By DELBERT PETERS

Staff writer

Moundridge built a 19-point lead in 13 minutes Friday against Goessel, but the visiting Bluebirds took just nine minutes to slash the deficit by 18. However, 1 point was as close as the Goessel boys could get, as they lost 47-39.

The Wildcats held the Bluebirds to 2 points in the first eight minutes, leading 17-2 at the end of the first quarter.

The Bluebirds kept pace in the second. Kellen Froese connected for 5 points and Lawton Makovec hit two free throws. Zach Wiens scored 5 points in the quarter, the last 3 cutting a 19-point deficit to a 30-14 halftime score.

The Bluebirds went on a tear in the third while the Wildcats’ shots were not reaching their mark. Makovec hit 5 points, Lucas Hiebert finished a layup, and Wiens massaged the ball into the basket, forcing a Wildcats timeout with the Bluebirds trailing 30-23. Connor Davis nailed a 3-pointer and a layup, and Wiens had two more baskets to get Goessel within 35-32 at the end of the quarter.

A Wiens inbound play to start the fourth pulled the Bluebirds within 1. It was back and forth for the next three minutes, with Goessel unable to grab the lead. Moundridge stretched its lead to 5 and went into delay mode, forcing the Bluebirds to foul. The Bluebirds lost 47-39.

Wiens led all scorers with 20 points. Makovec put in 7, and Davis and Froese scored 5 points apiece.

The Bluebirds will travel to Little River and then have four home games in a row as they get back into Wheat State League games. Goessel is 4-9 overall and 1-3 in league play.