Contributing writer
The Goessel boys used stifling defense to win their third league game this season as they allowed Elyria Christian players to score only four points in the first quarter.
Goessel center Davis Cook was able to rebound effectively at both ends of the court. Cook scored nine points in the first period. Trey Schmidt hit a trey at the buzzer adding to Goessel’s 15-4 lead.
Seven minutes into the second quarter, Schmidt hit another three point shot, which turned out to be the only field goal of the period for the Bluebirds. The Bluebirds converted free throws at the line and went into the half-time break ahead 22-12.
Goessel took control of the game in the third quarter exploding for 16 points, many the result of steals. They led 38-18 lead after three quarters. Goessel coaches cleared the bench and the team continued to dominate, winning by a final score 49-23.
Cook grabbed 11 rebounds and scored 16 points. Schmidt picked up five steals to go along with 14 points. Nic Buller dropped in six points, Lawton Makovec hit a three-pointer, and Shane Goerzen, Nathan Czarnowsky, Ben Wiens, Zach Showalter, and Reece Hiebert each scored two.
The Goessel boys outmanned the Red Raiders at Argonia on Tuesday to coast to a 61-25 win.
Buller, Cook, and Wiens controlled the territory around the basket as the Bluebirds jumped out to a 6-0 lead that mounted to a 12-2 score. Goessel led at the end of the first quarter 16-6; then cruised into halftime with a 32-12 cushion.
Even though substitutes played a significant part of the third quarter, Goessel’s defense only allowed two points as the Bluebirds enlarged their lead to 49-14 at the end of three quarters. Every player for the Bluebirds made it into the scoring column and Goessel won by a final score of 61-25.
Goessel forced 19 turnovers in the lopsided win. Scorers for Goessel were Buller 14, Cook 12, Wiens 10, Trey Schmidt 6, Reece Hiebert 4, Brian Hiebert 4, Lawton Makovec 3, and Shane Goerzen, Dan Smucker, Zach Showalter and Nathan Czarnowsky with 2 each.
The Goessel boys will be in the Burrton Tournament this week with three games. They are now 6-3 overall and 2-1 in the Wheat State League.