Lights Out
Goessel Varsity Girls v. Herington @ Goessel February 6, 2018
Senior Eden Hiebert only played three quarters tonight but aligned herself with several of Goessel’s scoring greats in a spectacular “lights out” shooting night. #5 went 5 for 6 from beyond the arc (83%) and was a perfect 5 for 5 from the charity stripe. Pulling down 12 boards and handling the ball at the point, Eden also dished out 7 assists and was credited with 3 steals and 3 deflections. The Senior began the day with a “sausage corn dog” for breakfast and the GDC (Goessel Dietary Consultant) recommends sticking with that going forward on game day. Eden put up 30 points, just shy of the Goessel girls’ record of 34 set by Melinda Stucky in 2003 (Centre) and the 3 pointers per game record (7) set by Tara Goerzen (Burlingame 2002). Goessel ran away with this Wheat State League contest 66-28.
Eden led it off with a giant trey before the band’s last anthem had finished echoing in the hall. Leah Booton launched one from the “X” marked on “her spot” at 13.5 feet away from the bucket, then Abby Hannon cavorted a runner off the glass, followed by Brittney Hiebert pushing hard in for two charities. Eden found another perfect swoosh from the right corner and Goessel’s trapping defense was causing havoc in the Railer front-court. Brittney notched a nice slide move, then plastered an in-pass to Eden who was fouled and hit both charities as well. Savanna Wuest also found success from the Booton “X” and the quarter ended 18-6.
Herington’s Shippy delivered a gorgeous arc to start, closing to 18-9, but Goessel answered with a follow from Eden, a board and jump from Marina and and a baseline foray from Wuest. At 3:45 Goessel was in the 1-1 and Abby missed the only charity of the night for the Bluebirds, who hit 7 of 8 for 88% on the night. At 3:19 Eden launched again, seeing the target with uncanny accuracy tonight. Kara Burkholder found nothing but net with a long 2, then Eden put another up from the top of the key that looked like her 4th three but it was called a 2. 33-12. Brittney was called on a bump foul with 1:12 left and sat with her 3rd personal. Eden closed the 18-7 quarter with a full court foray +. 36-13.
The Railers faced a “crazy train” in the 3rd quarter with penetration/drives, long passes, nice jumpers and good all-around play from just about everyone Blue. At the end of three (20-3 in the quarter) it was 56-16. The cheer team rang out with the “there is no competition like the real competition” hand clapping routine. In running clock in the 4th with the bench cleared, Madi Smith hit from way in back of the mysterious mustachioed fan with the blue foam finger, Marina ran it to 61-18 with a steal and coast to coast finish, Savanna got another nice short jumper to fall, and Jenna Nightingale brought the fans to their feet with a spectacular trey that caused the lights in the other gymnasium to momentarily glow blue. Time expired with Marina at the line set to shoot two. 66-28.
Eden Hiebert led with 30, Brittney Hiebert scored 12, Savanna Wuest came off the bench to score 6, Marina Bidegain and Abby Hannon (100% from the floor) each had 4, Madi Smith (100% from 3 pt range) and Jenna Nightingale each put up a magnificent three, and Kara Burkholder/Leah Booton each finished with 2. With nine players scoring in the lopsided win, it was great to see a “lights out” shooting night for the Bluebirds. The team shot 50% from the floor, 64% from 3 point land and 46% from 2FG range. Also aiding the cause was 88% shooting from the line. Both Eden and Brittney were perfect from the stripe tonight. Goessel was credited with 12 steals to 14 turnovers. Also on the floor for the Bluebirds was Emily Meier; Stephany Meyer was not suited out tonight.
-Karl Brubaker