1972 Illinois Boys Basketball Class AA State Tourney

State Champions- Dolton Thornridge

1890-1950- Minor League Baseball in Galesburg

Grover Cleveland Alexander

For the first half of the 20th century, minor league baseball was not what we think of as minor league baseball. 

In the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th century, many communities formed teams that played in leagues with area communities. Galesburg was one of those communities to have teams. 

Coaches’ Corner- Handling a Big Lead

This past year, it seems like I watched more games where a team might lead by 15-20 at half-time, then come out and lose the game. This was true on HS, college, and pro levels. 

Obviously the most famous game is the Knicks’ game 4 come from behind win, where they erased a 29 point lead. The summer,  the Fever have lead by as many as 15 and then lost the game. It is more and more common. 

The combination of the shot clock and the emphasis on the three point shot both play a factor. In the old days before the shot clock, a team might start to pull it out and stall in the third quarter. The increased emphasis on three point shooting seems to create a much greater likelihood for runs and for droughts. 

I asked some veteran coaches their thoughts on handling a big half-time lead. 

Streaks Alumni Profile- Bob Bainter 1991

 

Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile features Bob Bainter from the GHS Class of 1991.

Bob is sure an example of the value of students getting involved in sports and activities- manager, scholastic bowl, French Club, Pugwash, Spirit Club, and Student Council. 

I got to follow Bob after GHS because of his involvement and service as an official and umpire. He was always the ultimate pro in his approach to his job. 

Bob was a leader at GHS. Today, he has taken the leadership he showed at GHS and is a leader in his company. 

Massey Quiz #50- Famous Ad Jingles

I have twenty famous ad jingles and slogans. Your job is to identify the product the jingle or slogan was promoting. 

Mark’s Road Trip to Centralia & Arthur Trout Arena

My brother, Mark is always out traveling. A month ago he was in China. Mark was just in Alabama to see his grandson, Ford. Being a basketball fan and interested in Illinois basketball history, he decided to stop in Centralia. 

He got some great pictures at Centralia. It is so impressive seeing how Centralia celebrates their rich basketball tradition. Centralia HS’s gym and museum are first class. 

It is great to see a school doing such a good job keeping history alive!

Beautiful Walk in Galesburg- Flowers & Color

Today was a beautiful day for a walk in Galesburg. Nellie, Minnie, and I stopped along our walk and took pictures of flowers along our route. So impressive to see the variety and the bright colors. 

Coaches’ Corner- Two Important Summer Tasks

There are many things a coach wants to accomplish in the summer. In terms of team development, there are two crucial objectives which will help your team start strong next season. 

Streaks Alumni Profile- Carolyn Scherpe 2013

Today’s “Streaks Alumni Profile” features Carolyn Scherpe from the GHS Class of 2013. 

It has really been fun to watch Carolyn’s career unfold. It is tough for an athlete to make it to the major leagues in any sport, and it is also a grind for individuals in marketing and administration to make it to the major leagues. 

Carolyn was willing to grind and do the unglamorous jobs of college baseball, spring training, and minor league baseball. Today she is in a leadership role with the Houston Astros. Her career is exciting, and her drive is inspiring!!

This Week in Galesburg History (June 15)

“This Week in Galesburg History,” there was lunch for under $5, a tour of Illinois for $7, and a luxury dinner at the Walnut Room. 

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? 

“This Week in Galesburg History” appears every Monday morning on the WGIL website and Massey Basketball Blog.

1978 Illinois Girls Basketball State Tourney

State Champions- Joliet West

2nd in State- Lincoln

3rd in State- Moline

4th in State- Mattoon

Players Playbook- College Basketball- "Be Willing to Work Harder Than You Ever Have Worked"

“As for playing college basketball, it is a fun but a different experience than in high school.  The competition is a lot better - everyone is a good athlete.  You have to be willing to work harder than you ever have worked, and you have to that everyday.”

- Brenna Saline

Brenna Saline was one of all-time greats at Galesburg HS. During her senior year at Missouri Western (2011), I asked her about picking a college and advice about playing college basketball. Brenna addresses the challenges of being a college athlete. 

My Scout Report- Knicks, Spurs, & Fever

My thoughts after another week of basketball and another week of retirement. 

1976 Reunion- Old Stories About the ‘70’s

Here is a collection of Massey Basketball Blog posts that have been written about GHS & Galesburg in the ‘70’s.

Coaches’ Corner- Side OB into Backdoor

Sideline OB’s should be treated just like ATO’s, it is a chance to run a set play. This is a simple design to try to set up a backdoor cut.