Bluebirds win in two overtimes
By DELBERT PETERS
Contributing writer
The Goessel High School boys' basketball defeated Moundridge in two overtimes at home Jan. 8.
The Moundridge boys came into the game with a 2-6 record but played tough against the Bluebirds. Goessel held leads at several points in the first and second quarters of three points, but the scores were tied 12-12 and 23-23 at the breaks.
Goessel's passing for easy baskets and effective long-range shooting helped the Bluebirds to a 42-32 lead at the end of the third quarter. With five minutes to play, Goessel still held a lead of 48-39, but then the pressure of the Wildcats played havoc with the intentions of the Bluebirds. Moundridge challenged every pass, deflecting many of them, and when the Bluebirds had the ball under their bucket, a Wildcat player would strip the ball for a steal.
Moundridge tied the score at 51-51 to end the fourth quarter. Goessel would score first in the overtime, but Moundridge took a 55-53 lead, causing the Bluebirds to play "catch-up." Goessel hit 6 of 8 free throws to stay in the game, and the score remained tied at 59-59 at the end of overtime.
In the second overtime, Goessel gained a four point lead twice only to see the Wildcats, drive in close to the basket for high percentage shots and get within one point with 22 seconds to play. Two free throws for the Bluebirds gave them a tentative three point lead, and Moundridge would have a chance at the charity stripe. The first free throw was made and the second intentionally missed, hoping for a Wildcat rebound, but Goessel got the ball and called time-out. The inbound pass found a sprinting player at half court that could dribble away the remaining three seconds.
Goessel won by a final score 69-67. Scoring for the Bluebirds vs. Moundridge were Jeremy Voth with 30 points, Kent Peters with 16, Clinton Plenert with 13, Ben Schmidt with seven, and Aaron Stehman with three.
