By Melinda L. LucaA blood drive is scheduled to take place in Albany next Friday, Feb. 3.Regular donors are asked to note that the dates are changing in 2023 from Thursdays to Fridays.Scheduled for roughly eight-week intervals, this year’s blood drives are planned on Feb. 3, April 14, June 9, Aug.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions boys basketball team endured ups and downs last week, emerging with a split against District 10-2A leaders Cisco and Hawley to strengthen its position in the playoff race.The Lions (9-3 overall, 5-2 district) began the second half of the 10-2A schedule Tuesday, Jan.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lady Lions showed flashes of good play last week against playoff contenders as the District 10-2A girls basketball race nears the final stretch.The Lady Lions (8-17 overall, 1-8 district) visited Haskell on Tuesday, Jan. 24, losing 59-32. Details will be reported next week.

By Sam WallerA total of 65 players have registered to participate in the upcoming Albany Little Dribblers season, just one fewer than signed up last year.League organizer Joe Tidwell said 38 girls and 27 boys registered, a more even split than last year when 42 girls participated.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Junior High Cubs and Lady Cubs basketball teams faced a quick turnaround, playing Hawley on Thursday, Jan. 19 and Haskell on Monday, Jan. 23.The junior high teams close out their seasons Monday, Jan. 30 against Stamford.

By Sam WallerAlbany’s youth basketball teams played a partial schedule Saturday, Jan. 21, winning four of five games.The boys played at Hawley with the girls at Eula.The teams conclude their seasons Saturday, Jan.

By Sam WallerThe Albany Lions continue to receive recognition for their performance in winning the 2022 Class 2A Division II state championship, claiming 17 spots on the All-Big Country Preps football teams released last week.

By Sam WallerThe Moran Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs basketball teams battled sickness and opponents last week with the situation continuing into this week.The Lady Bulldogs hosted Cross Plains on Tuesday, Jan. 24, but the boys game was postponed to Wednesday, Jan.

By Sam WallerThe First Baptist Church youth group will hold a pancake supper Sunday Feb. 5 to raise money for church camp this summer.Serving will start at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall and last until sold out.There will not be a set price, but donations will be accepted.

By Sam WallerRegistration continues for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ Weekend of Champions leadership camps.The camps for youth in eighth through 12th grades will be held at Eastland’s Solid Rock Camp. The girls camp will be held Saturday-Sunday, Feb.