By DELBERT PETERS

Staff writer

The Goessel Bluebirds relied on frontcourt and transition scoring to overcome Inman 44-35 Friday in Goessel.

Alicen Meysing, Goessel’s 6-foot junior, scored the first 5 points from close range for the Bluebirds.

Tied 6-6 after an Eden Hiebert free-throw, Page Hiebert converted a fast break, finished an inbounds play in the lane, and hit a 15-foot jumper to force an Inman time-out. Goessel led 12-6 after the first period.

Eden Hiebert sank two 3-pointers in the second quarter, sandwiched around a steal and lay-up from Aleena Cook. Meysing hit for two and Brittney Hiebert grabbed a rebound and hit a basket at the buzzer, as Goessel went into halftime leading 24-14.

The Teutons opened the third quarter with an 8-2 run, forcing head coach Ryan Hoopes to take a timeout. Brittney Hiebert banked in a shot, E. Hiebert hit a free throw, and Meysing hit from close range to extend the Bluebirds’ lead to 31-22. Inman managed a 3-pointer before the quarter ended with Goessel ahead 33-26.

The Bluebirds defense held Inman scoreless for more than three minutes as Cook got two baskets and P. Hiebert scored off the glass, stretching the Goessel lead to 13 points. The Bluebirds kept control to win 44-35.

The Bluebirds were balanced in scoring, but a deep bench proved useful in the fast pace of the game. Meysing led the team with 13 points, followed by Page Hiebert with 12. Eden Hiebert scored 8 points and had 8 rebounds, with Cook getting 7 points and 4 assists. Brittney Hiebert scored 4 points.

Goessel will host the Bluebird Classic this week. A Tuesday matchup with Central Christian will be followed by a game against Burrton at 7 p.m. Friday. Saturday’s opponent and game time will be determined Friday.