Staff writer
The top two Wheat State girls’ teams faced each other Friday, with Goessel prevailing 59-32 at Elyria. The win clinched a share of the league title for the Bluebirds.
The Eagles entered the contest undefeated in league play, but the Bluebirds jumped ahead on the strength of their inside game, with Page Hiebert and Alicen Meysing helping Goessel to an 18-8 lead.
Elyria had no answer as Goessel continued its scoring onslaught, leading by as many as 29 points in the fourth quarter. Aggressive defense by the Bluebirds forced numerous turnovers leading to easy baskets.
Hiebert led scoring with 22 points and Meysing followed with 17.
Zach Wiens shot a torrid 71 percent from the field as he racked up 30 points in the boys’ 62-47 win.
Drew Lindeman dropped in a basket to give the Bluebirds a 10-8 lead at the end of the first quarter. Wiens went on a tear in the second quarter, scoring 12 consecutive points as the Bluebirds built a 26-20 lead at the half.
Wiens got help in the third quarter from Rhett Makovec and Lindeman, who hit for 5 and 6 points respectively.
The Bluebirds pushed to a 13-point lead in the fourth quarter on a Chase Flaming 3-pointer. Free throws sealed a 62-47 win for the Bluebirds.
Wiens scored a season-high 30 points and grabbed 15 rebounds. Lindeman added 14 points.