My Scout Report- The Hatches, WNBA, NBA Tanking, & IHSA Regionals

This is a look at odds and ends from the past week. Thoughts and reactions to things on and off the basketball court. 

Streaks Celebrate Regional Championship Over Morton

Galesburg jumped out to a 17-9 first half lead with suffocating defense that did not allow the Potters to get going. In the second half it was more of the same as Galesburg completely dominated on their way to a decisive 35-19 win, and a Regional Championship. 

Phil Lopez- Silver Streak Legend & Proud Family

Phil Lopez- GHS Class of 1943

One of the past times of sports fans is to debate who is the G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All-Time) in different categories. So basketball fans debate whether Michael Jordan or LeBron James was the G.O.A.T. Sometimes these debates fail to recognize the greatness of earlier players such as Oscar Roberston or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. 

When it comes to basketball, Galesburg fans often debate whether Bumpy Nixon, Dale Kelley, or Joey Range was the G.O.A.T. Again, such debates fail to consider earlier greats like Herbert Pihl, who was the best player on a State Championship team, or Mike Owens, who in today’s NCAA would probably have started on three Final Four teams. 

If you want to debate who the all-time best Silver Streak basketball player, or the all-time best multi-sport athlete, Phil Lopez from the GHS Class of 1943 needs to be included in the debate. It is easy for us to discount the ability of athletes from before 1960, and that is a mistake. The story of Phil Lopez is one Streaks fans need to know. 

WB6 Update- Girls Basketball Final Standing & Leaders- 2025-6

 

This is the final stats and standings for the WB6 Girls Basketball Season- 2025-2026.

Massey Quiz #34- Words, Word, Words

This week’s quiz is about words. Test your knowledge language, spelling, and more!!

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. 

Trusting Yourself in the Big Game

Years ago, I remember listening to a post-game interview with the Bull’s Joakim Noah. The Bulls has lost the opening game of the play-offs. 

Joakim Noah commented on the number of turnovers the Bulls had in the game, and especially the number of turnovers they had at the beginning of the game. His analysis,”We tried to make too many great passes and tried to make too many great plays." 

Sadly, this can be the approach of teams in the “big games.” They don’t trust their game, they think they need something special. 

Streaks Alumni Profile- Katelyn Davis 2017

Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile is with Katelyn Davis from the GHS Class of 2017. 

Katelyn was involved in sports and many activities throughout her GHS years. She had a positive impact on everything she was involved in. 

The exciting thing is that she is back in Galesburg and working in her hometown. 

1960 Streaks Elite 8- No Bumpy But Lincoln Steps Up

The Streaks and Coach Demott Head into Regional at 25-4

The Galesburg Silver Streaks girls basketball is coming off a very impressive 25-4 regular season, including finishing 2nd in the Western Big Six, 1st at the Mattoon Christmas Tourney, and being ranked #2 by the AP for 3A Schools. 

Streaks Alumni Profile- Sarah Pacheco 2001

Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile is Sarah Pacheco of the GHS Class of 2001. 

Sarah had one of the greatest basketball careers at GHS. She was on the varsity all four years. During that time her teams won 3 WB6 Championships, 4 Regionals, 4 Sectionals, and 4 Super-Sectionals. Her teams finished 4th in State twice, and 2nd in State once. 

She went on to play for ICC, where her teams finished 3rd in Nationals and won the National Championship.

As a basketball player, Sarah could do it all. She was 6’0” and physical, so was unstoppable inside. She was quick, agile, and could shoot, so she could play on the perimeter. 

She was an intense competitor but also fun to be around. She was a great to have on our team, and was great to coach!!

1991 Illinois Girls Basketball Class A State Tourney

State Champions- Sullivan

Coaches’ Corner- Point Guard Rub, WAIT

 

Many teams run a point guard rub action, where the point guard hits a post at the elbow area, then cuts off them for a handoff. Sometimes the handoff is a great play, but often if the post hangs on and WAITS, the point guard will be open cutting to the basket.

State Championship Journey- Todd Borrision, Jay Hatch, Bob Becker

(This was originally posted in January of 2025)

One of the goals for coaches and players is to win a State Championship. I have asked 8 high schools basketball coaches to reflect upon their championship seasons. Today Todd Borrison (Preston, Ia & Davenport Assumption, Ia), Jay Hatch (Alleman), and Bob Becker (Morton) reflect upon their championship seasons. 

Using Awards to Promote a Winning Culture

Early in my coaching career I did not give any post-season awards. It went back to my experience as a high school football and basketball player. 

The entire season my coaches promoted the value of a “team-first” attitude- it was all about the team not the individual. 

Then we got to the banquet, and they gave an MVP Award. It seemed the focus was not on the team’s achievements but the suspense of who would be the MVP. Players who had been great team players left the banquet feeling disappointed and perhaps unappreciated. 

As a result, I chose not to give any individual awards for much of my career. 

WB6 Update- Boys Basketball Standings & Leaders thru Feb. 12

Western Big Six Conference Boys Basketball Standings and Individual Leaders thru Feb. 12.