Bluebirds Ground Bombers
Goessel Guys Basketball – Wakefield @ Goessel February 3, 2023
Goessel (6-8) looked like the favored team tonight against the visiting Wakefield Bombers (1-13). On Senior night, fans looked forward to recognizing those who have contributed in so many ways to Bluebird Nation over their time at USD 411. After the tipoff, Noah Schrag scored nearly as quick as humanly possible, laying the first bucket in at 7:57.24 for the 2-0 lead. With pressure on the Bombers, the Bluebirds were able to jump out to a 31-1 lead after the 1st quarter. Scoring from all over came from Schrag, Caleb Burkholder, Joey Lapp, Jake Wiens, and a highlight (1:25) giant trey from Koy Smith.
Lapp led the Bluebird onslaught with 11 the first quarter, definitely utilizing non-destructive testing technology very well indeed.
Coach Guhr pulled the pressure in the 2nd and subsequent quarters against the visiting Bombers. Hassling found the range at 7:03 to make it 33-4, the first Bomber field goal of the night. Royser Duran had the crowd in full voice with a nice finish, then Schrag pitched a perfect Mahomes strike to Bryant for two and Jake Flaming cruised the middle for a fine bucket to go to 39-6. Wiens circumnavigated the entire lane and found an opening for two more, then Eli Boden found paydirt inside with an excellent foray to close (2nd quarter 14-5) the half 44-6.
Between games tonight, all Goessel Seniors were recognized including humorous projections of what will happen in the future as well as serious glimpses at what career path these students will take. Goessel’s cheer team presented at half time with an excellent dance routine.
With the full bench participating tonight and the players coming on and off the floor in platoon fashion, the 3rd quarter was tempered. Schrage led with a nifty coast to coast effort, Boden hit the front end of two charities, Jack Nickel was both nimble and quick jumping into thick waters in the middle for a nice two. Wiens hit on a now trademark perfect smooth runner, then Burkholder put on his patented to the hoop push and Goessel led (3rd quarter 9-7) 53-13 after three. After the 3rd quarter, the student section did the roller coaster, with immense action, sound and fury as Jaicee Griffin led tonight bringing an enjoyable game to a climactic level. In running clock in the 4th, big 6’6” man Connor Ward found the hole for the only points scored by either team and this one ended 53-15 .
Every man on the roster scored for Goessel tonight. Joey Lapp had 11, all in the first quarter. Jake Wiens put up 10, Noah Schrag, Koy Smith and Caleb Burkholder each scored 7, Eli Boden 3 and four Bluebirds notched 2 each: Grant Bryant, Jack Nickel, Royser Duran and Jake Flaming. Congratulations to the Blue for this effort and best wishes moving into challenging weeks coming up.
Karl Brubaker
