Staff writer
This year’s Goessel girls’ basketball team will look familiar, sporting four returning starters and two other letter winners from the 2014-15 team. One year ago the Bluebirds had a record of 19-4, with a Wheat State League record of 7-0.
The Bluebirds will go into the season with high expectations for themselves, and from others. The team is ranked fourth in 1A Division 1 in the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association preseason poll.
“The girls have not forgotten what happened in the substate final game last year,” said Coach Ryan Hoopes.
Centre spoiled Goessel’s bid for a state tournament berth by defeating the Bluebirds by 16 points. Centre went on to place third at state.
Returning senior Page Hiebert, a 6-foot post player, led the Bluebirds in scoring last season averaging 15.2 points per game, and was the leading rebounder.
Alicen Meysing, 6-1 senior, and Olivia Duerksen, 6-0 junior, also bring experience to the post position.
Three players bring talent and size to the backcourt. Aleena Cook, 5-6 senior, and Eden Hiebert, 5-11 sophomore, will fill guard spots, and Brittney Hiebert, 5-11 sophomore, could play guard or post.
These six players combined for 39 of Goessel’s 42 points per game last season.
“The Lady Bluebirds’ strengths will be in their post play, defense and the ability to run the floor,” said Hoopes.
Goessel, Solomon, Elyria, and Wakefield are expected to compete for the Wheat State League crown. The Bluebirds’ non-league schedule includes Moundridge, Berean Academy, Inman, Douglass, Wichita Trinity, and Canton-Galva.
Goessel will begin the season Friday at Inman, and then have a three-game homestand for the Bluebird Classic on Dec 8, 11, and 12.