Coaches’ Corner- Double Fade with Double Slip

This is a unique set where you center the ball so that you can run a fade action on both sides of the floor.

My Scout Report- Kids Playing in Iowa & Fever Are Struggling

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

Shot Clock is Coming- Here is What Coaches are Saying

A major change to high school basketball is coming to Illinois this coming season. Starting with the 2026-7 season, a shot clock will be used for varsity girls and boys basketball contests. This past Thursday, the IHSA released guidelines for the implementation of the shot clock, 

A statewide survey of high school coaches in Illinois conducted by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) in 2020 revealed that 75% of the boys head coaches in the state supported the implementation of the shot clock, while 68% percent of the girls coaches who responded were in favor

Individual schools were made aware the shot clock was coming and have been given a chance to gradually implement the shot clock. Starting in 2022-3 season, schools were given the chance to use the shot clock in tournaments and shootouts. Then in the 2024-5 season, the shot clock could be used by schools who both agreed to use it, or whose conference agreed to have it used. 

The IHSA Says…

In a release this week, the IHSA announced  that the IHSA Board voted to accept the recommendation of the IHSA Basketball Advisory Committee by adding State Association Adoption #4, which reads “A school may not host a varsity contest if a shot clock is not installed or is not properly mounted on the backboard in the primary gym in accordance with NFHS rules. The host school must secure an alternate facility or allow the opponent to host the contest. If the host school is unable to secure a gym with functioning shot clocks and the opposing school cannot host, the game shall be forfeited by the home team.”

IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson spelled out the significance of the process and length of time used to implement the shot clock by saying,“We believe our Board was forward-thinking in providing significant planning time for schools to prepare for the shot clock. It is imperative that all schools are afforded the same competitive experience and that every student-athlete competes under consistent conditions. By establishing these expectations, schools have had ample opportunity to budget, plan, and install the necessary equipment, ensuring an equitable environment.”

While required on the varsity level, the shot clock is optional for lower-level games (junior varsity, sophomore, freshman, etc.).

How Many States Have Shot Clocks?

Entering the 2025-26 high school basketball season, 29 states were requiring the use of the shot clock, while three others offered it as an option. Illinois and Oklahoma are both adopting the shot clock for the 2026-27 season, while New Jersey (2027-28) and Pennsylvania (2028-29) have announced plans to add the shot clock in coming seasons.  

Critics of the Shot Clock Say…

Critics of the shot clock have cited the cost of purchasing and installing the shot clock as well as the costs of paying for a shot clock operator. There are also initial concerns about the quality of the shot clock operators. 

Some purists of the basketball do not like the idea of taking away the “stall game.” Historically, basketball thru the years has continuously adopted rules to eliminate coaches ability to slow the game down- no jump after made baskets, 10 second line, over and back rule, closely guarded rules, and now the shot clock. 

Advocates for the Shot Clock Say…

1- Eliminate teams from stalling for as early as the third quarter of games, or for 4-5 minutes of the fourth quarter.

2- Improve the general skill level of players by trying to create more possessions per game. 

3- Prepare players for play at the next levels where a shot clock will be used. 

Galesburg HS’s AD, Nick Young Says…

We will need to hire an additional worker to run the shot clock exclusively. 

We are fully prepared to host varsity games in both Thiel Gym and in Kimbrough Fieldhouse on our wooden floor. Last summer we were able to get shot clocks installed in the Fieldhouse in anticipation of the upcoming season/IHSA requirements.  With us hosting in-season tournaments, it was imperative for us to be prepared in both locations. 

We will use the shot clock for all Varsity games/tournaments. Additionally within the conference, we have agreed to run soph/jv level games at the discretion of the coaches. There would need to be a consensus from both coaches.  In most instances, Freshman games will not play with the shot clock.

I have not heard of any schools that we play not having the shot clocks installed. With the opponents/tournaments we play I don’t see this being an issue. If it does become one, we would be open to hosting the contests so that we wouldn’t lose a game or games.

Personally, I’m in favor and excited for the shot clock. I think it will improve and add even more excitement to an already exciting game.  As a fan, it’s hard to beat the excitement of a last second shot in a game, and now we will potentially get many more of those moments and opportunities. 

I’m also curious to see how coaches and players will adjust. It’s like adding another chess piece to the board. I’m excited to see how some will use it.

High School Coaches Say…

Henry Hall- Girls Basketball Coach at Rock Island

Coach Hall has been a highly successful coach at Alleman and at Rock Island. 

I don’t think the game will be much different than it has been. I don’t plan to change our style of play but I am sure some coaches will do things defensively to force the other team to use more shot clock. Offensively, teams will need to be more disciplined when the clock gets under 10 seconds. Coaches will need to develop a plan for the end of the shot clock situations. Personally, I think 35 seconds is probably too long. 

Jay Hatch- Girls Basketball Coach at Riverdale

Coach Hatch won a State Championship at Alleman, and he has been inducted into the IBCA HOF. 

I am neither for it or against it. People who think it is automatically going to create more offense and higher scores are wrong. Taking more shots if they aren’t good shots will not increase scoring. 

I anticipate there are going to be teams who play 2-3 zone or a 2-2-1 press designed to slow up the other team and make them use more shot clock. 

We have played with the clock in some tourneys and shootouts, it seems like with 35 second shot clock, it only effects about one possession per game. We are going to need to work on how to do 2 for 1’s. We will need to figure out when ahead late how to use shot clock but still get a good shot. 

A major concern is the reset on an offensive rebound. That is where they will be stopping the game to get times correct. 

Mike Reynolds- Boys Basketball Coach at DeKalb

Former Galesburg coach is an IBCA Hall of Fame coach. 

It will 100% change the game. You will see changes in strategy at the end of quarters and the end of games. It won’t be automatic that coaches start holding the ball and start fouling, they will need to decide on strategy of playing thru the clock. 

Statistically, the worst shots in basically in college and pros are shots in the last 12 seconds of the shot clock. So coaches who use analytics will want to play faster and avoid getting under 12 seconds. 

Todd Borrison- Girls Basketball Coach at Mediapolis, Iowa

Coach Borrison is one of the top coaches in Iowa. He has won multiple State Championships. 

We have used shot clock for 4 seasons. For us not a lot has changed. We have had only a handful of violations offensively in that 4 years, but defensively we average about 2-3 violations per game. I personally really like it  because it keeps the tempo flowing and it eliminates stalling.

It takes some practice to get good at it, also it was challenging for the officials but over time it became easier for everyone involved. We have been lucky to have the same operator for all 4 seasons . We would actually practice it during some summer scrimmages to get a jump on it. 

It really has been good for us , we like to play fast and press so it was something we looked forward to! It also allowed us to change up half court defense- hoping to catch teams off guard. I feel like it’s been good for the game and teams have gotten better at handling it, you don’t see a lot of 20-16 games anymore  and it got fans excited as well. 

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.