Hillsboro Ends Bluebird Season at Sub-State
Goessel Guys Varsity Basketball-Hillsboro 2A Sub-State First Round v. Hillsboro February 27, 2018
Goessel entered this year’s 2A Hillsboro sub-state as the #7 seed going up against #2 seed Hillsboro. Ask any member of this Bluebird team when they were 10 whether they thought they would be playing their final HS game of the season at Hillsboro and likely you would get a universal “What?!!” With enrollment movement at area high schools, this year’s Hillsboro sub-state featured a swath of local rivals who may not have been classed together since early in a prior century. Despite a 1st quarter call to the football equipment room for some pads and helmets that went unanswered, Goessel put up a very strong effort in the initial minutes of this contest, staying virtually even the entire 1st quarter. Hillsboro’s overwhelming size / speed differential and deeper bench quickly took over and this one ended 24-64. Hillsboro moves on to play the winner of the Moundridge – Herington game in the semi-final round.
Goessel’s faithful were well represented and rose as one as the Bluebirds created off of two well crafted steals to start. Dylan Lindeman went to coast for two and after a 2nd steal, Coach Knoll called time at 6:50. Hillsboro used its size advantage to create breaks off pressure and stayed in man nearly all night. Goessel contained the Trojan offense with a 2-3 zone and during the first quarter, the home team’s shots were not falling. Lindeman absolutely ignited the Blue crowd by burying one that was exactly framed by the “Dilly Dilly” sign in the HHS student section. 5-3 Bluebirds, the 2nd and largest Goessel lead of the night. Two fast runs down the floor took it to 5-7 but Lindeman found Jordan Griffin underneath for a nifty two off the glass to knot again at 7-7. Hillsboro continued to pound and on one fracas in the paint, Lindeman came down with what looked like an ankle roll. The first quarter ended 8-14.
This year, Drew Lindeman has been unable to suit up with ongoing recovery and rehabilitation on his knee. Last week, Carson Sterk was hospitalized and was unable to play tonight. In the 2nd stanza, Dylan came in at 6:47 but a moment later Griffin was called for his 3rd personal and had to sit. Without a large presence in the paint, the Hillsboro bigs went to work and began scoring at will, pouring in 19 to Goessel’s 4. Jayce Schmidt had a highlight drive/runner and brother Jerah hit two for two from the stripe for the only offense from the Bluebirds during the Trojan run. At 2:46 Lindeman was able to coast in two and Zach Zogleman hit 2 for 3 from the stripe after getting fouled retrieving his own FT. The 8-26 half ended 16-40.
Goessel tried man to man to start the 3rd but almost immediately gave that up as 6’2” shot-putter Shaw moved people around inside just by looking at them. Jordan buried a nice jumper to go to 18-46, but the Trojans rolled hitting on post moves, breaks and threes. With the 3rd closing down, Hillsboro brought in their 2nd team. 21-60.
Jayce Schmidt had an excellent steal and finish to start the 4th, then the Trojans hit a FG and two FT’s, Lindeman dolloped up a FT but that is all the scoring that was mustered in the running clock. The contest ended 24-64.
This would be the final game for Seniors Jayce Schmidt, Carson Sterk, Jordan Griffin, and Nathaniel Schmucker. Even though Sterk did not suit out, he served as co-captain with Griffin this evening. Thank you Seniors, for persevering and continuing to play hard through a tough season. Coach Guhr comments that each team member “continued to battle” this season and that he never heard any negative talk despite the injuries and W-L record. He believes this shows the excellent character these young men display both on and off the court. Thank you for your great work through all your years of High School!
Dylan Lindeman led Goessel with 8, Jordan Griffin put up 7, Jayce Schmidt had a solid scoring game with 5 and both Jayce Schmidt and Zach Zogleman finished with 2. Dylan led with 8 boards and 5 assists. It was very exciting to see brothers Jayce and Jerah Schmidt on the floor together; Goessel looks forward to HOPEFULLY seeing Dylan and Drew Lindeman playing together next year.
Thank you Coach Guhr and assistants Chad Lindeman and Kyle Huxman for your leadership this season!
“With Each Other For Each Other”
-Karl Brubaker
