Staff writer
For the first time in four years, Goessel began its season with a win, defeating Inman 45-38.
Goessel led by 11 points in the fourth quarter, and an Inman rally would get as close as 40-37, but the Bluebirds iced the game from the free-throw line for the win.
The game started with Jordan Griffin converting points from a nice feed from Josh Schmidt.
Zach Wiens has been the leading rebounder for the Bluebirds for several seasons and dropped in baskets from close range as well as from the free throw line.
Goessel led 10-3 at the end of the first quarter, using stellar defense to complement their offensive game.
Scoring in the second quarter came from Chase Flaming, Matt Regier, Rhet Makovec and Wiens. Goessel’s defense continued to stymie the Teutons as the Bluebirds went into the halftime break ahead 20-9.
Inman’s offense began to click in the third period, but Goessel had an answer for every Teuton score.
The home team got as close as 7 points, but the third period ended with a Goessel 30-22 lead.
The Bluebirds opened up a 35-24 lead early in the fourth quarter. Inman managed to drop in several 3-pointers and the Bluebirds would get a free throw.
With less than a minute to play Inman trailed 40-37. Inman forced Goessel to win this game at the free-throw line.
Wiens made one free throw, then Makovec rattled in another free throw, and Griffin sank two free throws with 29 seconds left to seal the win.