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.

1976 Illinois Boys Basketball Class AA State Tourney

State Champions- Chicago Morgan Park

Book Lovers Share Ideas for Summer Reading

All of us remember the joy of escaping during Summer leisure time with a great book. We were able to go on adventures around the world, solve a murder mystery, or learn more about an inspiring individual. 

Our wonderful Galesburg Public Library has the summer reading program, “Plant a Seed, Read.” They have programs for young readers, teens, and adults. For more info, click here- Galesburg Public Library- Plant A Seed, Read

In honor of the summer reading program, I have reached out to 10 book lovers and asked them to share their summer reading recommendations. I hope you will find some books that you want to read this summer. 

Pick out a title and head to our wonderful Galesburg Public Library!!

Massey Quiz #49- Galesburg HS Faculty- 1976

 

   

This week the Galesburg High School class of 1976 is celebrating their 50th Union. This week’s quiz challenges you to identify some of the faculty members from 1976. 

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. 

After the Time Out with Coach Matt Majkrzak of NIU

I love to listen to podcasts on my walks. Some are current events, some are interviews with famous people, and many are sports news and analysis. One of my favorite is After the Time Out with Jon Palicki and Todd Zasadil. Jon and Todd are coaches interviewing coaches. 

This past week, I listened to their interview with the new men’s basketball coach at Northern Illinois University. I was very impressed with Coach Matt Majkrzak. I want to share some of his coaching nuggets.

1976- Galesburg Basketball, Cheer, & Band All Go to State

This week the Galesburg HS class of 1976 is celebrating their 50th Reunion. 

In looking back at ‘76, one of the highlights was the basketball team’s trip to Champaign. The Streaks made it to the Elite 8. This was Galesburg’s 24th State Appearance which was an IHSA record at the time. 

It was not just the basketball team going to Champaign. Galesburg’s outstanding cheerleaders helped to fire up the crowd. As with Galesburg’s previous trips to State, the GHS cheerleaders wowed all the fans. 

The fabulous Streaks Band under the direction of Sally Rynott was selected to play at State. Under Rynott, the Streaks band was considered the best in Illinois. The Streaks Band played the Friday night session, which just happened to be when the basketball team was playing. The Wilhelm Tell Overture ran thru the Assembly Hall. 

Here is information from the IHSA files and tourney program. 

1973 Illinois Boys Basketball Class A State Tourney

State Champions- Ridgway

2nd in State- Kaneland

3rd in State- Venice

4th in State- St. Anne

Streaks Alumni Profile- Shawn Hickey & Melissa (Bell) Hickey 1996

Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile features Shawn Hickey and Melissa (Bell) Hickey. Both are from the GHS class of 1996. 

Shawn and Melissa have come back to Galesburg and have had such a positive impact on not only our schools but on our community. Both of them have been teachers and coaches, investing in the youth of Galesburg. 

I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did!!

This Week in Galesburg History (June 8, 2026)

“This Week in Galesburg History,” there were some different Major League Baseball teams, the Ford Pinto was selling cheap, and Zach Ricketts on the diamond.  

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 Mondays on the WGIL website and Massey Basketball Blog. 

GHS Alums- Statham & Mason Guide Morton Girls Soccer to 2nd in State

Mark Mason and Zach Statham

Two Galesburg High School grads have had a very exciting time this Spring. Zach Statham (Head Coach) and Mark Mason (Ass’t Coach) took their Morton Potter girls soccer team to a 2nd place finish in the IHSA 2A State Tourney. 

1976 Peoria Superscectional- Galesburg vs Moline

I found the 1976 Peoria Supersectional Program in the IHSA files. The game was played at Roberstson Fieldhouse. 

On their way to an undefeated, WB6 championship, the Silver Streaks had beaten Moline twice during the regular season. Both games were nail biters. 

Galesburg won the first meeting 73-72, and the second meeting 69-66. 

My Scout Report- Knicks, Shine Fading Fast, Fouls

These are some thoughts after another week of basketball and another week of retirement.