So Go These Players So Goes the Team, Takeaways From Goessel vs Inman

Opening night of the season for the Inman Teutons was one with some expectation and excitement behind it.  Coming off a 18-4 season where they finished second in the Heart of America League and were ranked in the top 10 in Class 2A for much of the season, the team taking the floor last night returned two second team and one honorable mention all-conference players from last year.  After getting blasted by state runner-up Sterling in the sub-state final last season, this group is looking overcome that hurdle and advance to the state tournament. Wheat State League member Goessel finished sixth in the ten-team league, ending the season 4-17 including three league wins. It is a team that lost five seniors including first team all-league Stephany Meyer.  This year's team includes only two seniors and very little returning experience and production. Several athletic 2022s saw playing time, contributed substantially to Inman's 33-15 win, and are going to be difficult to keep out of the starting lineup.  The fortunes of the team, though, will center around their two second team all-league players. [caption id="attachment_122345" align="alignright" width="262"] Inman 2020 <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/rachel-harman/">Rachel Harman</a> leaps to block a Goessel shot as 2020 teammate Emma Froese and Goessel 2020 Porclein Unruh look on.[/caption] <strong>2020 #109, 6'0", C, <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/rachel-harman/">Rachel Harman</a></strong> has good strength and speed, a solid build, and competitiveness that makes for a difficult physical match up.  She also has 10'-12' range.  Harman did not score against Goessel but her presence on the floor is essential as aside from 5'9" 2021 Raegan Brake the team lacks size.  Playing stronger opponents Harman will need to an offensive force. <strong>2021 #79, 5'6", PG, <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/player/dantlie-raney/">Dantlie Raney</a></strong> led the team with 9 points including a three.  Raney is a solid ball handler, a threat off the perimeter and the dribble drive; and fast with the ball in transition. She is also quick defensively, usually playing the top of all zones and presses.  Raney can be unselfish to a fault.  She repeatedly beat Goessel defenders off the dribble but rarely continued to attack the basket. Instead she chose to dish or kick out to the perimeter.  Given the reluctance of most of her guard teammates to shoot from the perimeter her team will need more scoring out of her. While the point differential makes it look like Inman cruised to a fairly easy win the reality was much different.  After scoring a couple quick baskets to pull within eight Goessel senior Porclein Unruh picked up her fourth foul with 2:30 remaining and went to the bench.  Inman immediately took control.  Extending their lead to sixteen by quarter's end the late run effectively ended any chance Goessel had.  Up to that point the Bluebirds' defensive guard play, particularly when a certain player combination was on the floor, caused Inman problems.  They closed out well and were sticky with the ball, disrupting Inman's ability to get the ball inside and to shoot from the perimeter. Both teams suffered from reluctance of players to shoot the ball and the inability to finish around the basket.  As with Inman, Goessel's fortunes will center around two players. [caption id="attachment_122361" align="alignright" width="240"] Goessel 2020 guard Porclein Unruh shoots a three point shot at Inman.[/caption] <strong>2020, NR, 5'5", PG, Porclein Unruh</strong> is the heart of the team and her leadership could be seen well before the opening tip.  While she shot poorly, including going 0/4 from the line, and did not score Unruh showed good shot selection.  Showing good speed with and without the ball in transition, good defensive quickness, and competitiveness on the boards, if she can stay on the floor and put points on the board Goessel stands to pick up more wins this season. [caption id="attachment_122348" align="alignleft" width="267"] Goessel 2021 Lizzie Schmucker drives baseline on Inman's 2021 Raegan Neufeld while 2022 teammate Reagan Brake closes in to help.[/caption] <strong>2021, NR, 5'2", CG, Lizzie Schmucker</strong> led all scorers with eleven.  Schmucker plays hard on both ends of the floor.  Having good speed with the ball in transition Schmucker is a playmaker.  She battles through full-court defensive pressure well and can beat opponents off the bounce.  Along with Unruh she is a solid half court defender and competitive rebounder.  Her team will need her to continue to score, handle the ball, and create for them to be successful. <em>Featured image: Inman 2021 Dantlie Raney uses a screen to get free down a backcourt sideline against Goessel</em>.