By DELBERT PETERS

Staff writer

The Bluebirds are hoping for a competitive season this year, but they will need to rely on a strong defense to keep games close.

Goessel averaged only 31 points per game last season, finishing 4-17.

“The girls worked hard in the offseason, learning an offense that fits us well,” coach Ryan Hoopes said. “We know we are going to have to hit from outside.”

No girls are taller than 5-foot-8, so they will have to rebound well.

Elizabeth Alderfer, one of those 5-foot-8 girls, has been playing post for several years. She averaged 6.4 rebounds a game and 2.7 points a game last year. Coach Hoopes is expecting her to continue playing smart in her senior season and get rebounding position consistently.

Proclein Unruh, a 5-foot-7 senior, is a high-energy player who will play inside the lane as well as outside. Unruh averaged 3.1 rebounds a game and 2.0 points a game. When there is a loose ball, expect Unruh to be on the floor to gain possession.

Elizabeth Schmucker is a hard-nosed defender who loves the game and is expected to be a scoring threat from outside. She hit double digits four times last year, averaging 4.9 points a game and 3.2 rebounds a game.

Other letter winners from last year expected to contribute to the Bluebird success are Bethany Herrel and Raechel Boese.

Herrel, a 5-foot-8 junior, will gain confidence on her shot as the season progresses. Boese hopes to heal from an injury in 2019 and add to the team’s success as the calendar changes to 2020.

Goessel finished 3-6 in Wheat State League play last year. The team is eager to improve on that record and surprise some good teams this year.

The Bluebirds begin the season at Inman on Dec. 6, with the first home game Dec. 10 against Central Christian.