Goessel boys pick up first win of season

After losing two games in the Bluebird Classic, the Goessel boys’ basketball team picked up its first win of the season Saturday, toppling Canton-Galva, 41-32.

The first quarter was a close contest as both teams juggled the lead before Canton-Galva beat the buzzer with a three pointer for the 12-11 lead.

Dylan Lindeman nailed a three-pointer to open the second quarter, regaining the Bluebird lead.

When Jerah Schmidt came up with an offensive rebound with 6:00 minutes to play, and found a wide-open Lindeman, Lindeman hit nothing but net, and the Bluebirds never looked back.

With the Eagles only mustering 1-for-6 from the free-throw line, the Bluebirds went in at the break up 23-20.

Lindeman and brother, Drew, combined for eight points in the third period forcing Canton-Galva to take a time-out.

Miguel Ballesta scored seven consecutive Bluebirds points, as Goessel stretched its lead to 38-28.

The Bluebirds were able to run time off the clock and win by a score of 41-32.

Eight Bluebirds paced by Dylan Lindeman’s game-high 17.

Ballesta added nine, Drew Lindeman had five, Jacob Hiebert three, Jacob Hagewood two, Zach Zogleman two, Skyler Wuest two, and Jerah Schmidt, one.

Friday’s match-up with Central Christian was a close contest.

Foul trouble on the Cougars’ starting lineup allowed Goessel to stay close, trailing 11-9 at the first break.

The Bluebirds rallied furiously the second quarter, outscoring the Cougars 18-16 to knot the game up at halftime, 27-27.

Trailing 54-46 in the fourth quarter, Jacob Hiebert connected on a three-pointer and Dylan Lindeman hit a jumper in the lane to pull as close as 54-51.

Central Christian put the game away at the free-throw line to secure the 59-53 win.

Dylan Lindeman again led the Bluebird scoring attack a with a game-high 24 points.

Drew Lindeman added 13, Hiebert six, and Ballesta had four, while the trio of Schmidt, Hagewood and Wuest combined for six.

The tournament leaves Goessel at 1-3 on the year, opening Wheat State League action Friday at Peabody.