By DELBERT PETERS

Staff writer

Goessel basketball has 16 girls vying for court time, and coach Ryan Hoopes expects consistency from an experienced squad this year.

“Coming into the season with confidence and high self-esteem will prove to be a key for us to build on,” he said.

The Bluebirds ended last season with a 3-18 record. Many of the girls exhibit similar skills, contributing competitive practices as freshmen through seniors vie for varsity spots.

The Bluebirds need to improve on point production for this new season after scoring 29 points per game last year. Returning letter winners from last year include:

Elizabeth Schmucker, a 5’3” senior expected to score from the perimeter and play hard-nosed defense. She averaged 8.6 points per game last year, hitting double digits in 10 games.

Bethany Herrel, a 5’7” senior with experience at the post position, plans to work on her scoring consistency after averaging 3.6 ppg last year.

Kaleigh Guhr, a 5’1” junior, got quality playing time last year at the guard position, while 5’6” junior Rachael Zogleman, returns with experience as a forward.

Emily Flaming, a 5’5” junior, will contribute around the basket on offense and defense, with 5’5” sophomore Riley Graber looking to improve after last year averaging 3.1 ppg off the bench.

Goessel won its opening match Friday against Marion in thrilling fashion, with a 44-42 victory at home.

It was a close match throughout, as Marion led 12-10 at the end of one quarter and 23-21 at halftime.

The Warriors forced a Goessel timeout with Marion ahead 29-21, but the Bluebirds responded with 14 unanswered points.

Seniors Elizabeth Schmucker and Bethany Herrel led the Bluebirds to a 35-29 lead at the end of three quarters, but Marion cut the margin to 43-42 with 40 seconds to play in the game.

Schmucker was invaluable for Goessel, leading all scorers with 17 points and making a late free throw to ensure the Bluebirds stayed ahead for good.

The first game of Goessel’s Bluebird Classic Tournament was Tuesday.

Dec. 11 will feature another home game in the tournament, with Saturday’s game determined by the outcome of the early games in the tournament.