The Pacheco's- Megan & Sarah

From 1996 thru 2001, Galesburg girls basketball won a record six supersectionals in a row. After a win in 2001, an opposing coach commented, "I am so tired of seeing the Pacheco's." Megan and Sarah Pacheco were key players on five of the six teams. Every year it seemed like Megan or Sarah had an heroic performance on our trips to State.

1997- vs. Belvidere at DeKalb Supersectional- Megan as a freshmen scored regularly on a lob play from Molly Watson.

1998- vs. Rock Island at Rock Island Sectional- Megan as a sophomore grabbed a high pass from Jaque Howard, scored inside, was fouled, and made the free throw. The play helped break open a close game.

1999- vs. Harlem at NIU Supersectional- sophomore Sarah in the closing seconds hit the game winner off of a pass from sophomore Rachel Bicego to send us to state with a game winner.

Lynda (Clevidence) Erickson- Mom & Coach

Lynda (Clevidence) Erickson played for the Streaks in 1990 & 1991. She was a very athletic post player. She was not afraid to be physical, and sometimes the refs thought too physical. Lynda was a great teammate, who understood what it meant to play hard. She was very coachable. When you spoke, she listened with her eyes. Lynda helped create a positive culture on our team with her attitude.  

She went off to Illinois Wesleyan, and I never saw her again until 7-8 years ago. Her daughter was playing basketball for Dunlap. Lynda has not changed, and was easily identifiable in the crowd. 

I wanted to do this Q/A with Lynda to talk to her about being a mom to four very athletic children. I find it interesting to hear how “athletic moms” parent “athletic children.” And the other big thing I wanted to talk to Lynda about is her coaching career. Lynda has been a youth coach for her kids as they have grown up, and now she is sophomore girls basketball coach at Dunlap HS. We need former female athletes to get into coaching, so it is exciting to talk to Lynda about her coaching journey. 

Barry Swanson- Rivalries & 1966

In 1960’s, Galesburg basketball teams took the floor with warmups that declared “Streaksburg,” and the players had their last names across the back of their jerseys. From the moment they took the floor, it was obvious the Streaks program under John Thiel was a special program. Not only was Galesburg one of the elite teams of Illinois. Galesburg with Thiel, Quincy with Sherril Hanks, and Pekin with Dawdy Hawkins made western Illinois the center of Illinois basketball. 

In the second part of questions with Barry Swanson, he focuses on the Pekin and Quincy rivalries, and the magical year of 1966. 

Barry Swanson- Looking Back

 

The John Thiel era of the late 1950’s thru the early 1970’s was an exciting time in Galesburg. Boys basketball took over the community. Galesburg had just built a new high school, and a new gym. Everyone in town wanted season tickets to see their beloved Streaks play, and every boy in town wanted to play for John Thiel.

 

Barry Swanson grew up in the Thiel era. He was inspired by the teams of the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. He was able to live out the dream of playing for the Streaks in 1964, 1965, and 1966. It meant playing in front of a packed houses every night.

 

My first experience with Barry was when he returned to coach the “Ponies” (Soph Streaks) for the 1974-5 season. I was just out of college, and was his assistant on the 1975 team. I had fun living out my dream of being a coach, and realized how much I had to learn. It was fun and exciting, in part as our team went 22-0. Eventually I moved over and coached girls basketball, and Barry went onto become the Streaks varsity boys coach.

 

Barry Swanson has a unique perspective on Galesburg boys basketball. He grew up watching the Thiel teams of Bumpy Nixon, played for the Streaks in the 1960’s glory days, and then coached Galesburg. I appreciate he was willing to share some of his memories of these times. I am posting his responses into two different posts. The first post I ask him about growing up in Galesburg, playing in the 1960’s, Dale Kelley, John Thiel, the 1976 team, and teams of the 1980’s. Later I will post with the focus on the Galesburg, Pekin, and Quincy rivalries of the ‘60’s, and the 1966 season. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

 

Stef Mitchell- Tough & Confident

 

Stef Mitchell was a great shooter for the Streaks from 1991-1995. She could do a little bit of everything. She could handle the ball vs pressure and she could pass. Today she still ranks #9 all-time in assists with 364. She could score from threes but she could also post up. Today she is still the #10 all-time scorer for GHS with 1135 points. She had the height to guard multiple positions, to post up, and to rebound.

 

The biggest thing she brought to the Streaks program was a combination of a toughness and of a confidence. She started as a sophomore in 1993 on a team dominated by seniors- Christy Hickey, Heather Aten, and Ann Henderson. They went 26-4, and lost a heartbreaker in the Sectionals. To play as a sophomore on a mainly senior team is not easy, you are tested. This experience helped shape her over the next two years.

 

A huge part of Stef’s competitive strength came from her experience as an all-state golfer. In golf, you are out there by yourself. As a golfer, she learned to handle tough situations. That personality gave her an edge that she brought to the basketball court. After golf, often it seemed like tough situations basketball were easy for her to handle- she seemed competitive but calm.

 

Sean Hanlon & the Hanlon Party of 5

 Sean Hanlon had a great high school career at GHS. He earned a D1 scholarship to Northwestern and was able to live the dream of every basketball player, to play basketball at the highest level. But he also experienced the underside of D1 when he experienced a coaching change with the new coach creating a completely different atmosphere.

 

Sean married Karla Emery, and today they live in Colorado with their three children. We have lived next door to Sean’s parents for the last 20 years so we have gotten to enjoy watching Sean’s family growing up from a distance.

 

I got Sean to answer some questions about his college basketball career, his career, and his active children.

 

Cadwells Going Into GHS HOF

Melissa Cadwell

Twin sisters, Melissa and Melinda Cadwell are going into the GHS Athletic Hall of Fame this year. They were outstanding guards for the Streak’s 1990 team who were WB6 Champs and ranked #14 in Illinois (two class system). They join teammate Tiffany Sibley into the HOF.

 

As teams try to build to be champions, often there is that one team that gets in the way. In the NBA in the ‘80’s the Pistons had to get by the Celtics. Then in the ‘90’s the Bulls had to get by the Pistons. Those tough losses are painful as you can’t get over the top.

 

Our 1988 and 1989 teams took the step of winning our first Regional titles, and got the tradition of winning Regionals, winning 20 games, and being ranked in the top 20 going. For the Streaks, we couldn’t get past Moline in the late ‘80’s. The Streaks had a 7-29 record vs. the Maroons since the start of girls basketball thru the ‘80’s. In 1988 and in 1989, the Streaks advanced to the Sectional only to lose each year to Moline. Going into the 1990 season, Galesburg had lost 14 straight games to Moline. But things were to change during the 1990 season.

Leadership by Kaylee Miller

Team culture involves the behaviors expected of each other, the level of work ethic desired, attitude toward each other and the coaches, and having a shared vision of goals. A positive team culture does not just happen, it is built. Coaches can try to build a championship culture, but the most successful teams have players who are effective leaders, who build the culture. Kaylee Miller is one of those leaders who has the ability to change the direction and culture of a team. She shares her beliefs about how to be an effective leader, and what she has to say is outstanding advice for all of us. 

What Makes A Great Teammate?

Camellia is a very good teammate- she gets it as far as supporting her team and her teammates. But I thought it would be better for an actual teammate to write about Camellia as a teammate.

The following was written by Kaylee Miller:

Camellia is such a good teammate because she is the definition of a good friend. I’ve always thought a good friend is someone who is kind, caring, and supportive of your successes. Camellia is just that; she is the person who would jump up and down for any small success you may have! She is a diligent worker in every aspect of her life, and that includes basketball. 

Out of every teammate I’ve ever had, she is the most diligent person when it comes to watching film and being “game prepared.” She was always the person to have the film up before games or know exactly what the other teams plays were.

She is a great teammate because she leads by example. Even if Coach Massey or Coach Barshinger were not talking to her specifically, she would listen intently to improve her game as well. 

Leadership by Chelsea Stevenson

Leaders come in all different forms. There are so many ways to express leadership, whether it is by a verbal actions or simply doing things the team can and should follow.

Showing leadership can mean cheering your team on during practice when a play goes wrong, cheering for them while doing the ladder, or simply saying “good shot” when someone shoots. Simple actions like that gets everyone moving and being verbal together.

Not every team has that one person to get everyone motivated to speak, but there are always players who show leadership by their actions. Getting dressed for practice and coming out to shoot makes everyone else want to hurry and get out there too. It makes the team ready to get things going and let’s the coaches know the team is serious! Or having a player simply listen to the coaches corrections and fixing the mistakes they pointed out helps everyone. Always be supportive of your team, even the younger players. Everybody makes mistakes and it is always good to be a positive role model.

It is better to have good leadership in some form at practice than it is to have no connection and feel like the practice is dragging on with no energy. Plus, that could involve having to run for a “not so focused” practice.

And while the players are stuck in quarantine there are ways to still be a leader. Grab and ball and just practice shooting up to yourself, or going outside and shooting for 45 minutes a day. A little time each day can go a long way. Motivating friends to get outside is leadership. Posting a picture of yourself on snapchat showing you’re outside shooting is leadership because it may make other players want to go out as well.

It is so much better being a leader and not a follower. Do what is expected and it will make the coaches and other players much happier. And it will lead to a fun season! 

Leadership by Coach Daniels

I believe that a player can be an effective leader by leading by example. If a player is able to set a tone for practices and off-season workouts and be consistent all the way through teammates will soon follow along. Once everyone gets on the same page that is when great success will come.

Right now during the stay-at-home players can be leaders by being reliable and communicating with their teammates. Reaching out to your teammates and seeing what they did to better their game that day. I know coach Massey has sent workout challenges out to all the players, so I would make sure that at the end of each week your name shows up in the completion of the challenge. This will show your teammates that they can rely on you to continue to work. Always remember what you do when nobody is watching is what separates a champion from everyone else.

Streaks Culture

We believe these five characteristics must be the heart of our team culture. The five characteristics allow us to be stronger together as a team, and produce a family atmosphere.

#1- Humility

Humility allows us to understand we have room to grow and improve in our lives.

Humility allows us to understand we can’t do it alone, we need other people.

#2- Passion

We can impact other people not just by what we do, but how we do it. We can be an energy giver with our love, our energy, and our work ethic. Nothing great can be achieved without enthusiasm.

#3- Unity

Basketball and life are team sports, together we always achieve more. We are tougher together.

#4- Servanthood

The best teams in life, help each teammate become better versions of themselves. Servanthood is our ability and willingness to help our teammates.

#5 Thankfulness

Gratitude must be a constant drumbeat. Don’t forget to express your appreciation. And, appreciate and learn from each circumstance, both success and failure.

These five pillars of culture were taken from Dick Bennett, successful high school and college coach.

MINDSET

MINDSET is the theme of our off-season workout program. Players came up with MINDSET. Letters of MINDSET represent qualities we think will be important for our development as players, and our development as a team in the off-season.

MOTIVATION- For you to be successful in the off-season, it must start with you being high motivated. For us to be successful as a team, your motivation must be contagious. Your work and your enthusiasm must help motivate your teammates.

IMPROVEMENT- Our focus in the off-season must be on improvement. Each of us individually must get better, and that will make us better as a team.

NEVER- We can never be negative, and we can never quit.

DISCIPLINE- Discipline means we are willing to workout even when we really don’t feel like working out. Discipline means we pay attention to little details so we execute the fundamentals correctly.

SACRIFICE- We must be willing to sacrifice our time to keep improving. We need to be willing to sacrifice our personal interests for the interests of the team.

ENERGY- No one is ever successful in life with a lukewarm approach. Energy is what allows us to play harder and to work harder than our opponents.

TEAM- Ultimately our level of success is determined by our commitment to each other- to our team. We must be together to succeed.  

Lexi Daniels- What Her Teammates Say

Lexi was part of some very successful high school teams. As a junior, the Streaks went 27-8 and made it to the Sectional finals before losing a heartbreaker to the eventual State Champs. Her senior year, the Streaks were 30-4 and ranked #3 in Illinois.

Lexi never played any Freshmen or Frosh-Soph basketball, she was on the varsity all four years. She invested hours and hours in the off-season to become one of the greatest three point shooters in school history. Her abilities earned her All-State recognition her last two years.

Lexi Daniels- Back Teaching/Coaching in Galesburg

I am so excited that Lexi Daniels was hired to teach in District #205, and that we can get her involved coaching in the girls basketball program.

Lexi had a great career at GHS as a player. She continued to be a big part of our program throughout college. She has been instructor in Streaks Camps, coach/counselor at Purdue Camp, and coach of our JH and Frosh teams in Summer League. She has coached with our program actually since her sophomore year in high school.

Now that she is coming back to Galesburg, we are going to continue to have her involved coaching in our program. We are excited that we are going to have Lexi as an assistant with Coach Barshinger and myself with the varsity team.

2 Ball Dribble Challenge

2 Ball Dribble Challenge

Time yourself going through:

50 Pounds from waist  (dribble at same time)
50 Pistons from waist  (alternate dribbles)

50 Pounds below the knee 
50 Pistons below the knee
25 Crossovers in front of you
25 Between legs- same ball goes between legs- left to right, then right to left, repeat.

Neil Myer- Servant

It has been quite a while since Neil Myer was broadcasting in Galesburg for the Streaks, and since he was last in Galesburg. It was time to catch up with Neil.

My first memory of Neil was when our new pastor, his father, was coming to Galesburg and my father-in-law offered to take the young son to a basketball game on Friday night. After the game, Ben Allen told about how animated Neil had been during the game. I knew he was ok at that point.

Leadership by Casey Williams

Casey Williams played four years on the varsity at GHS, and then went onto have a good four year college career at Benedictine. Casey was a tremendous defender for the Streaks. She took great pride in her defense and her ability to guard different positions.

Lily- Shows Energy

Lily has faced adversity and just kept going. As a sophomore she was in the middle of great season and she hurt her knee in a skiing accident. It resulted in her missing the rest of the season and the entire summer of basketball. This past season she had games where she played and others she only played a little. It is not easy when you have been a “regular” your entire career to not play as much.

Leadership by Rainee Meeker (Sibley)

Have you ever met someone who never seems to have a bad day? They always seem happy to see you, and always are filled with enthusiasm and energy. Rainee Meeker (Sibley) is one of those people. She has the ability to change people with her enthusiasm. Leaders have the ability to influence others, and indeed, Rainee has that ability.

Grace- Focused on Improving

Having point guard on the floor to set up the offense, handle defensive pressure, and get the team in the right defense is so important. While Riley has been getting the job done on the varsity level, Grace has done that for her teams. In JH and HS, Grace's teams have all won. As point guard on each of those teams, Grace has played a huge part in her team’s successes. Grace can handle the ball, she sees the floor and passes well, and she is athletic. She has the ability to get up and pressure the other team.

Leadership by Megan Young

Megan Young is graduated from GHS in 2011. Megan brings high energy to everything she does. She was a perfect fit for the “system”, when we pressed all over and ran up and down. No one for the Streaks has ever played any harder than Megan played. She totally “got it”, in terms of the value of team building and having a positive team culture.

Leadership by Jess Howard

Jess Howard was an example of a player who was motivated to work on her own to improve her game. Yes, she did the practices, the camps, and the leagues- but she also invested hours working on her own game. As Jess looks at leadership, she touches on how work ethic and individual workouts result in self-improvement, they help provide leadership and set a team culture.

Leadership by Andie Leibach (Allison)

Andie Leibach (Allison), has been a great leader in our program as both a player and then as a coach. As a player, her strength as a leader was through her example. Her work ethic and competitiveness were second to none. When you have a leader, who comes to work in every practice, it sets a tone for the team.

The other component of her leadership was the example of team first she set. Whether she scored a lot or a little, whether she played a lot or played not as much, her approach never changed. It was obvious to her coaches and to her teammates her focus was on the team being successful. She set an example of unselfishness. In simple terms, Andie set an example of WE being more important than ME.

Abby- Keeps Competing

 Abby is coming off a great year with the Frosh-Soph team. From her freshmen to her sophomore year, she really improved her range and became a strong three point threat. Her outside shooting often would break games wide open for the Frosh-Soph team.

While she is a good shooter, her greatest strength has been her competitiveness. She is ready to compete, whether in games or in practice. She has always played the game hard, and never backed down from competition. As a result, she always goes hard. Her competitiveness drives her to work hard in practice, and has resulted in continual improvement.

Leadership by Jenna Wesselhoeft (Bicego)

Jenna Bicego started for the Streaks in 2003 and 2004. Those two seasons, the Streaks went 61-8. As point guard, Jenna she set single season record for assists as a junior and then reset the record as a senior. These are still the top two single season assist totals for Galesburg.

While Jenna was fantastic as a point guard setting up our offense, as a leader she set the tone for team in terms of competitiveness. She shares her thoughts on being a leader….

Riley- She's Got Passion

 Today I have a conversation with Riley. Riley has started as a sophomore and as a junior on the varsity. While playing the point guard position, she has led the Streaks in scoring the past two years. As junior, she shot 50% from the field and 35% from threes.

Leadership by Jaque Gohlinghorst (Howard)

Jaque Gohlinghorst (Howard) was three year starting guard in 1998-2000. She was captain of the Streaks her junior and senior years. Presently she is 8^th grade coach in Galesburg.

How can a player be an effective leader for their team?

A player can be an effective leader on their team by being willing to do the “extras” that no one else wants to do.  For example, it could be asking the coach to come in on a Sunday to do some extra shooting or dribbling routines.   On the other hand, it could be someone who stays after away games to check the locker room to make sure no one leaves anything behind when everyone else is rushing out to get on the bus.  A leader is someone who isn’t afraid to communicate with the coach or a teammate even if it is not always a positive conversation.  A leader is someone who takes challenges head on and is willing to work through the obstacles. 

Proud of Our Seniors- 2020

We want to recognize our three members of the class of 2020- Arleta, Chelsea, and Kaylee. You have given so much to the Streaks basketball program, to your teammates, to your coaches, and to each other.

You have been fantastic leaders by example. You never took shortcuts. You were first on the floor for practice. You came into shoot extra. You practiced and played with passion- always.

When something needed to be said- you stepped up to say it. If our weight room session was not great, one of you would tell us we needed to do better next time. After practice, you would not hesitate to say if we had not practiced at a championship level. And the practice before the Swirl, one of you was willing to tell the team, “Don’t do anything stupid tonight.”

Ball Handling Drill

https://twitter.com/Hennen_Workouts/status/1256351382073937921?s=20

Sara Wood- Leadership

 Sara Wood was a great player and great leader at GHS. She has applied her work ethic and leadership skills in her career as a Marine. She shares her thoughts on leadership, which apply to any field we are in. What she has to say is MUST READING for anyone who is serious about basketball. The following are Sara's thoughts on leadership...

“How can a player be an effective leader on their team?”

Not everyone can be the best player of her team but everyone has the opportunity to be a leader.  

David Klockenga Looks Back

I have run into David Klockenga a couple times in the last five years at a Drake men’s basketball game. It was always good to see him, even if for a short time. I reached out to David to see if he would be willing to talk about his days covering the Streaks girls basketball team for WAIK. It turns out his memory is better than mine, it is great reading his thoughts and memories.

David covered Streaks basketball for fifteen years, and during a very exciting time from 1993 thru 2007. Consider some of the following stats from the 15 years he broadcasted:

Lauren- Changed Plans This Spring

Lauren had a great year as a freshman. She played regularly for Coach Barshinger on the freshman team, and practiced with the varsity. We had just started to rotate her in with the first team in practice, and hoped to start bringing her off the bench in varsity games. Unfortunately, just as this was taking place, she tore her ACL in a freshmen game and was out for the season.

As a sophomore, Lauren was the first off the bench for the varsity. She had a good year but it was up and down season for her. The work and the experience of playing and practicing with the varsity as a role player paid off for her as a senior. Lauren had a great year. She started out slow but worked herself into basketball shape, and was a force for us.

"Is Great Worth It"

Anyone who is serious about being a champion should listen to this 2 minute talk by Doc Rivers. "The whole team has to make a choice: Is great worth it?"

Anyone who wants to be a champion, should listen to this 2 minute talk by Doc Rivers. "The whole team has to make a choice: Is great worth it?" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJtq_mJ1piA

Woody, Thiel, and the 1968 Streaks

I did not grow up in Galesburg but my mother was from Galesburg, and my grandparents still lived in Galesburg throughout the 1950’s and 1960’s. My grandparents sent me clipping of Streaks boys basketball. They never missed a game, tuning into WGIL for the games. My cousin, Chauncey Kenney taught at GHS, so we usually managed to get tickets to a game or two in a soldout gym.

I grew up a Streaks fan, hearing my grandparents rave about the Kimbrough’s. Watching the State games, including the agonizing loss to Cobden and then the exciting years of Dale Kelly and the ’66 Streaks.

"It's raining, I can't do anything."

We can't lift but we can still get stronger.

“It’s raining, I can’t do anything.”

There are a ton of things you can do to make yourself a better athlete, and a better basketball player in your garage, in your basement, or in your room.

“It’s raining, I can’t go to the weight room.”

A critical thing for athletes is to work on maintaining and building strength. You can’t get to the weight room but you can do body weight exercises. Players MUST be doing body weight strength exercises 5-6 days per week. They will only take 15 minutes.

Here is an at home strength program:

https://masseybasketball.blogspot.com/2020/04/home-strength-program.html

Here is a series of at home ACL jump exercises which will help reduce risk of ACL injury but also increase vertical jump:

http://masseybasketball.blogspot.com/2014/08/acl-prevention-exercises.html?m=0

Pure Sweat Basketball Workout Builder

Pure Sweat has come up with a basketball app to allow players to develop unique "practices." The app is free for the first 5 days then cost $5 per month from the Apple Store.

A player will set up what they want to do for their workout....



How many minutes do you want to workout?
- 15 minutes
- 30 minutes
- 45 minutes
- 60 minutes
- 90 minutes

Audree- Dealing with Stay At Home

Audree had a good year for us this past year. She got better and better as the season went on. She finished the season shooting 62.4% from the field, which is the 5^th best in GHS history.

Audree has some basketball people in her family. Her grandfather, David was boys basketball coach at GHS and then at Knox College. Her father, Ryan was one of our all-time top practice players. And her mother, Jenny was captain of our 1999 2^nd in State team. In her interview, it is nice to see the respect she has for her family.

It is tough for players now. As students, their course would has changed dramatically. With basketball, there are no open gyms and no access to the weight room. There is no scrimmaging, running, sweating, and getting tired. So it is a time where as students and as athletes, players have to have the self-discipline to push themselves and to make themselves better. Audree is someone who we think can have a big year next year, so we are hoping she wears the net out in her driveway!

2 Ball Mikans

Players looking for drills to do on their own time....

2 Ball Mikan- Megan Gustafson of the WNBA can make 32 in 30 seconds and 40 in 40 seconds. What can you do?

https://articles.aplus.com/a/megan-gustafson-iowa-basketball-mikan-drill?no_monetization=true

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXS6CEI8KPk

Molly Watson- Mom & Coach

Molly Watson is the most famous player to play for Galesburg. Everyone in town knew who she was, and she was every little girls favorite player. In junior high and high school, all the girls wanted to be #14. She led teams to Sweet 16, 3rd in State, and 4th in State. Her senior year, the Streaks were undefeated in the regular season and ranked #1 in Illinois in a two class system. I would challenge anyone to find a male or female high school player who had more impact on her teams and on her community. 

She went onto play at DePaul and then professionally overseas. Molly has since be selected into GHS Hall of Fame, and the IBCA Hall of Fame. 

She could score, she could pass, and she could defend. On the fast break teammates had to be ready because she might whip a behind the back pass at anytime. She could do it all!!

 Today she is continuing to do it all. She is a mom, a teacher, and a coach. I am so excited to see her insights into balancing parenting and coaching. And she offers terrific thoughts to our present Streaks about handling the “stay at home.”  

Player Development

Principle #1- Off-Season Work Determines In-Season Success

The famous coach’s line, “Teams are made in-season, and players are made in the off-season.  I once heard a coach in a clinic talk about a player who came to them in January and asked what they could do to become a good FT shooter. The coach said that his thought was, “Go back to last May and start shooting 100 ft’s a day.”

Principle #2- With Basketball You Can Work By Yourself

Basketball is unique in that you can do ball handling in your basement, or if you have a hoop in the driveway, you can shoot by yourself. As a result, basketball rewards players with good work ethics.

Thom Sigel- Coach of the "Face Painters"

Years ago, when my son was only 3, he and I took a father-son trip to watch Galesburg play at Rock Island in football. We went out for pizza before, and then headed to the game- a real guys’ night. Every time Rocky scored, they shot off a cannon. It was loud and it scared Allen. The problem was Rock Island scored and scored and scored. By the middle of the second quarter, Allen was a nervous wreck. We headed home early with little Allen expressing his dislike of Rock Island.

The same winter, Allen and I headed to the Rock Island boys basketball game at Thiel Gym. On the way in he expressed how he had hated going to Rock Island. I assured him that Rocky would not have brought the cannon down to Galesburg. As we walked into the gym, right in front of us, were a dozen RI students with face paint. They were big and they were loud. Allen was not happy. He turned to me and said, “I don’t like Rock Island, and I don’t like the ‘face painters.” All the way through high school, Allen referred to Rocky as “the face painters”, and maintained a dislike for them.

Coaching at Galesburg, I am not a fan of the “face painters” either. But having known Thom Sigel for 30 years, I am a fan of his. Thom has won two State Titles since he left Galesburg, and has had tremendous success.

Mark Makeever- Parent Instilling Work Ethic as a Skill

Mark Makeever is a Galesburg High graduate of 1980. While at GHS, his senior year, he emerged as a great basketball player. He went onto Parkland JC, where he was JC All-State. He finished his basketball career at Panhandle State, where the team was nationally ranked, and Mark was All-District.

Mark went onto coach both boys and girls high school basketball in Oklahoma and Texas. His teams have gone 531-218, and had numerous state appearances.

200 Pounds Dribbling

200 Pounds Dribble Race

• Time how long it takes to go thru the dribble series.
• 1- 25 Right Hand Pounds at Your Ankle
• 2- 25 Left Hand Pounds at Your Ankle
• 3- 25 Right Hand Pounds at Your Waist
• 4- 25 Left Hand Pounds at Your Waist
• 5- 25 Right Hand Pounds, Crossover, Re-Crossover- (Repeat- Pound, Crossover, Re-Crossover)
• 6- 25 Left Hand Pounds, Crossover, Re-Crossover- (Repeat- Pound, Crossover, Re-Crossover)
• 7- 25 Right Hand Pounds, Between Legs, Crossover- (Repeat- Pound, Between Legs, Crossover)
• 8- 25 Left Hand Pounds, Between Legs, Crossover- (Repeat- Pound, Between Legs, Crossover)

Daniel's Shooting

Lexi Daniel’s Partner Shoot

150 Shots

1-   Form Shooting

a.    Shoot 5 from 7 feet

b.    Shoot 5 from 10 feet

2-   Around the Horn- 12-15 foot shots

a.    Move in a circle around from baseline to baseline

b.    Each time you shoot, move to new spot.

c.    Try to shoot on the move.

d.    After shoot 50 shots, shoot 25 free throws

3-   Around the Horn- 15 feet- Threes (Choose Distance)

a.    Move in a circle around from baseline to baseline

b.    Each time you shoot, move to new spot.

c.    After shoot 50 shots, shoot 25 free throws

Note- With this routine, you can get a family member to rebound. Or shoot, rebound, toss it out, run to spot- repeat. 

Dribble Workouts

Dribble Workout

1-    Two Ball Dribbling- Stationary

a.     Same time- waist height- 25

b.     Alternate- waist height- 25

c.      Same time- below your knees- 25

d.     Alternate- below your knees- 25

e.     Same time- shoulder height- 25

f.      Behind back- 25

g.     Between legs- 25

h.     Free Throws- 10

2-    Two Ball Dribbling- Full Court

a.     Same time- waist height- down & back

b.     Same time- below knee- down & back

c.      Alternate-  waist height- down & back

d.     Alternate- below waist- down & back

e.     Crossovers- down & back

f.      Behind back- down & back

g.     Free Throws- 10

3-    Layups from Half-Court (One Ball)- Start at half-court. Make dribble move at top of key. After score- come back to half court- make same dribble move at top of key.

a.     Strong hand

b.     Weak hand

c.      Strong hand- hesitation

d.     Weak hand- hesitation

e.     Right to left crossover

f.      Left to right crossover

g.     Right to left behind back

h.     Left to right behind back

i.       Right to left between legs

j.       Left to right between legs

k.     Free Throws- 10