Reese Rumbold shoots a layup for the Geese. [Photos by Liyana Autery, with The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program]

The Flying Geese boys basketball team erased a 17-point halftime deficit Friday to defeat Knoxville 68-63 in overtime.

Although the Bullets won the opening possession, they didn’t hold onto the ball for too long before the Geese got hold of the it. Kruz Galbraith put up the first shot and points of the night. 

The Geese were in the lead for a little bit before the Bullets grasped that lead. The first period ended with the Geese behind 10-17.

The second period was the roughest of them all. The Geese’s defensive strategies were not enough to slow the Bullets down. The Bullets put up 23 points, while the Geese only scored 13, bringing the end of the first half with the Bullets in the lead, 23-40.

Halftime activities were nearly as exciting, as Wethersfield honored 11 students who were a part of the 5,000-shots club. The athletes being recognized were Maxx Schiltz, Emma Schiltz, Julia Cruz, Hadley Frank, Haidyn Frank, Abby Peterson, Olivia Shipley, Bella Shipley, Beckham Burkiewicz, Grayson Burkiewicz and Lana Scott.

To conclude, the sixth grade Flying Geese held an eight-minute scrimmage game. All of the kids played incredibly well and provided a fun conclusion to the halftime show.

The third period began with Galbraith making the first three points of the second half. The game’s intensity increased as the second half opened up, with the Geese scoring 20 points to the Bullets 16. The Bullets remained in the lead, but not for long, with a third-period final score of 43-56.

The fourth period proved to be the turnaround of the night. Playing with their hearts on their sleeves, the Geese showed incredible determination and drive, powering through the period. 

Kruz Galbreath shoots a layup.

Down by 13 points, the Geese battled back, putting up shots from all angles and putting enough points on the board to even the score. Another three-pointer from Galbraith tied the game at 62, sending the game into overtime.

The gymnasium came alive when the clock began its four-minute timer. No mercy was shown to the Bullets. After winning the jump ball this time around, the Geese allowed the Bullets to score only one point, while they managed to score six, seizing a well-deserved win with a final score of 68-63.

Wethersfield’s leading scorers were junior Collin Hodge with 12, senior Drew Hornback with 15, and Galbraith with an impressive 26 points.

Some of the Wethersfield students inducted into the 5,000 shot club are shown.

“We didn’t let the scoreboard affect our game. We knew we still had a shot and were in this, and we proved ourselves in overtime,” said Galbraith.

The JV Geese had just as successful a night, claiming a victory with a final score of 59-43.

Next week, the Geese will welcome the Stark County Rebels to their home court for the WHS boys senior night on Tuesday, and will travel to United to take on the Red Storm for their last regular-season game.