Contributing writer
The Goessel High School girls’ basketball team took on Little River in the championship game of the Bluebird Classic Saturday in Goessel.
In the first quarter, the exchange of points was methodical as each team scored 7 points. Johanna Hoffman scored her 6th point of the night to give Goessel a 9-7 lead, early in the second quarter, but Little River took the lead and held it for the rest of the game. Goessel went cold from the field as the Redskins outscored the home team, 8-2, to finish the first half. Goessel trailed 19-12 at the break.
Alex Hiebert started the scoring for the Bluebirds in the second half with 4 points, and Goessel’s defense prevented a Redskin score for 4 minutes. However, Little River went on a 13-2 run to finish the quarter with a commanding 32-18 lead. Little River finished strong with a 42-24 win.
The top scorers for Goessel were Alex Hiebert with 7 and Hoffman with 6. Page Hiebert collected 7 rebounds and 2 steals in the loss.
Burrton
For the first time in two seasons, three Goessel girls finished with double digits in scoring in the same game. Freshman Aleena Cook sparkled in the Bluebird win on Friday with 16 points and 5 offensive rebounds.
Goessel jumped out to a 7-0 lead and then finished the quarter with an 11-3 lead.
Cook scored 8 points in the second period to keep the Bluebirds ahead, 25-14.
Three seniors began the scoring in the third period as Hoffman, Harvey, and Alex Hiebert knocked in baskets. As the period ended, the five players on the floor for Goessel were all freshman. The quarter closed with the Bluebirds ahead, 34-16.
Eight consecutive points to begin the fourth period built an insurmountable lead for the Bluebirds. Freshman Anna Wiens and sophomore Chelsea Stika scored their first baskets of the varsity season and Cook dazzled with 6 more points. Goessel finished the game with a 53-22 win.
Top scorers for the Bluebirds were Cook with 16, Hoffman with 14, and Alex Hiebert with 10.
Central Christian
Eleven players got into the stats for Goessel on Dec. 4 when they played Central Christian. Goessel led by 13 at halftime and coasted to a 26-point win. Scoring for the Bluebirds were Alex Hiebert with 12, Hoffman with 8, and Erin Brubaker 5. Harvey had 4 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals.
Before the Christmas break, Goessel will be away this Friday at Wakefield and at home Tuesday with Hope.