Galesburg’s Time Capsule- This Week in History (April 6, 2026)

 

This is a look back at the history of Galesburg (and the world). What was going on 100 years ago, 75 years ago, 50 years ago, 25 years ago, and 10 years ago this week? 

Coaches’ Corner- Maccabi Offensive Sets

Maccabi Tel Aviv Basketball Club has dominated the Israeli Premier League, and been a force in the Euro League.

For those who study the evolution of offensive basketball, both the NBA and the NCAA teams have seen a huge influence from European basketball. European offense tends to spread the ball more and create more movement. 

1994 Illinois Girls Basketball Class AA State Tourney

 

Streaks Alumni Profile- Sarah (Main) Bloomstrand 2011

Today’s Steaks Alumni Profile is on Sarah (Main) Bloomstrand from the GHS Class of 2011. 

Massey Sports Quiz #9- Basketball History

There are a lot of "experts" out there who know everything there is to know about basketball. This quiz is designed to determine how much you actually know about basketball. Some of us have a big advantage because we helped pump up the ball for that first game.

Don’t cheat- get a pad of paper out, answer the test questions, then grade your answers. After you score your test, put your number correct in the comments and also type in your name at the end of your comment.

1- When was basketball invented:

A- 1848 when Lincoln posted up Douglas at Knox College.

B- 1891

C- 1906

D- 1932

2- Where was basketball invented?

A- Springfield Massachusetts

B- Lexington Kentucky

C- Lawrence Kansas

D- Cooperstown New York

1963 Silver Streaks: Tom Wilson’s Scrapbook

Coaches’ Corner- Post/Post Pick and Pop

Everyone runs some form of pick and pop on the perimeter. This is using two post players. 

My Scout Report- Women’s NCAA Tourney Excitement (April 4, 2026)

My observation from another week of basketball and retirement. 

2026 NIT at Hinkle Fieldhouse- Tulsa Wins!!

We had a great night in Indianapolis for the NIT’s Final Four. The night matched Tulsa vs New Mexico, and Auburn vs Illinois State. 

Coaches’ Corner- Ghosting Backscreen

We see lots of ghost screens on ball screens, this set involves ghosting a backscreen. 

Carl Sandburg- Captain of the 1900 Lombard Basketball Team

Most have heard of Carl Sandburg, the famous poet and biographer. The community has honored Sandburg with a statue on the town square, named the community college in his honor, and named one of the major streets after him. In 1900, Carl was famous at Lombard College for another skill. He was one of the stars of the Olives basketball team.

Streaks Alumni Profile- Shanell (Jackson) Lightfoot 2001

Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile features Shanell (Jackson) Lightfoot from the GHS Class of 2001.

Knox vs UCLA Rivalry- It's Impact on Caitlin Clark

Woody shooting!

Dave Wood and I have shared an interest in basketball, and over time, we have turned it into a lucrative business. Our business is “The Shot Doctors.” Without going into details, let's just say there is a lot of money to be made working with NBA and WNBA players. To explain our business, I need to go back and give you a foundation of how we got to where we are today. 

Realize as I share the story, I am at an age where maybe some of my memories won't be completely accurate. Obviously I would have no intent to fabricate or deceive you- it will just be an age thing. 

For many people if you mention the "Knox College rivalry," they will think Knox vs Monmouth. Perhaps for Monmouth people, that is “the rivalry.” But for Knox, the rivalry has always been Knox vs UCLA. The rivalry was at its peak in the 1960's and 1970's when often Coach Wooden and Coach Knosher were battling for the same recruits. These were not recruiting battles, these were recruiting wars. The stories of competing Galesburg millionaires and Los Angeles millionaires trying to entice basketball players to their schools are legendary. 

Massey Quiz #39: 15 People of Galesburg & More

I have fifteen Galesburg pictures of the past and present. There may be pictures of places, people, monuments, parts of buildings, and even more. The quiz is designed to celebrate how wonderful Galesburg is, and test your knowledge of our community. Enjoy and have fun!!

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. 

Coaches’ Corner- Screen-Screener Action with Counter

This is a different screen the screener action. Usually you see screen the screener from low post area or from horns set. This spread out more and uses a ball screen.