Nice Emails

Evan,

 Congrats to you, your players, your assistants, your managers and all associated with Galesburg girls basketball on a fantastic year.  Even from a distance with only blogs and internet newspaper articles to read it is easy to tell that a ton of hard work, teamwork, buy in, resilience, and perseverance combined with other factors made this a very special season.  I could tell that this team loves one another and the game of basketball and win or lose, that's what it's all about.  Go Streaks!

A proud GHS alumnus,

Neil Myer

Season Ends

Tough loss- 77-70 to Hillcrest. I don't feel like writing much- just the basics. We got down 14-2 but came back to take the lead at half. We got outscored 20-10 in third to go back behind. We battled back, got a steal with under a minute to go and down 4. Big no call on a layup.

Booster Club Makes Us Smile!!

Booster Club led by Steve Hawkins sure has come through big time for the girls. As of Sunday afternoon, they were about to fill up a second charter bus for adult fans. If anyone is still thinking about going that way, contact the athletic office in the morning or Steve Hawkins directly. And the administration has put together a student fan bus.

Jane Miller's Column on Streaks

From the Peoria Journal-Star---

By Jane Miller (jmiller@pjstar.com)

Journal Star

Posted Feb 26, 2011 @ 08:40 PM

GALESBURG —

At the end of the 2008-09 season, Galesburg coach Evan Massey assessed the state of his girls basketball program and knew there would have to be changes.

Numbers were dwindling, and the intensity of effort was waning.

“I wanted to do something that involved numbers and making sure we were going to play hard,” said Massey, whose team meets Country Club Hills Hillcrest on Monday at the Class 3A Pontiac Supersectional. “And I was frustrated with our conference because with Moline and Rock Island Alleman, no matter what we did, the score was going to be 36-32,’’ he said. “Half-court, we couldn’t score against them, and I thought we had to do something different.”

Celebrating at Old Chicago

Having some pizza after the Sectional Championship!!

Appreciating Success- The Joy of It!!!

Photo by Ray Mendez- Mendez Photographic- Thanks!

Quote from the Journal-Star---

“You don’t appreciate the championships as much until you go without them,” said Massey, whose teams won nine in a row from 1995-2003. “I think my attitude (during the streak) and I think some of the fans’ attitude was, it’s really pretty easy. And I think we’ve proven over the last seven years that it’s not as easy as it looks. You have to be good, but things have to bounce the right way.”

Happy Night in Metamora!

All photos by Ray Mendez of Mendez Photographic- Thanks.

Streaks Win Sectional Title

Photo by Ray Mendez- Mendez Photographic- Thanks.

The Streaks jumped out to a 54-15 half-time lead and never looked back as they posted a 74-46 win. This is the Streaks first Elite 8 appearance since 2003. It sets up a Supersectional matchup at Pontiac on Monday at 7:30pm vs. Hillcrest.

Ten Years Ago

Ten years ago this week, the Streaks won their 7th straight Sectional title by beating Sterling 52-32 and then East Moline 58-51 at the Dixon Sectional. They went on to beat Hononegah in the Super and Peoria Central in the first round at State before losing to Nequa Valley and New Trier to take fourth place.

The Streaks were led in scoring by Sarah Pacheco, followed by Ashley Shepherd, Shannon Williams, Shanell Jackson, Rachel Bicego, Traci Larson, and Amanda Gunther. Other key players were Melissa Pacheco, Annie Parkin, Elizabeth Hauslein, Jenna Bicego, Ali Bauchman, Brittany Stephan, and Casey Berry.

Shanell Jackson had a Sectional tourney like Jamie Johnson is having. She lit it up at Dixon.

From Ottawa Paper

This is not completely accurate, this was our conversation in regards to the fourth quarter.
METAMORA — Imagine Phil Jackson telling Michael Jordan not to shoot or Shaquille O'Neal not to take advantage of his size on the inside.

That's probably what it felt like to Galesburg's Silver Streaks when they were told by coach Evan Massey not to shoot the 3.

In his halftime speech Monday night, the veteran coach told Galesburg — a team that broke its own state record for 3-pointers made in a season early in the second quarter — no 3-pointers were allowed, at least not for the time being.

"(I don't have to do that) very often," Massey said. "They don't like that. I try to keep them happy."

From the Ottawa Paper

METAMORA— Ottawa coach Mike Cooper felt the biggest key for his Lady Pirates heading into their sectional game Monday evening against a very good Galesburg team was getting through the first quarter. Ottawa wasn't able to do that, though. Galesburg came out and did what it does best — make 3s — as it hit five of its first nine attempts from beyond the arc in building a 15-point advantage just a little more than three minutes into the contest. That initial spurt by the Silver Streaks, coupled with a huge third period, propelled them to a 61-34 win over the Lady Pirates in the semifinals of the Metamora Class 3A Sectional.

Journal Star on Ottawa Game

From the Peoria Journal Star----

The Galesburg girls basketball team blitzed Ottawa with a plethora of 3-pointers from the start, en route to a 61-34 victory in the Class 3A Metamora Sectional on Monday night.

“That kind of start is tough for any team to keep up with,” Galesburg coach Evan Massey said.

The Silver Streaks (27-6) advance to the title game at 7:30 p.m. Thursday. They face Richwoods, a 56-35 winner over East Peoria.

Galesburg’s suffocating full-court press forced Ottawa (19-7) into 10 first-quarter turnovers. The lost possessions — coupled with the Silver Streaks’ five 3s in the first 3:18 — left the Pirates in a 15-0 hole.

Sweet Sixteen

With our win on Monday night, it marks the Streaks first trip to the Sweet Sixteen since 2003!! 

New IHSA Record

With 11 threes, the Streaks now have made 371 threes this season. This is a new IHSA record. It breaks our record we set last year when we made 365. For those curious, the third place total is 260 by Prairie Ridge in 2000.

Jessica Howard with 125 is tied for fourth best in a season in IHSA history. And with 364 for her career, she ranks 4th all-time in IHSA history.

Streaks Advance With Sectional Win

Galesburg came out on fire hitting 6 of the first 8 three point shots. After going up 30-19 at half, it became the Jamie Johnson show in the third quarter. Jamie finished with a game high and career high 25 points.

Our girls really came out with a lot of energy in the first quarter and created numerous turnovers. We were not very efficient in the second quarter on offense but we certainly were in the third quarter. Our three point guards- Tai Peachey, Baylie Boyer, and Paige Klinck all did a great job running our offense in the third quarter.

Ottawa Papers Preview

The following is the preview from the Ottawa newspaper---

Lady Pirates ready to defend the '3' -- Galesburg has drained 360 3-pointers this year; Ottawa has yielded 43

Kyle Nevins

The Ottawa Lady Pirates might want to get their running shoes ready because they could be in store for a track meet come Monday evening. Ottawa (22-5) will face perennial state power Galesburg and "The System" — a run-and-shoot offense with an emphasis on shooting the 3 — in the semifinals of the Metamora Class 3A Sectional. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. In the other semi, No. 5 state-ranked Peoria Richwoods will meet East Peoria at 8:10 p.m.

Journal Star Preview

From the Journal Star----

At Metamora

Monday’s semifinals: Ottawa (19-6) vs. Galesburg (26-6), 6 p.m.; East Peoria (13-17) vs. Richwoods (27-3), 8:10 p.m.

Outlook: Richwoods is ranked fifth in Class 3A and was the only regional top seed to make it through to the sectional. The Knights have a 13-game winning streak and will meet East Peoria, in its first sectional appearance. “We don’t know a whole lot about East Peoria but they won a regional,” said Richwoods coach Todd Hursey. 

YES!!!!

Register-Mail Photo-- They have worked so hard, been so loyal to each other and to their coaches!!

Streaks Win Regional Title

Photo by Ray Mendez of Mendez Photographic-- thanks Ray!!

The Streaks won their 20th Regional Title!! After jumping out to a 43-28 lead, we held on for a nail biting 55-52 win. Jessica Howard hit two clutch free throws at the end of the game to put the game away.

It was an exciting night for the Streaks. I am so happy for our players who have been involved on the varsity for 2, 3, and 4 years and have not won a Regional title before.

Streaks with Huge Opening Win

Galesburg jumped to 48--33 lead and never looked back. Absolutely crisp ball movement, fastbreak basketball, and pressure defense combined for a great night. Jamie Johnson and Baylie Boyer combined for 12 assists. And Sadee Hamilton came down with 14 rebounds. Sadee had an unbelievable game- she scored, she rebounded, and she had great assists.

Jane Miller's Column from Feb. 10

Jane says some nice things about our seniors!!

The final days of the girls basketball regular season are upon us. While most of us have thoughts of regionals in our heads, the Mid-Illini Conference title is still not completely decided.

Morton and Limestone were tied heading into competition Tuesday night, but Dunlap played the spoiler card on the Rockets by handing them a 38-36 loss.

John Ring Looks Back

John Ring arrived in time to cover some very good years in Streaks girls basketball. He spent hours putting together wonderful stories on individual players and our teams. I enjoyed asking for some of his perspective on the Streaks and sports in general. Thanks!

From growing up in Galesburg, what were some of your favorite sports memories?

The John Thiel teams of the 1960s. I loved Silver Streak basketball and a player like Dale Kelley was a hero to us. He was amazing. My Dad used to take me to Silver Streak games and it was incredible, the sold out gym, their uniforms, the way they intimidated the other team with just their warm-ups. What a great homecourt advantage they had. It was a show.

Parents- The Players Have A Surprise for You!

The players did not want to be out done by the parents. The players have a surprise for their parents. Here are some things they would like to share!

I remember when I was little all the time you spent helping me_____

Dad, I remember when I was little and you taught me which leg to put up when shooting a lay up with a Pinocchio analogy ( you knew me too well, I would never forget a reference to a Disney movie), how to shoot a fool proof left hand lay up, or your classic one-on-one move that never (well, maybe sometimes) worked on me, the turn-around-jumper. Thanks for always being willing to help me with my shot.. whether or not I wanted to listen. (Megan)

Senior Players- A Surprise for You!

The parents of the senior players have stepped to the plate to answer some questions about their daughter’s and their daughter’s classmates.

When your daughter headed off to kindergarten, was she more excited or scared? What were your emotions as parents?

Norma & Patricio- Micaela started all day pre-school at age 3, she was excited since she was an only child and usually hung with adults. She refused to wear anything but skirts and dresses that whole first year! Since she didnt speak any English we were nervous at first but it didnt take long for her to adapt and make friends. She had so much fun that first week that after school she refused a few times to go home with us at pick up time!!  

Sarah Main & Lauren Riggs

We are so fortunate to have had Sarah and Lauren help with the basketball program the last four years. They have always been reliable and willing to what ever was needed. They are both people who are willing to serve others. As managers, they never get the glory but their work allows the players and coaches to do their thing.

I hope both Sarah and Lauren have enjoyed the experience as much as we have enjoyed having them in our program. A big thanks to each of them!

Our Assistant Coaches- Our Seniors Perspective

Our girls basketball program has great assistant coaches. Each of them bring individual strengths that make our program strong. I am very fortunate to get to work with them.  Our varsity team’s success this year is a direct result of the hard work of the four assistant coaches!

Mark Vershaw- He Played in the Final Four!!!

In case you are not aware, I am a big Wisconsin fan. My father was born and raised in Barneveld, Wisconsin. The first 18 years of my life, we spent every June, July, and August in a farmhouse near Hollandale, Wisconsin. Both my parents received their Masters Degrees from University of Wisconsin. I remember how great it was in junior high to go to school after the Badgers had beaten Illinois in football or basketball. And how horrible it was to go to school on the days after the Badgers had lost to Illinois. And in the 1960’s, I more often than not went to school sad. But Barry Alvarez, Dick Bennett, and Bo Ryan all changed those dynamics. My son has grown up thinking it is a bad year if the Badgers don’t win the Big Ten.

Jessica Howard- Dedicated & Loyal

A couple years ago, my wife commented, “Is Sara Wood back playing?” When Sara was in high school, I was always getting a phone call asking me if I would open the gym for Sara and Ami Pendry to go shoot. It didn’t matter what time of the year or what time of the day- they wanted to get into the gym. The reason my wife asked the question was that it was Jessica Howard wanting to get into the gym to shoot on The Gun.  Over the last three years, Jessica has been in the gym more than any player I have coached, more than even Sara & Ami. Each of the last two summers, she has made over 10,000 threes each summer. Not shot, but made 10,000 threes. This past fall, I had to ask her not to shoot for awhile because she was developing tendonitis in her elbow.  She agreed for about two days. Sara Wood would be very proud of Jessica.

Lieber Catches Fire in Alleman Win

Streaks went up 30-26 over Alleman, and hit a hot stretch in the third quarter that allowed us to get the win.  In the first half, Alleman had an answer to our pressure and consistently beat us. In the first half we did force 18 turnovers but shot only 16% from the field. The big stat was our excessive fouling in the first half, we fouled 12 times in the first half which allowed them to make 11 trips to the foul line. Alleman is the BEST team we play at winning the battle of the foul line.

Final was Streaks 69-58.

Galesburg High- 1929

My mother, Marjorie Evans Massey attended Galesburg HS and graduated in 1929. She was editor of the Reflector (yearbook), involved in debate, and was on the championship girls basketball team. Yes, championship girls basketball team in 1929!!

Galesburg High School- 1929 (located in the block of Public Safety Building)

AP State Polls

It is interesting that by my estimation, 12 of the top 20 teams in AAAA & AAA have at least some form of "open enrollment."

15 of rated teams have participated in our summer leagues in the past!!! I have highlighted those teams who have come here in the past.

Class 4A
School	W-L	Pts	Prv
1. Bolingbrook (7)	17-2	78	1
2. Edwardsville (1)	23-2	67	3
3. Whitney Young	18-2	66	2
T4.Fenwick	23-2	51	4
T4.Bartlett	23-1	51	5
6. Libertyville	24-0	39	6
7. Hononegah	24-3	30	7
8. DeKalb	20-2	16	9
9. River Forest Trinity	21-3	12	8
10. Proviso East	22-2	11	NR

Others receiving votes: East St. Louis 9. Chicago Heights Marian 9. Geneva 1.

Allison Mangieri- A Shooter

Allison Mangieri is one of three sophomores who have practice & played with the soph team, but have also dressed with the varsity. I think Allison is a good shooter now, who will become a great shooter over the next two years. I am excited about her potential to become a really good three point shooter for us on the varsity.

An advantage for Allison and the younger players in our program is that they have been able to see us play in the System, so hopefully it has helped her be aware of the opportunities she can have as a three point shooter on the varsity. So hopefully she is excited about the possibilities. This year she already has had a varsity game with 3 made threes- so hopefully that will help inspire her to set some high goals and work to be a great shooter for us!