The 2017-18 Goessel girls’ basketball team graduated all five starters from last year. Along with those starters went 90 percent of their scoring; but that was last year.

This year’s anchor will be senior Stephany Meyer. At 6’0” and athletic, she will be depended on for both offense and defense.

Meyer averaged 3.2 points per game, but will have more opportunities for scoring this year.

Madison Smith, another senior, stands 5’6” and will do much of the ball handling early in the season. The team will rely on her outside shooting ability.

“It is exciting to be part of a new group of girls,” Meyer said. “None of us started last year, this is exciting.”

“Our tenacious defense will help with our success,” Smith said.

Although the Bluebirds do not have as much height as last year, “several girls will contribute with outside shooting,” senior Haley O’Neal said.

Many of these girls were on the successful volleyball and cross-country teams.

“Success is contagious,” said coach Ryan Hoopes. “These girls will be put into new roles this year, but they are up for the challenge.”

Nineteen girls have reported for practice.

“We have already noticed how much more vocal this team is than last year. The talking on defense and vocal encouragement will make this season different than last year,” Hoopes said.

Last year the Bluebirds posted a 16-5 record, going 9-0 in the Wheat State League averaging 51 points per game.

Goessel’s season will begin with a home game Friday against Inman.