The Goessel girls? basketball team returns its entire roster and looks to improve on last season?s 7-13 record under the direction of eighth-year coach Ryan Hoopes.
Four returning starters will anchor the Bluebirds this season.
Junior Page Hiebert received honorable-mention all-state honors last season. The 5-foot, 11-inch guard and post was named to the first-team all-league team by Wheat State League coaches.
Junior Alicen Meysing, a 6-0 post, earned honorable mention all-league honors. Junior Aleena Cook, a 5-6 guard/point guard, and senior Erin Brubaker, a 5-10 guard/post, also return as starters.
Goessel will rely on a number of additional returning letter-winners this season, including senior guards Makayla King (5-5), Alyssa Booton (5-8), and Chelsea Stika (5-3); junior post/guard Anna Wiens (5-8); and sophomore post Olivia Duerksen (6-0).
Hoopes said he anticipates gaining a talented freshman class.
?We have a lot of size and potential on this team,? he said. ?Last year we had no seniors, which turned into a learning year for these girls.
?Last year we showed moments of greatness but lacked consistency. This year we should have a much greater amount of confidence and leadership on the team. There could be as many as 15 girls battling for varsity minutes, which should make for some very competitive practices.?
Hoopes said he expects Goessel to be among the top three teams in the Wheat State League this season. Other teams to watch include Rural Vista and Elyria Christian. Last year, the Bluebirds finished 3-5 in league play.
The Bluebirds will open their season Friday by hosting Inman.
