Contributing writer
The Goessel High School girls’ basketball team’s first league game of the season Friday started out with Wakefield opening up a 6-0 lead, but the Bluebirds tied the game 13-13 by half-time.
Alex Hiebert gave the Bluebirds the lead, 17-16, only to see Wakefield capitalize on offensive rebounds to end the third quarter ahead, 30-23. Jessica Harvey scored 6 points and D’Ambra Kruger scored 4 points in the fourth quarter as the Bluebirds got as close as 3 points several times.
Several missed shots from close range let opportunities slip away as Wakefield ended the game hitting two key free throws to hold the Bluebirds at bay, 36-33.
Goessel’s defense forced Wakefield into 21 turnovers, but the Bombers held a 36-23 edge in rebounds. Harvey led the team in scoring with 8 points and 4 steals. Hiebert scored 6 points with 5 rebounds; Kruger; 6 points and 2 assists; Ali Buller, 5 points and 5 rebounds; Aimee Flaming, 4 points and 2 assists; and Johanna Hoffman, 4 points and 4 steals.
The Goessel girls go into the Christmas break with a 1-5 record overall and 0-1 in the Wheat State League. The Bluebirds return in January with two away games.