By DELBERT PETERS

Staff writer

Goessel girls lose to Inman

In the first basketball match of the season for both teams, Goessel traveled to Inman and succumbed to a tough defense.

The Teutons were taller, but Goessel gathered in their share of rebounds. Elizabeth Schmucker opened the scoring and gave Goessel their only lead of the night.

Inman scored 14 consecutive points to take a lead that would never be threatened. Emily Flaming, Schmucker and Lyna McCombs added points in the second quarter and Goessel trailed at half-time 7-19.

Goessel became more active on defense in the second half. Schmucker connected on two field goals just inside the three-point circle.

Porclein Unruh took a charging foul, Elizabeth Alderfer and Bethany Herrell battled for rebounds as Goessel got as close as eight points.

Again, Inman scored 14 unanswered points and won by a final score of 33-15.

Scoring for the Bluebirds: Schmucker 11, McCombs 2, Flaming 1, Herrell 1.

Goessel boys close the gap at Inman

Jacob Hagewood sank a three pointer from the right side to start the game at Inman. The Teutons answered with nine points and the first quarter ended with Inman ahead 9-5.

Nate Zogleman hit two free-throws and Dylan Lindeman added two free-throws to get as close as three points.

Inman slowly stretched their lead, hit shots in the lane and the half ended with Inman ahead 23-13.

Plenty of missed shots in the third quarter, doomed Goessel’s chances and Inman carried a 33-18 lead at the end of three periods. The fourth quarter belonged to the Bluebirds, as their scrappy defense intercepted passes and forced turnovers. Zogleman scored a free-throw and Jerah Schmidt knocked down a three pointer.

Hagewood was fouled when scoring off a rebound and Jake Hiebert banked in a basket, getting the Bluebirds as close as 33-26.

Inman made two field goals before Caiden Duerksen muscled in a basket and Hiebert hit a three pointer from the right sideline.

Inman was able to run out the clock winning 37-31. Goessel outscored Inman in the fourth quarter 13-4.

Seven players scored for the Bluebirds: Hagewood 8, Lindeman 7, Zogleman 5, Hiebert 5, Schmidt 3, Duerksen 2, and Skyler Wuest 1.

Goessel will be at home in the Bluebird Classic with games on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.