Goessel boys, girls teams rebuilding
Staff writer
Boys and girls basketball will define Goessel’s sports program this winter.
Boys basketball
The Bluebirds finished 10-11 last year and graduated three of their five starters.
“We will be looking for guys to step up this season,” coach Curtis Guhr said. “I am excited to see how guys who played small roles for us last year step up and fill the voids that we have.”
Returning letter winners are Koy Smith and Jack Nickel. Smith averaged 6.9 points and 3.0 rebounds a game. Nickel averaged 7.8 points and 6.7 rebounds a game.
“We have a good group of guys that I feel are ready to accept the challenge,” Guhr said.
This is Guhr’s 12th year coaching.
“With size being an issue, we will look to our speed to help make up for the lack of height,” Guhr said.
The Bluebirds will open their season Friday on the road against Marion.
“We look forward to competitiveness in practice and finding the right people to fit into roles to be a key to how successful this year can be,” Guhr said.
Girls basketball
Last year’s sub-state runners-up graduated four impact players, two of whom were leading scorers.
“The Bluebirds will be up for the challenge,” 18-year head coach Ryan Hoopes said. “We will have the speed and athleticism to challenge teams.”
Returning starters are Abbigail Funk and Aimee Funk.
Abbigail is a versatile player who defends well, gets to the rim, and shoots the three.
Aimee is not as easily pushed around and will defend bigger girls in the post if needed.
“What we lack in size, we will need to make up with quickness and speed,” Hoopes said.
Other players to watch are Logan Bryant and Brooklyn Wuest. Bryant brings strength and speed. Wuest will have a huge impact on the inside game with great jumping ability.
“Three of our four seniors have all seen a lot of varsity time and have played in some big time games,” Hoopes said.
The Lady Bluebirds will open their season Friday on the road against Marion before the boys’ game.
“Many of our younger players will have an opportunity to compete for varsity minutes and make an impact,” Hoopes said.