***Kyra Galbraith is a participant of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.
On Tuesday night, the Flying Geese welcomed the Galva Wildcats to their home court for a night of exciting basketball.
The Geese started the game powerfully, winning the opening possession, followed shortly by Collin Hodge putting up the first shot and points of the night. The first period was a nail-biter, with the teams trading the lead, but the Geese edged ahead 13-11 by the end.
As the second quarter unfolded, the gym’s energy grew as the Wildcats picked up the pace. Big shots, tough fouls, and lots of loud cheers filled the air.
By halftime, the Wildcats had taken charge, going into the break with a solid 29-35 lead — one they would not give up.
During halftime, the WHS junior class organized a fun half-court shootout fundraiser, allowing the fans an opportunity to win a free pizza certificate for Cerno’s Bar & Grill in Kewanee.
The second half opened with strong play from both teams, with baskets flying in from all angles. However, as the game progressed, the Wildcats gradually widened their lead.
One of the game’s greatest stand-out moments occurred just before the third-period buzzer, where Drew Hornback drained an impressive full-court three-pointer.
Despite the Geese’s best efforts, the Wildcats ultimately secured the win with a final score of 58-78.
“I think we played a very strong game, but we could’ve performed better throughout the second half,” the Geese’s power forward, Kruz Galbraith, said.
Leading the Geese in scoring were junior Hodge with 14, senior Hornback with 13, and junior Galbraith with 12.
The JV played a very similar game, with the Geese falling just short in a close 29-32 loss.
After the night’s game, both the varsity and junior varsity teams are 1-1 in conference.
