Alejandro Garcia goes up to block a shot. [Photos by Liyana Autery of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program at Wethersfield High School.]

***Kyra Galbraith is a participant of The Kewanee Voice Student Journalism Program, funded by the Harry Anderson Memorial Trust.

On Friday, the Wethersfield Flying Geese took on the Annawan Braves in the Wally Keller Tournament. It was in that game that two teams went from playing as teammates on the football field and achieving a 12-1 record, to a rivalry on the basketball court. 

The game was an intense one with the teams making great efforts on both offense and defense. 

Kruz Galbraith is guarded by Annawan’s Cole Dynes and Kaleb Klockenga.

Transitioning from Annawan-Wethersfield to Annawan vs. Wethersfield created a victory-hungry atmosphere.

The game started with a three-point shot made by Pierce Childs of Annawan, followed closely by a two-pointer by Kruz Galbraith of Wethersfield. 

To end the first period, there was a 16-point lead by the Braves, with a score of 10-26.

The first half concluded with a 25-point lead by the Braves, with a score of 17-42.

Wethersfield’s Dane Ross dribbles to the hoop.

Coming into the second half, the Geese came alive for the third period. Galbraith entered the court, starting the half off on the right, splashing a two-pointer, where Childs once again responded with a three-pointer. The Geese had scored 23 points, closing the gap to only a 14-point lead, ending the period at a score of 40-54.

In the end, the Annawan Braves displayed a greater desire to win and took home the victory with a 49-70 win. 

For the Geese, the lead scorers were senior Drew Hornback with 22, junior Galbraith with 14, and junior Collin Hodge with 11. 

Two players from both teams received the All-Tournament Award. Those players were Galbraith and Hodge of Wethersfield, and Cole Goodley and Maddux Heitzler of Annawan.

The rivalry game concluded the 2025 Wally Keller Tournament.