By DELBERT PETERS

Staff writer

“We have large numbers in the basketball program again this year,” Goessel boys basketball coach Curtis Guhr said as he surveyed the 28 players reporting for the team.

Five letter winners return from a 16-8 season last year, giving the Bluebird fans hope for another successful season.

Graduation often takes key players away from a team, forcing the next year’s players to step into new roles, and the Bluebirds have plenty of players anxious for spots on the varsity team.

Jake Hiebert, a 6’4” senior, averaged 4.2 ppg and 1.5 steals per game last year but he was hampered with injuries. He will be expected to lead on offense and defense with his shooting ability and quickness around the basket.

Nate Zogleman, a 6’1” senior, looks to maintain slashing style of offense that helped him average 7.6 ppg last year, while 5’9” senior Luke Wiens brings a tough defensive posture against bigger opponents, giving Goessel a player who can guard hot shooters.

Skyler Wuest, a 6’0” junior, is expected to be a threat around the basket after averaging 6.7 ppg and 3.5 rebounds per game last year. He will be joined by 6’1” junior Caiden Duerksen, who averaged rpg and 5.0 ppg.

Goessel averaged 46 ppg in 2019 while holding opponents to 38 ppg.

The Bluebirds will look for someone to fill the point guard position this year. Speed will be a Bluebird advantage, but a lack of size means they have to play tough defense and execute plays on offense.

Execution was a big factor for Goessel on Friday, as the team used a strong second half to win its season opener 53-41 at home against Marion.

Goessel led by as many as five points in the first half, but held just a 22-21 lead at halftime.

Goessel’s inside game dominated in the second half, as Skyler Wuest and Eddie Gaeddert rebounded well and converted layups, grabbing a 36-29 lead by the end of the third quarter.

Nate Zogleman joined the scoring in the fourth quarter as the Bluebirds added 17 points to finish the contest strong.

Wuest led the Bluebirds with 17 points, Gaeddert added 14, and Zogleman notched 10.

The first game of Goessel’s Bluebird Classic Tournament was Tuesday.

Dec. 11 will feature another home game in the tournament, with Saturday’s game determined by the outcome of the early games in the tournament.