

At 6’1”, Marcus Heald is an enforcer in the paint. His strength is rebounding.

Jarrett Stahlman is the final starter.

Five won’t go long on the court, so Coach Penner will have to turn to two

Fly Eagles Fly!

2012-13 FREEDOM EAGLES! Pictured from the left are front row) Rhett Mullins, Connor Mullins, Tony Saitta, Jerrett Stahlman; (back row) Henry Yeh, Daniel Dombrowski, Marcus Heald and Head Coach Ryan Penner. Not pictured is newly arrived Tye Wilcox. foreign exchange students and the newcomer. Henry Yeh and Daniel Dombrowski are the visiting students. Yeh showed he could play in the Northwestern Prep Classic. Dombrowski has something Penner can’t teach. He’s 6’3”, making him the tallest player on the team.

A newcomer, Tye Wilcox, did not play at the Prep Classic. Wilcox wants to learn, however.

The Eagles were 2-9 heading into the Christmas break. They started playing again this week and will be heading to the Fargo Tournament on Jan. 10 hoping to get more wins.

“This is a hardworking team,” said Coach Penner. “They always play hard.

They are learning quickly.”

He described his team as undersized

but quick, with some players who have offensive skills. He said the Eagles need to work on closing out games, improving their shooting percentages and being tougher on the boards.

Freedom Eagles

2012-13 Basketball Roster No. Name Ht. Cl. 11 Jarrett Stahlman 5’7” 10 12 Marcus Heald 6’1” 10 14 Rhett Mullins 5’7” 11 20 Tony Saitta 5’11” 11 21 Connor Mullins 5’8” 11 23 Henry Yeh 6’0” 11 25 Daniel Dombrowski 6’3” 12 Coach: Ryan Penner

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January 9, 2013 - Page 37

Basketball 2012-2013

Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram

2012-13 MEDICINE LODGE LADY INDIANS! Pictured from the left are (front row) Mallory Shinliver, Kendra Inslee, Taylor Stull, Sarah Eck, Lauren Klaeger; (back row) Assistant coach Kami Dahlberg, Molly Miller, Addie Roe, Cassidy Stimpert, Jane Jones, Alex Leis, Kamri Theis and Coach Lowell Dohrmann.

Lady Indians are young and facing tough times

By Roger McKenzie It’s been a rough start for the young 2A Medicine Lodge Lady Indians this season, which is a little unusual for Lowell Dohrmann. The veteran coach, in his 32nd year of coaching and 14th at Medicine Lodge, has a coaching record of 141-144.

Despite going 0-7 at the Christmas break, Coach Dohrmann, has a lot to work with. Twenty-two Lady Indians are on this year’s roster, but only two starters, including five lettermen, return, so this year’s group is young and inexperienced. The squad has four seniors, four juniors, seven sophomores and seven freshmen.

Playing in Kansas’ tough Central Plains League doesn’t help, but it gives Coach Dohrmann and his assistant coach Kami Kahlberg opportunities to pass

along some important basketball lessons to the Lady Indians as they gain experience playing in a strong conference. The team can look forward to a better season next year because of it.

Not that Coach Dohrmann is giving up on this season. Far from it. He has returning starters Addie Roe and Cassidy Simpert, both seniors, back from last season’s 7-14 team. Also returning are lettermen Sara Eck, a junior, and sophomores Kamri Theis and Mallory Shinliver.

Hopefully, with this foundation and some of the new players stepping up, the season will begin to look more normal.

Medicine Lodge is back from the break and busy. The Lady Indians are being pushed to improve and should put something into the victory column before the season is over.

January 9, 2013 - Page 38

Medicine Lodge Lady Indians

2012-13 Basketball Roster No. Name Ht. Cl. 0 Lauren Klaeger 5’4” 9 1 Sarah Eck 5’4” 11 2 Taylor Stull 5’6” 10 3 Sierra Brees 5’5” 9 4 Mariah Henke 5’7” 9 5 Hannah Hardin 5’7” 10 10 Kendra Inslee 5’6” 10 11 Alex Leis 5’7” 9 13 Sierra Cargill 5’6” 9 14 Megan Dunn 5’6” 11 15 Mallory Shinliver 5’7” 10 20 Malia Clouse 5’6” 9 21 Cassidy Stimpert 5’10” 12 22 Addie Roe 5’6” 12 24 Hannah Rankin 5’10” 11 25 Delfina Pademe 5’6” 12 30 Molly Miller 5’7” 10 31 Jane Jones 5’9” 9 33 Kamri Theis 5’7” 10 34 Layne Liebst 5’7” 10 43 Crystal Peitz 5’6” 10 Coach: Lowell Dohmann Assistant Coach: Kami Dahlberg

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Basketball 2012-2013

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2012-13 MEDICINE LODGE INDIANS! Pictured from the left are (front row) Nathan Leibham, Logan Bertholf, Scott Beecher, Bryant Wornkey, Joel Clarke, Caleb Richert; (back row) Coach Paul Totty, Lakin Liebst, Kyle Lynch, Joost Harmsen, Scott Angell, Dane Hrencher, Tyler Small and Assistant coach Josh Ybarra.

Indians rebuilding steadily after big graduation losses

By Roger McKenzie A big first season last year for Medicine Lodge boys’ coach Paul Totty was great, but all five starters graduated, making for a slow start this season as the replacements make progress.

Last season, the then-new coach, guided a senior-driven and talent-laden Indian team to a 16-4 year and a third-place finish in the tough Central Plains League. But the team lost Brian Hellman, a 6’5” All-League first team selection and a third team All-State member; Zach Larkin, a 6’4” second team All-League pick; and two Honorable Mention All-League picks – Kevin Shinliver and Matt Hargett. Also graduated were Dakota Fischer, Drew Ehresman, Jake Beecher and Sheldon Hart.

Totty has had to become an architect as well as coach, building a new starting five. He has some good building blocks to do it.

Scott Beecher, a 5’9” junior, has

stepped into the point guard role.

“Scotty’s good ball-handling skills and smarts will give us leadership on the floor,” said Totty.

Dane Hrencher, a 6’2” junior, is the new shooting guard. Bryant Womkey fills out the backcourt. Though he’s a senior, he is new to the team.

The front court is in good hands with still another junior, the hard to defend, 6’9” Scott Angell at center.

Laken Liebst is the team’s forward.

He’s a 6’2” senior who is athletic and hard working.

Other key players mentioned by Coach Totty were five seniors. Logan Betholf, Kyle Lynch and Caleb Richert are part of eight returning lettermen, while Joost Harmsen, a 6’7” center, is a foreign exchange student from Holland, and Nathan Leibham is also new.

This year’s team is also senior laden. Eight of its 12 members are seniors.

See Indians Page 41

January 9, 2013 - Page 40

Medicine Lodge High School

Remaining 2013 Basketball Schedule Jan. 11 Conway Springs 4:30 Jan. 15 St. John (Boys) TBA Jan. 17 St. John (Boys) TBA Jan. 17 Cheney (Girls) TBA Jan. 18 St. John (Boys) TBA Jan. 19 St. John (Boys) TBA Jan. 19 Cheney (Girls) TBA Jan. 24 Pratt (Girls) TBA Jan. 24 Bluestem (Boys) TBA Jan. 25 Pratt (Girls) TBA Jan. 26 Pratt (Girls) TBA Jan. 26 Bluestem (Boys) TBA Jan. 29 Garden Plain 4:30 Feb. 1 Chapparal 4:30 Feb. 5 Wichita Independent 4:30 Feb. 8 Bluestem 4:30 Feb. 12 Douglass 4:30 Feb. 14 Douglass TBA Feb. 15 Belle Plaine 4:30 Feb. 16 Douglass TBA Feb. 19 Cheney 4:30 Feb. 25 Sub-State (Boys) TBA Feb. 26 Sub-State (Girls) TBA Feb. 28 Sub-State (Boys) TBA Mar. 1 Sub-State (Girls) TBA Mar. 2 Sub-State TBA Mar. 6 State (Boys) TBA Mar. 7 State (Girls) TBA Mar. 8 State TBA Mar. 9 State TBA Time listed is for girls’ game with boys’ game to follow.

Basketball 2012-2013

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Indians

But the graduation of so much experience last season has left a void that the Indians are working hard to fill. When school let out for the holidays, the In-

Medicine Lodge Indians 2012-13 Basketball Roster

No. Name Ht. Cl. 3 Caleb Richert 5’8” 12 5 Lakin Liebst 6’1” 12 11 Kyle Lynch 6’2” 12 12 Bryant Womkey 5’10” 12 13 Tyler Small 6’1” 12 15 Joel Clarke 5’10” 10 20 Joost Harmsen 6’7” 12 23 Dane Hrencher 6’2” 11 24 Nathan Leibham 5’10” 12 31 Logan Bertholf 5’11” 12 32 Scott Beecher 5’9” 11 34 Scott Angell 6’9” 11 Coach: Paul Totty Assistant Coach: Josh Ybarra

dians were 2-5 and averaging just 39 points a game. Under Coach Totty and assistant coach Josh Ybarra, the team has worked hard to improve.

“We are playing hard at every position,” said Totty. “The players have bought into the team concept and are working to get better every day at practice.”

Some of that work is going toward cutting down on turnovers and increasing rebounding.

“We need to score more by just making the easy opportunities we get under the basket,” Totty said. “We have scored under 31 points in four of our five losses.”

The Indians, with all their senior leadership and height under the basket should knock down some more wins before the season is over. They will face big losses again next season, but some returning starters will hopefully give the coaching staff a little more of a head start than the team has had this season.

January 9, 2013 - Page 41

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Basketball 2012-2013

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Basketball 2012-2013

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2012-13 SOUTH BARBER LADY CHIEFTAINS! Pictured from the left are (front row) Ciera Houlton, Tatum Haskins, Montana McCullough, Anya Anderson; (middle row) Alexis Shaffer, Nicole Blick, Morgan Koblitz, Lauren Hitchcock, Santana Reeves; (back row) Kassidy Clark, Paige Koblitz, Riley Denton, Jessica Daughhetee, Shania Farney and Kori Leech.

South Barber girls on path to get Roberts his 300th school win

By Roger McKenzie South Barber’s Lady Chieftains are always tough and this year is no exception. Once again, they are considered a favorite (along with Norwich and Skyline) in the Heart of the Plains Conference.

Last season was good one, but not as good as some Coach Steve Roberts has had. His South Barber girls finished 13-9, losing to Norwich in the Sub-State semifinals. This year, the plan is to go a lot further.

Roberts is in his 20th season at South Barber with a record of 294-144. He should easily win his 300th win at the school this season. His overall mark in 23 years of coaching is already over that at 321-180.

When he reaches that 300 mark at South Barber this season, it will be with

an improving team of players who work hard and get along well with each other.

Naicee Guglemeyer, Ali Thurman and Brooke Murphy, three key pieces of last year’s team lost to graduation will be missed.

In their place, two seniors, both returning starters, are leading the way this season. Jessica Daughhtee, a 6’3” forward, and Morgan Koblitz, a speedy 5’5” guard, are averaging over 13 and nearly seven points a game.

In all, nine returning players, including six lettermen, join six newcomers. The Lady Chieftains are experienced but young as three seniors and two juniors are backed up by five sophomores and four freshmen.

Other key players include junior returnees Lauren Hitchcock and Shania Forney, sophomore returnees Riley

Denton and Paige Koblitz and newcomer Nicole Blick. Denton has averaged over nine points, making her the team’s second leading scorer.

After losing their only game prior to the Christmas break to Burlington and Tiffany Rieger in the championship game of the Northwestern Prep Classic, Coach Roberts had his girls primed and ready when the two teams met again later in December. The result was a close, but very sweet win over the Lady Elks.

The South Barber girls went home for Christmas with a 6-1 record and continued to work out over the break in anticipation of a good start to 2013.

They did just that with a win over Pretty Prairie on Jan. 4.

“We’re a strong defensive team.

See L.

Chieftains Page 47

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2012-13 SOUTH BARBER CHIEFTAINS! Pictured from the left are (front row) Taylor Donaldson, Dylan Allison, Justin Winchell, Logan Hitchcock, Daniel Anderson; (middle row) Jace Thurman, Tyler Martin, Peyton Reeves, Jeffery Schultz; (back row) Peyton Reeves, Trenton Jahay, Travis Hoch, Bryce Roberts and Kale Girty.

New coach, but same play-off direction for South Barber Chieftains

By Roger McKenzie Under new coach Nathan Gevelinger, who replaced long-time coach Brad Morris, the South Barber Chieftains are pretty much on schedule to have a good season. Last year’s team, with standout senior starters Luke Yearout and Blake Waggenbach finished 11-9 with a sub-state loss.

Without them, this year’s squad went into the Christmas break with a 4-3 record, including a third-place win over Cherokee in December’s Northwestern Prep Classic in Alva.

This year’s team is young, with just two seniors, one of whom is new. It is not inexperienced, however, with 10 players coming back. There are six juniors, five sophomores and three freshmen. Six new players in all are on the roster from a year ago.

Coach Gevelinger has installed five

returnees – including a senior, two juniors and a sophomore – in starting roles. Sophomore Dylan Allison gets most of the ball-handing duties.

He and the other sophomore, Peyton Yandel, are leading the team in scoring with just over 10 points a game. Allison is handing out 4.3 assists while the 5’8” Yandel is adding an average of four and a half rebounds per game. The other backcourt starter is junior Logan Hitchcock, a defensive warrior who is capturing almost two steals a game.

Down low in the front court are another junior, Kale Girty, and the team’s experienced senior Jace Thurman. Girty, the tallest of the starters at 6’0” won’t usually be the tallest player on the court, but he works hard and is pulling down three rebounds a game.

Thurman is a three-year starter and, at 5”11”, he is aggressive on the

boards – with almost nine rebounds a game while scoring six points per contest.

Coming off the bench are some key reserves. According to Coach Gevelinger, sophomore Peyton Reeves (5’11”) is providing a boost with 6.1 points and nearly six rebounds a game.

Also helping out with their efforts are another sophomore, Bryce Roberts, and a junior, Taylor Donaldson.

The new coach is happy with his team’s defense and speed, but he wants them to step up in the rebounding area.

Coming back from Christmas break, the Chieftains took a step in the right direction with a close win over Pretty Prairie, one of the teams, along with Cunningham, that is favored along with South Barber in the See Chieftains Page 47

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2012-13 TIMBERLAKE LADY TIGERS! Pictured from the left are (front row) Kate Birkenfeld, Haley Blewitt, Cidney Thompson, Karley LeForce, Ami Adkisson, Raven Bishard; (middle row) Kylie Wilson, Kayla Castle, Kylee Severin, Jamie Thorpe, Oakleigh NIckel; (back row) Coach Kale Pierce, Hailey Parker, Tiffany Schlup, Bailey Clift and Assistant Coach Darral Barnett.

Lady Tigers working to get all the way to a Gold Ball

By Roger McKenzie Timberlake girls’ coach Kale Pierce continues to count his blessings in his eighth year as the head coach in Helena.

For the past three seasons, the Lady Tigers have posted 20 win seasons. This year will very likely make it a fourth, since his Timberlake girls went into the holiday break with a perfect 9-0 record. They were accorded a number five ranking in Class B – just ahead of Burlington, one of their opponents in the Cherokee Strip Conference. That strong conference also includes powerhouse

Mooreland.

The Lady Tigers also play in the Orient Conference, with many of the same teams, including another power in Lomega. It’s a tough schedule, but the Lady Tigers have thrived lately. Last year’s team went 20-7, but was stopped in the first round after reaching the state tournament.

Only one starter from that team was lost to graduation. Four return, including a fifth part-time starter.

Coach Pierce recounted some of those blessings.

“We return our top five scorers.

We’ve also added Ami Adkisson, who’s an All-Conference player from Cimmaron,” the coach said. “We have another talented freshman class. We have also seen a lot of improvement from players who played limited roles off the bench last season – improvements that have had significant impacts already this season.”

The Lady Tigers are athletic and deep. Nine lettermen returned from last See Lady

Tigers Page 50

Basketball 2012-2013

Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram

From Page 44

L. Chieftains If we can take care of the ball, we are going to be good,” the coach said. “It’s tough to score over our length.”

Because of that length and the team’s aggressive defense, the Lady Chieftains help their offense by rebounding well, too. If they have a weakness to work on, it is taking care of the ball better.

As 2013 progresses, get out the cake in preparation of that 300th win, and have another in the fridge for some playoff celebrating.

South Barber Lady Chieftains

2012-13 Basketball Roster No. Name Ht. 10 Tatum Haskins 5’2” 11 Santana Reeves 5’5” 12 Anya Anderson 5’5” 15 Paige Koblitz 5’8” 21 Lauren Hitchcock 5’6” 22 Ciera Houlton 5’5” 23 Alexis Shaffer 5’4” 31 Nicole Blick 5’4” 32 Kori Leech 5’9” 33 Morgan Koblitz 5’5” 40 Riley Denton 5’9” 41 Jessica Daughhetee 6’3” 42 Kassidy Clark 5’7” 43 Shania Farney 5’9” 45 Montana McCullough 5’3” Coach: Steve Roberts

Cl. 9 9 10 10 11 12 10 9 9 12 10 12 10 11 12

From Page 45

January 9, 2013 - Page 47

Chieftains

competitive Heart of the Plains Conference.

The playoffs seem certain. The length of the trip is what the new coach and his hard-working team are trying to figure out.

South Barber Chieftains 2012-13 Basketball Roster

No. Name Ht. Cl. 2 Justin Winchell 5’3” 9 3 Travis Hoch 6’6” 11 5 Paul Loiselle 5’8” 11 10 Dylan Allison 5’8” 10 11 Logan Hitchcock 5’7” 11 12 Jace Thurman 5’11” 12 15 Peyton Reeves 5’11” 10 20 Peyton Yandel 5’9” 10 21 Taylor Donaldson 5’9” 11 22 Jeffery Schultz 5’11” 11 25 Bryce Roberts 6’3” 10 30 Daniel Anderson 5’11” 10 32 Kale Girty 6’0” 11 33 Mitchell Murphy 6’2” 12 42 Tyler Martin 5’9” 9 44 Trenton Jahay 5’11” 9 Coach: Nathan Gevelinger

South Barber High School

Remaining 2013 Basketball Schedule

Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 19 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 26 Jan. 29 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 12 Feb. 15 Feb. 19 Feb. 25 Feb. 26 Feb. 28 Mar. 2 Mar. 6 Mar. 7 Mar. 8 Mar. 8

Cunningham 6:30 54 Classic (Boys) 3:30 54 Classic (Boys) 3:30 54 Classic (Boys) 3:00 54 Classic (Girls) 3:30 54 Classic (Girls) 3:30 54 Classic (Girls) 3:00 Attica (Girls) 6:30 Stafford (Girls) 6:30 Pretty Prairie (Girls) 6:30 Central Christian (Girls) 6:30 Fairfield (Girls) 6:30 Burrton (Girls) 6:30 Skyline (Girls) 6:30 Sub-State (Girls) TBA Sub-State (Boys) TBA Sub-State (Girls) TBA Sub-State TBA State (Girls) TBA State (Boys) TBA State TBA State TBA

Time listed is for girls’ game with boys’ game to follow.

Basketball 2012-2013

Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram

January 9, 2013 - Page 48

2012-13 TIMBERLAKE TIGERS! Pictured from the left are (front row) Nick Blewitt, Braden Robinson, Braden Seaman, Jordan Nichols, Braden Buller, Kolton Fishback; (back row) Assistant Coach Kale Pierce, Layne Flemming, Zeb McCollum, Blaine Dungan, Jacob Henderson and Coach Garrett Powell.

Inexperienced Tigers in a learning mode under new coach

By Roger McKenzie The situation for the Timberlake Tiger boys is almost the exact opposite from the Lady Tigers. Head Coach Garett Powell is in his first year as head coach there. His cupboard, unlike that of the girls, is hardly overflowing.

Brent Rousey’s team last year racked up a solid season at 19-9, but none of the team’s starters return. In fact, only three lettermen returned – Braden Seaman, Jordan Nichols and Jacob Henderson.

There are no seniors on the team and only three juniors and two sophomores.

Still, Powell has his team working hard and producing results. The Tigers recorded three wins and went home for

Christmas with a 3-6 record.

The wins came over Aline-Cleo, Kremlin-Hillsdale and Waynoka. The Tigers and Powell would like to see more victories come their way in 2013.

Branden Buller, a 5’9” freshman, has stepped up to lead the Tigers in scoring with an average of 10.5 points a game.

He’s part of a freshman class totaling five, which makes the Tigers a very young team.

Seaman, a 5’10” junior, provides some leadership and is scoring at almost 10 points per contest. The other two lettermen, Henderson and Nichols, both juSee Tigers Page 50

Timberlake Tigers

2012-13 Basketball Roster

No. Name Ht. Cl. 4 Jordan Nichols 5’8” 11 10 Jacob Henderson 6’0” 11 13 Braden Robinson 5’9” 10 15 Braden Seaman 5’10” 11 20 Blaine Dungan 6’5” 9 23 Kolton Fishback 5’6” 9 24 Bradon Buller 5’9” 9 25 Nick Blewitt 5’8” 9 42 Layne Flemming 5’10” 10 45 Zeb McCollum 6’4” 9 Coach: Garrett Powell

Basketball 2012-2013

Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram

January 9, 2013 - Page 49

Basketball 2012-2013

From Page 48

Tigers niors, are scoring at a combined rate of almost 14 points a game.

“This is my first year as high school football coach, and their first years playing meaningful minutes in a high school game,” Powell said. “Each week we get better. The players are starting to get more confident and aggressive. We are looking to improve each week as the season moves along.”

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From Page 46

January 9, 2013 - Page 50

Lady Tigers

season. The team has four seniors, all experienced as starters. There are four juniors, two sophomores and four freshmen. The mix gives Coach Pierce the opportunity to be versatile on offense – adding to the team’s scoring consistency, especially in the paint and along the perimeter.

The returning starters are seniors Kylee Severin, Kayla Castle, Bailee Clift and junior Hailey Parker. Actually, the Lady Tigers can count two more starters. Karly LeForce is a senior who started two games last season. Adkisson, a junior, started for Cimmaron last year.

The scoring progress among those players is impressive. Parker leads, but just barely over Severin. Both have basically scored 10 points a game. Severin is more versatile, with almost six rebounds, four assists and over two steals a game.

Castle and Clift score nine and eight points a game, with Clift topping the team in rebounds with almost eight a

Timberlake High School Remaining 2013 Basketball Schedule

Jan. 11 Lomega 6:30 Jan. 15 Drummond 6:30 Jan. 18 DCLA 6:30 Jan. 22 Mooreland 6:30 Jan. 24-26Cherokee Strip Tourn. TBA Jan. 29 Medford 6:30 Feb. 1 Burlington 6:30 Feb. 4 Cimarron 6:30 Feb. 8-9 District Tournament TBA Feb. 14-16 Regional Tourn.

TBA Feb. 21-23 Area Tournament TBA Feb. 28-Mar. 2 State Tourn.

TBA Time listed is for girls’ game with boys’ game to follow.

game. Adkisson and LeForce finish up with a combined average of 13 points a game between them. It all adds up to an impressive 51 points a game provided by these main players. Their rebounding total is an equally impressive average of about 27 per game.

“This is a very talented, hard working group that has its sights set on improving upon their first round state tournament eliminations of the past two seasons,” said Pierce.

A beefed up offense has been a priority this season, one that is obviously producing positive results.

“In the past, we have relied a little too much on our pressure defense to create enough offense to win. That has gotten us into trouble against higher caliber opponents who were able to beat our pressure,” the coach explained. “A lot of effort has been put in to be more efficient in our half court-offense. There have been noticeable improvements but we are still working on getting better offensively, including decreasing our turnovers.”

Back from the Christmas break, the Lady Tigers started out 2013 with another win, their 10th, over Ringwood.

Pierce has been involved in 120 wins (against 59 defeats) in a total of 11 years at Timberlake. His cup continues to runneth over, even as his team runneths over opponents.

Timberlake Lady Tigers 2012-13 Basketball Roster

No. Name Ht. Cl. 3 Ami Adkisson 5’4” 11 4 Oakleigh Nickel 5’6” 9 5 Karly LeForce 5’5” 12 10 Hailey Parker 5’11” 11 11 Tiffany Schlup 6’0” 9 12 Kate Birkenfeld 5’2” 10 13 Haley Blewitt 5’4” 11 14 Kylee Severin 5’7” 12 15 Jamie Thorp 5’6” 9 20 Kylie Wilson 5’6” 9 21 Raven Bishard 5’3” 10 23 Kayla Castle 5’6” 12 24 Bailee Clift 5’10” 12 25 Cidney Thompson 5’6” 11 Coach: Kale Pierce

Basketball 2012-2013

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January 9, 2013 - Page 51

Basketball 2012-2013

Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram

January 9, 2013 - Page 52

2012-13 WAYNOKA LADY RAILROADERS! Pictured from the left are (front row) Ashley Wells, Tiffany Miller, Kaylee Tyson, Cari Mattox, Ali Hinderliter; (back row) Stephanie Nutter, Bailey Rankin, Maria Wilcox, Skylar Hull, Kayla Phillips, Hannah Darr and Coach Tyson Tackett.

More experience needed by the Lady Rails as they work to improve

By Roger McKenzie In his first season ever as a head coach, Tyson Tackett guided a fairly experienced Waynoka girls team to a 7-17 record and a trip to the second round of the Regional tournament.

While he comes into his second season more experienced and prepared, his team does not.

Six players return, but only three starters. Gone are Chassidee Koehn and Michaela Zook. They will be missed.

No one is a senior on the team, so the team’s four juniors, one of which is new, will have to provide the leadership.

Three sophomores and four freshmen fill out the squad. The inexperience showed in the loss of seven of the team’s eight games before the Christmas break.

Two juniors and a sophomore started last season. Junior Hannah Darr is more of ball handler and defensive specialist.

The other junior, Maria Wilcox is a steady scorer averaging between five

and six points a game, but she also hits the boards well and is pulling down over six rebounds on average.

Bailey Rankin, a sophomore, is maybe the team’s best all round offensive player. She’s averaging over nine points and five rebounds a game.

Pushing her, however, is a newcomer, freshman Skylar Hull, who is averaging almost nine points a game.

Other key players for the Lady Railroaders, as listed by Coach Tackett, include returning sophomore Cari Mattox, new junior Stephanie Nutter, and returning juniors Kaylee Tyson and Ashley Wells.

“We are very young and will have to work to find some consistency on offense,” Coach Tackett said. “We are looking to getting better for the future.

Still, we hope to finish strong and build on last year’s playoff run.”

Eight players rotate for much of the team’s playing time. That is enough to

allow Coach Tackett to run a fast, quickmoving defense that looks to create turnovers. While they are trying to create turnovers with their defense, the Lady Rails turn the ball over too much themselves.

“We need to decrease our turnovers and shoot a higher percentage,” said Tackett.

The youth of the Lady Rails yields enthusiasm, but its lack of experience will be slow to overcome. The Waynoka girls’ only win before the holidays came against Freedom. If the Lady Railroaders want to get back in the win column, they are going to have to mature and have more younger players, like Hull, step up. The juniors will also have to act like seniors. It will be a long season for Tackett, especially after last year’s playoff run.

But both he and his girls will continue to learn and gain experience for the rest of this season and for the next.

Basketball 2012-2013

Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram

Waynoka Lady Railroaders

Waynoka High School

2012-13 Basketball Roster No. Name Ht. 21 Cari Mattox 5’5” 22 Maria Wilcox 5’8” 23 Kaylee Tyson 5’8” 24 Skylar Hull 5’9” 25 Ashley Wells 5’3” 30 Kayla Phillips 5’8” 32 Bailey Rankin 5’6” 33 Stephanie Nutter 5’8” 35 Hannah Darr 5’6” 41 Ali Hinderliter 5’1” 45 Tiffany Miller 5’7” Coach: Ryan Penner

Cl. 10 11 11 9 10 9 10 11 11 9 9

Remaining 2013 Basketball Schedule

Jan. 10 Jan. 11 Jan. 16 Jan. 17 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Jan. 28 Jan. 31 Feb. 5

Oil Center Oil Center Cherokee Ft. Supply Laverne Mooreland Aline-Cleo Freedom Gage

TBA TBA 12:00 6:30 6:30 6:30 6:30 6:30 6:30

Time listed is for girls’ game with boys’ game to follow.

January 9, 2013 - Page 53

Basketball 2012-2013

Alva Review-Courier/Newsgram

January 9, 2013 - Page 54

2012-13 WAYNOKA RAILROADERS! Pictured from the left are (front row) Tyrell Wilcox, Colton Budy, Tanner Selvey, Chad Tune, Austin Long, Josiah Darr; (back row) Coach Danny Green, Jason Bence, Logan Meriwether, Kelby Reed, Baliey Goucher, Shawn Hinderliter and Andrew Baird. Not pictured is Kevin Hoy.

Young Railroaders working to build up steam

By Roger McKenzie Waynoka second-year coach Danny Green guided the Railroader boys to a 7-17 record in his first season as the head coach. His team went all the way to the regional tournament in what has to be termed a successful coaching debut.

While he may be more settled into his job, this year probably won’t end up like last season. The Rails lost too many starters and are struggling against everyone except Freedom. They have beaten the Eagles twice and left school at the Christmas break with a 2-7 record.

Gone are Weston Hill, Alex Curry, Dylan Bowers and Shawn Wells. Coach Green misses their almost 35 points a game contributions. Only two seniors are on the team and one of them, Andrew Baird, is new. The other is a good one. Shawn Hinderliter returns to provide some leadership, as well as about six points and almost seven rebounds a game.

Filling out the roster are one lone junior, four sophomores and six freshmen.

Kelby Reed is the junior and he’s a

good one. At 6’3”, he is a big player who can score in the paint and rebound. He and Hinderliter give the Railroaders a nice presence in the paint.

Baird, sophomore Josiah Darr and freshman Logan Meriwether are also key players, according to Coach Green.

But the youth and inexperience of the remaining team members – all sophomores or freshmen – mean the Railroaders will continue to have a steep learning curve this season. The good news is that there will be a lot of experience to be gained.

“Offensive continuity and putting points on the board are a major concern,” Coach Green said. “As the season progresses and the depth increases, we would like to speed things up to generate some easy baskets.”

The Railroaders play pretty good defense. Coach Green calls that area of the game a strength. He wants to see his team improve offensively in its consistency. It starts with fundamentals, and Green is busy stressing those to his young players.

It takes a while for young players to

mesh as a team and for game experience to yield results. His players are working hard to improve, but a playoff run seems unlikely unless some of the young players step up in a big way to help the team’s few experienced players.

Waynoka Railroaders

2012-13 Basketball Roster

No. Name Ht. Cl. 10 Shawn Hinderliter 6’1” 12 12 Logan Meriwether 5’11” 9 13 Andrew Baird 5’11” 12 14 Josiah Darr 5’9” 10 15 Bailey Goucher 6’3” 9 20 Colton Budy 5’7” 9 21 Tyrell Wilcox 5’9” 9 22 Tanner Selvey 5’9” 9 30 Jason Bence 5’8” 10 32 Austin Long 5’9” 10 33 Chad Tune 5’11” 9 44 Kelby Reed 6’3” 11 45 Kevin Hoy 5’3” 10 Coach: Danny Green

Basketball 2012-2013

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Basketball 2012-2013

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January 9, 2013 - Page 56