Sat Feb 19, 1966- Dale Kelley Scores 52 Points vs Rocky

Friday, February 18, the Galesburg Silver Streaks defeated Canton 70-59 to wrap up both the championship of the Illini Conference and the Northwest Conference. On this night, Galesburg’s superstar, Dale Kelley scored only 7 points and took only 5 shots on the night. The next night would be a much different night. 

Words Are Powerful Part of Championship Teams

Words can make a big difference in a basketball program. Some words can be used to quickly and clearly describe a complex basketball action. Some words can be used as reminders on how to execute on the basketball court. And other words or phrases can be used to build culture. 

If a coach uses these important words and phrases regularly, these words and phrases can become part of the team culture. 

Teams need phrases not just for the lockeroom but that will also serve as a way to refocus during a tight game. 

Championship teams reach a point where it is not just the coaches using these key words and phrases- players are using them. These concepts are becoming ingrained in the team culture. 

Coaches’ Corner: Coaches Instructing Players to Cheat

I get to watch a lot of games in retirement. Sometimes you see really good things that promote basketball as a sport, and sadly sometimes you see things that are ugly and have no place in sports. 

This season, I witnessed a coach instructing their players to cheat in a basketball game. In a close game, a foul was committed by the other team. It was clear which player had been fouled. The fouled player knew they had been fouled and went to the free throw line to shoot their free throws. 

Coaches’ Corner: Zoom Action into Backdoor

This is a simple way to create a zoom action for the point guard. It can be used to set up the point guard for drive/shot opportunities, or it can be a great way to pre-determine a backdoor cut. 

ILLUSTRIOUS- The Best High School Basketball Gyms in Illinois

I love old gyms. There have been so many great gyms where I played, coached, or just attended games. 

** Old Savanna HS gym with a balcony hanging over the court.

** Old Fulton HS gym where you dressed under the court, and the students sat on the stage behind your bench.

** Old UTHS gym on the hill where the court doubled as a stage for the auditorium. 

** Chicago Maria gym that was a shoe box before shoe’s had boxes.

** Taylorville’s Dolph Stanley Gym that dripped with basketball history. 

** Salem’s gym that made you dream of what games were like in there.

** Carthage’s gym was a modern day Hoosiers.

If you are like me, and love gyms of all kinds- big and small, old and new, unique and special- there is a book you MUST get. I just got my copy of ILLUSTRIOUS: The Best High School Basketball Gyms in Illinois by Vincent D. Johnson.  It is not just good, it is GREAT. 

Streaks Alumni Profile: Al Williams 1957

I had an opportunity to talk with Al Williams from the GHS Class of 1957. Al was part of the 1956 Sweet Sixteen and the 1957 Elite 8 basketball teams for Galesburg. 

AP Rankings- Illinois Boys/Girls Basketball- Jan 7

The following are the Illinois Boys/Girls Basketball AP rankings as of January 7. 

Massey Quiz #28- Old TV Shows

This quiz looks back at TV shows from the ‘60’s thru the ‘90’s. I will give you a character or a place in one of the shows, you give them the show. 

The answers are at the end of the quiz. Keep track of your score and read exactly what your score indicates. If you would like- share your score on the Facebook or Massey Blog under the comments. 

1959 Illinois Boys Basketball State Tourney

Coaches’ Corner: Creighton’s Horns Side Ball Screen

Creighton runs a nice side ball screen action out of horns set. The key is that they remove the tag defender for a good chance of getting post roll to the basket. 

Athletes’ Insights: Presents, Food, and Losses

 

This week’s “Athletes’ Insights”, they share their best all-time Christmas gift, favorite holiday food, dream guest list, and turning losses into a positive. 

1989 Illinois Class AA Girls State Tourney

 State Champions- Chicago Marshall

Streaks Alumni Profile: Megan Young 2011

Today’s “Streaks Alumni Profile” is with Megan Young from GHS’s Class of 2011. 

Coaches’ Corner- Cross Screen and Rescreen on OB

 

This is an action that seems too simple to be effective. If you have a good shooter, this might be an ob action to get them a shot. 

Tribute to Albert and Elbert Kimbrough

It is with sadness that heard of the death of Elbert Kimbrough this week. His brother, Albert had passed away earlier. 

Albert and Elbert Kimbrough lived lives that inspired many, many people. At Galesburg High School, they were two of the all-time best athletes. They went onto excel athletically after graduating. They continued to be leaders and role models throughout their life’s. 

May they both rest in peace. 

Here are stories written about Albert and Elbert…