Staff writer
The Goessel girls set a school record 87 points in the first round of the Berean Tournament against Stafford, but they could have used some of those points Friday against host Berean Academy, losing 39-38.
The Bluebirds rebounded Saturday, clinching third place in the Berean tournament with a 47-15 win over Central Christian.
After dispatching Stafford by 54 points, Berean proved to be a much tougher foe.
While Goessel broke out to a 24-17 lead at halftime, 33 percent shooting from the field allowed Berean to stay close. A 12-1 run put Berean ahead 29-25, and the teams were tied at 29 going into the fourth quarter.
Goessel’s shooting improved, but Berean held a 3-point lead with just seconds left in the game. A Goessel drive to the basket came up empty, and Alicen Meysing’s putback basket was too little, too late, as the Bluebirds recorded their second loss of the season, 39-38.
In the consolation game for third place on Saturday, the Bluebirds defense propelled the team to victory.
Goessel recorded 17 steals for the game and Central Christian only scored two points in the second half, as the Bluebirds coasted to a 47-15 win.
Aleena Cook led the team with 20 points, hitting three three-pointers and snagging six steals. Page Hiebert earned 13 points, and Eden Hiebert 11 points.
Goessel was represented on the all-tournament team by sisters Page and Eden Hiebert.
The Bluebirds will be at home Tuesday, then away for four consecutive games.
On the boys’ side, Moundridge outlasted Goessel 44-38 Friday in Goessel.
Both teams struggled to score in the early going.
Zach Wiens, Rhett Makovec, and Josh Schmidt kept the Blubirds close, 15-11, until the Wildcats scored 8 consecutive points before halftime to take a 23-11 lead.
Moundridge built a 34-18 lead, but Wiens led a Goessel rally that shaved the deficit to 36-31 entering the final period.
Moundridge was willing to spread the offense and take time off the clock, effectively killing any comeback chance, as they won 44-38.
Wiens led the Bluebirds with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Griffin dropped in 6 points.
Goessel will have an away game at Elyria on Friday.