Watson in IBCA Hall of Fame

It is fitting that Molly Watson was the first GHS girls basketball player selected to the IBCA Hall of Fame. During her three years as a starter, GHS went 91-11. At the end of the season polls, GHS was rated #1, #2, #1 her three years. She was surrounded by many great players- we had great TEAMS. But in my biased opinion, at 5'4" she was the most dominant girls basketball player in WB6 history. Her senior year, the Streaks were 33-0 before losing to Taylorville in the State semis. 

She went on to play at DePaul University and was very successful on collegiate level. 

Quite simply, Galesburg fell in love with Molly and her teammates. Every IHSA attendance record was eventually set by Galesburg. It was the result of a lot of good players, but the love affair started with Molly.

Congratulations to Steve & Jeanine

There are many great girls basketball fans in Galesburg. Steve and Jeanine Bryant are not only some of the best GHS fans, but they are also the best fans of Illinois girls basketball.

Steve has been willing to drive across Illinois to get tapes when we needed them. In 1999 after winning the Supers, Steve headed to Chicago and got us lots of tapes on Loyola. It is for that reason after we upset Loyola, we presented Steve with the original scouting report on Loyola. Steve and Jeanine have followed the Streaks everywhere, and have hosted them in their homes.

In their nomination, other coaches said the following-

Lori Blade (Coach of Edwardsville)- They have always been a positive and wonderful representative of what a true basketball fan should be.  They have a true appreciation for all participants.  Their nomination for IBCA HOF Friends of Basketball is as deserving as any nomination could be.  They have been and continue to be a true blessing to the game of basketball.

Jay Hatch (Coach of Alleman)- Steve and Jeanine Bryant are a great nomination for Friends of Basketball.  They are strong supporters of Galesburg basketball, but they are also strong supporters of basketball in general. 

Mark Smith (Coach of Maine South)- I would come to find out how special and loyal two of these fans were - not only to 'their" team - but to girls' basketball throughout the state.  Steve and Jeanine Bryant are among the greatest high school girls basketball fans that I know. 

Bill Lapp (former Coach of Carthage)- As the head varsity coach at Carthage High School, I remember the Galesburg teams as some of our biggest fans. Our teams and fans had great respect for one another. The memory of the state tournament where the Streaks cheered at the Bluegirl quarterfinal and vice-versa are still solid in my mind. The two Galesburg fans that most stand out however are Steve and Jeaninne.

The Bryant’s were the type of individuals that supported the game above the team. They appreciated all kids who committed themselves to the game they so loved. The Bryant’s adopted our team. During the summer camp months as well as fall tourna- ments, they would have our Bluegirl teams to their home as a place to relax in between contests. Periodically, they also would be fans in the stands at big games we were in, during the season as well as post-season. Confidently, I know that their attitude to our team transcended into the mutual respect each team had for one another. There is NO one couple I could recommend greater than Steve and Jeaninne Bryant.