Goessel hopes team speed
will make up for lack of height
Staff writers
Goessel boys graduated their main scorers from last season but return with four starting letter winners in Trey Gaddis, Evan Walker, Brayton Base, and Wyatt Sommerfled.
“I am excited to see how guys who played smaller roles for us last year step up and fill the voids that we have,” coach Curtis Guhr said. “We have a good group of guys that I feel are ready to accept the challenge.”
Senior Trey Gaddis comes into the season averaging six points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.3 steals a game.
Senior Evan Walker crashes the boards for an average of 5.2 rebounds per game.
“With size being an issue, we will look to our speed to help make up for the lack of height,” Guhr said.
Junior Wyatt Sommerfled comes into this season with an average of 4.9 points and 2.7 rebounds.
Junior Brayton Base averages 3.9 points and 1.9 rebounds.
“With decent numbers, we look forward to competitiveness in practices and finding the right people to fit into roles to be a key to how successful this year can be,” Guhr said.
The Bluebirds opened up their season at home against Marion, losing 67-17 Friday.Trey Gaddis led the team with eight points.
This week, Goessel jumps right into in-season tournament play with their Bluebird classic versus Canton-Galva and Linn.
Pool play will continue on Friday. The final games will be played on Saturday.
Girls’ basketball
Coach Ryan Hoopes has a younger team this season compared to last with only one returning starter in sophomore Delaney Duerksen.
“Duerksen started all year for us last year,” Hoopes said. “She is an unbelievable athlete who is very coachable.”
Duerksen made honorable mention all-league last year and averaged seven points a game.
“Delaney’s length and athleticism make her an outstanding lock-down defender, and we will look to her for leadership and scoring this year, but her defense is her greatest strength,” Hoopes said.
Only one senior is on the team, Hailey Rosfeld.
“Hailey has proven on JV that she can score” Hoopes said. “Our hope is that will transition to the varsity level, This group has the potential to grow a lot over the course of the year. We lack size, but have a lot of young, skilled players.”
Three juniors are on the team, Isabelle Alderfer, Abi Johnson, and Jayley Schmidt.
Hoopes had Alderfer as their sixth man last year and thinks Schmidt is a solid ball handler.
The youngest on the team are the two freshmen, Bella O’Neil and Machenzie Voth.
“Both are very athletic and skilled,” Hoopes said.
The Bluebirds opened up their season at home Friday against Marion.
The game that went into overtime tied at 40. .Goessel scored the first three points in overtime and hung on to win 48-44.
Freshman Machenzie Voth led with 15 points,. Bella O’Neill and Delaney Duerksen, scored nine each.
“It will be exciting to see what they can accomplish together this year,” Hoopes said.
Goessel will be host for its in-season tournament this week with Canton-Galva and Linn.
Pool play will continue Friday with the final games played Saturday.