Contributing writer
The Bluebird full-court defensive pressure resulted in many first-quarter points Dec. 7 as the Bluebirds scored 28 points in the first 8 minutes against Central Christian. Goessel held a 23-point lead at the end of the first break.
Although the scoring pace slowed down, the Bluebirds still maintained a commanding 36-12 lead at halftime. Goessel would only muster 6 points in the third quarter as the Cougars were able to connect with 18 points, to cut the halftime deficit in half. Central Christian was able to get as close as 8 points several times in the fourth quarter.
Davis Cook, Peter Voth, and Corey Buller hit key free throws in the fourth quarter to hold off the Cougars.
Three Bluebirds managed to get into double figures in scoring. Cook ended with 14 points and 3 blocks. Trey Schmidt canned 12 points, Corey Buller scored 11 to go along with 9 rebounds. Nic Buller scored 8 points, John Berkholz scored 8, with five assists. Neal Brubaker hit 3 points and Voth added 2 points.
Burrton
Against Burrton, the Bluebirds got off to a 7-4 lead in the first quarter. Seven players added points in the second quarter for Goessel as the half ended with the Bluebirds holding a comfortable 20-7 lead. After Davis Cook hit a bucket, Drake Sterk dropped in a basket a free throw and Trey Schmidt arched in a 3-pointer, the Bluebirds led 28-8. However, Burrton scored 8 consecutive points to keep the game exciting and Goessel finished the third quarter leading 32-21.
Corey Buller hit a basket and Schmidt and Brubaker each hit 3-pointers early in the fourth quarter, to allow the Bluebirds to coast to a 44-25 win.
Berkholz scored 10 points along with 3 assists and 3 steals. Brubaker added 8 points, Schmidt 7 points and Corey Buller 7 points and 9 rebounds. Cook dropped in 4 points, Nic Buller 3, Sterk 3, and Voth and Jake Smucker, a point apiece.
Little River
In the championship game with Little River, the Bluebirds were in control after a Nic Buller 3-pinter gave the Bluebirds a 13-7 lead at the end of the first quarter. However, the Redskins scored 6 consecutive points to tie the game, 13-13. Cook went to work inside to give the Bluebirds a 4-point lead but Little River answered. The Redskins took their first lead of the game with a 3-pointer at the end of the half, 24-22.
The Bluebirds regained the lead in the third quarter and increased the lead to 6 points before Little River began to cut into that deficit.
Goessel led at the end of three quarters, 43-40. Little River outscored the Bluebirds 9-2 in the first four minutes of the fourth quarter and were satisfied to keep the ball at midcourt, forcing Goessel to foul. Goessel lost the match, 54-45, and took second-place in their Bluebird Classic.
Cook earned a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds. Corey Buller added 9 points and 2 steals, Schmidt scored 6 points with 2 steals, Berkholz 5 points, Nic Buller 3 points, Brubaker 2 points and 3 assists, and Voth 2 points.
Goessel now sports a 2-2 record and will play Tuesday in Moundridge and Friday at Wakefield.