29 Tips for Coaches & Players

This is a collection of posts from Twitter and Facebook designed to help coaches and players as they strive to reach their goals. 

Galesburg Little League- Nothing Little About It

There was nothing “little” about Galesburg Little League back in the old days. The program that was geared to 9-12 year olds was at the center of summer life in Galesburg for many decades. 

2000- Steve Tucker Looks at First 100 Years of IHSA Girls Basketball

In the 2000 IHSA State Girls Basketball Tourney Program, Steve Tucker looked at the history of girls basketball in Illinois from 1900-2000. Tucker was the legendary writer for the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Tucker looks back at attempts to organize girls basketball in the early 1900’s. After the start of the IHSA Girls State Tourneys, Tucker looks at the best players, teams, and coaches. 

Streaks Alumni Profile- Debbie DeGraff 1976

Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile features Debbie DeGraff from the GHS Class of 1976. 

This Week in Galesburg History (August 10, 2026)

 

“This Week in Galesburg History,” Jimmy Isaacson and Michael Phelps kept on winning, and Martie’s Supper Club was having great food and great music. 

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 each Monday at WGIL website and Massey Basketball Blog. 

1969 Illinois Boys Basketball State Tourney

State Champions- Proviso East

1966 Silver Streaks- Tom Wilson’s Scrapbook

This is a collection from Tom Wilson’s scrapbook. These are items on the 1966 basketball team, cheerleaders, and Polly Gamble.

Coaches’ Corner- Learning How To Handle Ball Screen Defenses

Ball screens are a major part of most offenses in today’s basketball. Both the ball handler and the screener need to know exactly what they are going to do vs different ball screen defensive coverages.

13 Original Rules, Patent for First Ball, & History of Rules Changes

I have attached an article that explains the founding of the game of basketball, and includes…

1- The first 13 rules of basketball.

2- The patent for the first basketball. 

3- And have two additional articles that trace the history of changes in the rules of basketball. 

1965 Silver Streaks- Tom Wilson’s Scrapbook

These are clipping from Tom Wilson’s scrapbook, looking at the 1965 Silver Streaks. 

Streaks Alumni Profile- Mindi (Pampel) Ritchie 1995

Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile features Mindi (Pampel) Ritchie from the GHS Class of 1995. 

Massey Quiz #57- Vocabulary Test

Here is a test of 15 vocabulary words and definitions. I will give you a definition and three possible words to go with the definition. Pick out the correct word. 

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- Last Second Plays at End of Quarters

Whether it is NBA, WNBA, college, or high school basketball, when the other team scores with seconds left in a game, coaches will usually take a time out to set a length of the court play. 

The Connection Between Knox College and Michael Jordan

If you are a basketball fan, you know about Michael Jordan. To many, Jordan is considered the all-time GOAT when it comes to basketball. He won 5 regular season MVP’s, 6 finals MVP’s, and 6 NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls. While most know about Michael, few probably know about Michael’s connection to Knox College in Galesburg.

Streaks Alumni Profile- Jane Albright 1987

Today’s Streaks Alumni Profile features Jane Albright of the GHS Class of 1987.