The 1959 Silver Streak basketball team may have been the best basketball team in Galesburg history. They lost only one regular season game, and they were ranked #1 in the State most of the season. They finished the regular season as the #1 ranked team in Illinois.
When people think about the '59 Streaks, most think of Bumpy Nixon. Bumpy is considered by many as the best to ever play for Galesburg HS. As a junior, he was considered one of the best players in Illinois. He battled Canton’s Dave Downey to a standoff, and the Streaks won both meetings.
The 1959 Streaks were not just Bumpy Nixon.
Ralph Cannon came off the bench- "the best sixth man in the State." In the last 10 games of the season, this sharp shooter averaged 14.5ppg. During the end of the season, Cannon may well have been the best 6th man in the State and the best in GHS history.
Dick Nichols was a 6’2”, athletic, senior on the squad. He combined with Carr and Cowan to provide a quick, pressing unit.
Dave Cox at 6'4" was a physical force inside along side Bumpy Nixon. In the Sectional championship vs. Fulton and 6'10" Larry Prins, Cox had 18 points and 21 rebounds. In the Elite 8 game it was #1 Galesburg vs. #2 Herrin. Cox scored 21 points, pulled down 21 rebounds, and dished out 10 assists. Cox was one of the all-time clutch players in GHS history.
Jimmy Carr and Otis Cowan as a guard tandem, they may were as good as it gets. They are in the debate as the best guard tandem in GHS history. Together their speed allowed them to force turnovers in both the full court and half-court. In the Sectional vs a good East Moline team, the Streaks were down 17-10 late in the second quarter. Carr and Cowan led the Streaks on a 16-1 with their pressure, ball hawking defense. Over and over, the reporters talked about the speed with which Carr and Cowan made the opposing teams play.
This Sunday- Streaks Scrapbook- 1959 Boys 3rd in State
Other Posts About 1957 Team
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