Moundridge games generate tension at Goessel
By DELBERT PETERS
Contributing writer
The tension was thick in the Goessel gym on Jan. 8 Moundridge Wildcats came to town for another Heart of America League game. Head coach for Goessel girls, Brian Holloway, is a graduate of Moundridge, and head coach for Moundridge boys, Vance Unrau, is a graduate of Goessel. Rivalry, with good sportsmanship, is what makes for an interesting night in high school basketball.
The Goessel girls jumped out to a 9-0 lead on the state-ranked Wildcats, and it took a three pointer with three seconds left in the half to give Moundridge their first lead in the game at half-time.
The Bluebirds traded baskets with the Wildcats all of the third and fourth quarters with both teams gaining a four point lead. Both teams were patient on offense, and the scoreboard didn't show the battle on the boards for every missed shot. Katie Schroeder, Melinda Stucky, and Jessica Graber made their presence felt under the bucket. With 1:25 left in the game, Tara Goerzen canned a three-pointer to bring Goessel within one point with a score of 39-40.
Goessel and Moundridge each committed a turnover in the last part of the game, but neither team could gain control. Stucky made a lay-up with less than 30 seconds to play, to again bring the Bluebirds within one point. Moundridge was satisfied to run time off the clock, and Goessel fouled with five seconds left, hoping that Moundridge would not connect on the free-throw. The Wildcat player missed, Goessel rebounded and called time-out. The inbound pass went to mid-court, but the Wildcats swarmed the ball and Goessel could not get off an open shot.
Moundridge won by a final score of 42-41, pushing their record to 9-0. Scoring for the Bluebirds were Melinda Stucky with 15 points, Tara Goerzen with 14, Lindsey Unruh with six, Katie Schroeder, Darla Funk, and Jessica Graber with two each.
