Best Passing Performance- Divine Bourrage 5’11” Guard from Davenport North, Iowa. She is headed to LSU next year. I saw her vs. Bettendorf in December. It was obvious that she was a high major player. Like all great players, she made her teammates better. She is one of the most offensive skilled players that I have seen in years. With the combination of her height to see over the defense and her ball skills, she got the ball where it needed to be.
Coach Evan Massey- Galesburg IL—1018 Wins, 2009 National Coach of the Year, Nat’l Coaches’ HOF NW IL HOF, Knox HOF, GHS HOF, IBCA HOF—- (Twitter-@MasseyBball) (Facebook- Massey Basketball) (Facebook- Massey Basketball Clinic)
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Tuesday, March 25, 2025
2025- Best Things I Saw This Season
Best Passing Performance- Divine Bourrage 5’11” Guard from Davenport North, Iowa. She is headed to LSU next year. I saw her vs. Bettendorf in December. It was obvious that she was a high major player. Like all great players, she made her teammates better. She is one of the most offensive skilled players that I have seen in years. With the combination of her height to see over the defense and her ball skills, she got the ball where it needed to be.
Monday, March 24, 2025
Streaks Insider- Crisman a Streak for All Ages
By my count, Jay Redfern has been providing local news and sports to Galesburg for over 50 years. Today he does podcasts for WGIL that have a range of community celebrities from the past and the present.
Years ago before tech allowed podcasts, Jay ran a column in the Register-Mail entitled “Silver Streaks Insider.” This episode was “Silver Streaks Insider: Crisman a Streak for All Ages.” It was written in November of 1999 before Crisman was to be inducted into the GHS Athletic Hall of Fame. Both Jay and Amy were 1981 GHS graduates.
Sunday, March 23, 2025
2025 Season- Coach Demott’s Reflections
Lexi Demott was a great player and an even better teammate. She “got it” in terms of work ethic and commitment. She “got it” in terms of understanding the importance of team culture.
As an assistant coach, she brought many of the same characteristics- work ethic, commitment, and loyalty. The most impressive thing about her as an assistant coach was her desire to keep growing in her knowledge and as a leader.
As a head coach, her passion and enthusiasm were off the charts. Her energy level was off the chart and it carried over into how the team played. The team was aggressive on offense and defense. 8-9 players rotated in and out of the game which created an exciting style and a strong sense of team.
I asked Coach Demott to reflect on her first team and her first year as Silver Streaks Head Coach.
Massey- As you look back on this season, what are some of the things you are particularly proud of about the team?
Coach Demott- One thing that I was really proud of this season of the team and coaching staff I had was at no point in time did anyone ever give up. There were times I’m sure many people thought it will be hard to come back from or this is a rough stretch and they were probably right, but everyone stuck together.
Massey- Were there any things that came up during the season and maybe took more time and attention? Were there any things that surprised you during the season?
1961 Times-Democrat All-Western Illinois Teams
1961 All-Western Illinois
First Team-
Dick Redlinger, Aledo
Dennis Woods, Fulton
Dennis Radabaugh, Savanna
John Moore, Sterling
Lincoln Nixon, Galesburg
Mel Lacey, Monmouth
Saturday, March 22, 2025
My Suggestions For Changing NCAA March Madness
All of us who are basketball fans love the NCAA “March Madness.” Both the men’s and women’s tourneys capture our attention from following who is in and out, what the seeds will be, where teams are going, filling out our brackets, and following game after game.
We all get excited when a mid-major pulls an upset, unless it is our favorite team that gets upset. The #16 vs #1 upset that never occurs, until it does occur, gives us that sense that “anything is possible.” For those of us that live in Illinois, it reminds us of the Hebrons or the Cobden. Nationally the upsets remind us of Hoosiers and Hickory. The upset is part of what helps pump up TV numbers.
But don’t be fooled, the tourney is designed to sprinkle in the possibility of only a very few of these upsets. The NCAA Tourney is really the “Power 4 Tourney.” It is set up by the Power 4 teams- the criteria for getting in and the criteria for seeding are all generated by the Power 4.
At one time, NET was the tool for selection and seeding. It was a “secret” formula not shared. The mid-majors have computer experts at their schools, and they cracked the code. The mid-majors then adjusted their schedules to meet the formula. A few more mid-majors made it into the tourney as a result. So the Power 4 schools dropped that and came up with a new secret formula.
Friday, March 21, 2025
Coach Demott’s 1st Season- Fans’ Reaction
Lexi Demott was on the Streaks varsity for 4 years, she was a great player, great teammate, and so coachable. For me, she was a wonderful varsity assistant for four years. Then this year she was fabulous in her first year as head coach.
I asked some Silver Streaks fans and media their impressions of Coach Demotts first year as Silver Streaks’ Head Coach.
Andie Leibach
First of all, I am so proud of Lexi! I couldn’t be happier for her and the Streaks on their first full season. I think what impressed me the most was how she operated with such confidence in what she was doing. It seemed like a great blend of sticking with Streaks traditions as well as implementation of the new. I was also very impressed how she had the girls working hard and team building both on and off the court. They completed various service activities, and had a bunch of fun experiences as a team which is wonderful. It’s no surprise that Lexi coached a hard working group, being a such a hard worker herself. Way to go, Lex!
Thursday, March 20, 2025
2025 Season- Coaches’ Reflections
What impressed you about Coach Demott in her first season?
One thing that impressed me about Lexi this year was her determination and mindset all season. No matter what the situation was, winning or losing, at practice or during a game, she always kept the same energy and never gave up on the girls. Another thing she was good at was building relationships with the girls. That made it easy for them to have confidence in the team and want to work their hardest.
Old School Coaches- Multi-Sport vs Single-Sport Athletes- Part 2
This Week’s Question
There seems to be more athletes who only play one sport, and fewer multi-sport athletes. What are your thoughts on the value of playing only one sport vs. value of playing multi-sports? How can coaches help the athletes who are playing multi-sports?
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Old School Coaches- Multi-Sport Athletes vs Single-Sport Athletes
Monday, March 17, 2025
2025 Streaks- Fans Look Back
The 2024-5 Silver Streaks pressured their way to an outstanding 24-8 season. In the Western Big Six, Galesburg finished in 2nd with an 11-3 record. They raced thru the field at the Mattoon Christmas Tourney before dropping a close game in the championship to state power, Teutopolis. Galesburg finished the regular season ranked #13 in the final AP 3A State Poll, and were #9 in MaxPreps rankings.
The 2024-5 Streaks’ season was exciting and one that fans enjoyed. I asked some Streaks fans and media their impressions of the team and the season.
Sunday, March 16, 2025
1960 QC Times All-Western Illinois Team
1960 All-Western Illinois Team
First Team-
Rich Falk, Galva
Bumpy Nixon, Galesburg
Ralph Cannon, Galesburg
Dennis Radabaugh, Savanna
Clyde Kramer, Erie
Bob Coe, Galesburg
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Streaks Scrapbook- 1979/1980 Girls Tennis
Coaching 101- Up 3 Defend OB with 2 Seconds
Your team is up 3 points with 2 or less seconds left, and the other team is entering the ball on their baseline under their basket. How are you going to defend when only a three hurts you?
Thursday, March 13, 2025
Streaks All-Time Starting Five (2015 Version)
In 2015, the Galesburg Register-Mail asked five long time observers their all-time starting fives in Streaks Girls Basketball. Mike Trueblood, Gary Mitchell, Tom Meredith, Jay Redfern, and Steve Bryant gave their top five Streaks!!
Secret To Great Free Throw Shooting
Bad free throw shooting is so frustrating. It is frustrating for coaches, for players, and for fans. Coaches always ask other coaches,”What do you do to work on free throws?” Coaches are hoping there is a secret to unlock good free throw shooting.
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Time Capsule- 1981 GHS Reflector
This is looking back at some highlights from the Galesburg High School 1981 Reflector- enjoy!!
Reflector Cover
Chauncey Kenney- Yearbook sponsor
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
IHSA State Tourney- Where Have Fans Gone?
In 1997, the IHSA girls basketball state series was a two-class system. In AA, 8 teams advanced to play at Redbird Arena. In the 4 sessions of the AA, 25,957 fans attended. That was an average of 6,489 fans. That may have been bumped by the semi-final attendance for the Galesburg vs Taylorville game, which at the time set a single session record for girls basketball state series.
Monday, March 10, 2025
Katie Dinnebier- Point Guard Worth Seeing
Stop me if you have heard this story before. I want to describe a girls basketball player from West Des Moines, Iowa. She was a high school point guard who was named Ms. Basketball in Iowa. She went onto to play D1 college basketball and win her college conference’s MVP Award.
It may sound like another Caitlin Clark story but it is not. I am talking about Drake’s Katie Dinnebier. Dinnebier is from West Des Moines like Clark, but she went to Waukee High School. Waukee is a school in the suburbs that has “college like facilities.” Basketball is big in Waukee.
Coaching 101- 25 Post-Season Questions
As coaches, we recognize the importance of the off-season for our players to work and to grow. I can remember putting together off-season shooting programs for my players, and giving them motivational packets emphasizing the importance of using the off-season to grow as a player.
We expect our players to make a commitment in the off-season to grow. If they are not going to commit, they probably won’t be successful and our team will not be successful.
We need to expect the same from ourselves as coaches. We must make a commitment in the off-season to grow as a coach and to grow as a program.
In the first month after the season, coaches should answer some important questions.
Sunday, March 9, 2025
Saturday, March 8, 2025
Streaks Scrapbook- 1963 Boys Basketball- Sweet 16
1963 Streaks Roster
Roster- The Streaks started the season with a roster of (Row 1) Marv Harris (soph), Roger Johnson (Senior), Rick Callahan (Junior), Roger Bates (Junior), Chuck Nelson (Senior), Van Smith (Senior), Gary Anderson (Senior).
Row 2- Bill Weaver (Junior), Jeff Eyre (Senior), John Geist (Senior), Mike McCreight (Junior), Mike Nocella (Senior), Gordon Rosine (Junior), Frank Dexter (Junior).
At the beginning of the 1962-3 season, Marv Harris was the only sophomore on the varsity. There were 7 seniors and 6 juniors on the initial varsity roster.
Thursday, March 6, 2025
Friday Fotos- Mary Kay Hungate & Richwoods
There may be no coach who had a better run than Mary Kay Hungate at Richwoods. Before going to Richwoods, she won State Championships at Carl Sandburg College. After Richwoods, as an assistant, she won a National Championship at La Tech.
Hungate coached at Richwoods from 1978-1985. This year Galesburg girls won the Regional at Richwoods so I had a chance to go down memory lane at Richwoods.
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Streaks Scrapbook- 1963 Basketball Quiz
I am in the process of doing a scrapbook post on the 1963 Sweet Sixteen season. As I went thru the old newspapers, there were some fun things that I came across. And they are the source of the quiz for you.
1- Galesburg’s Sophomore team was not called the Silver Streaks. What was the nickname of the sophomore team?
2/3- The leading scorer on the 1963 team was a 6’1” post player. Who was he and where did he go to college to play?
4- In 1963, President Kennedy proposed a $193 million project to build what?
5- In 1963, who was the coach of the Streaks cheerleaders?
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Old School Coaches- Favorite IHSA March Madness Memories
This Week’s Question
As fans, many of us have had great IHSA “March Madness” memories. As children or as adults, there have been some great games, great players, and great coaches who have provided exciting memories. What are some of your best memories as a fan of “March Madness?”
The Game Has Changed- 1959 to 2025
I graduated from high school in 1970, so watched basketball and played high school basketball in the 1960’s. I heard stories about basketball in the 1930’s and 1940’s, and knew it was a different game with the smaller lane, the lower scores, and for a period jumping center after each basket.
Sunday, March 2, 2025
Kentucky- 1 Class Tourney, Yet Small School Wins State Every Year
Kentucky still run a one-class only state tourney in both boys and girls basketball. My understanding is that since Indiana went to class system, Kentucky is the only state still running a one class tourney in the United States.
Kentucky starts with 64 Districts with usually 3-6 teams competing for the District title. The District Champions and the District Runner Ups both advance to one of 16 Regionals. The winners of the 16 Regionals all advance to the State Tourney. So the Sweet 16 in both boys and girls advance to State. Kind of sounds like Illinois back in the day that Huff Gym or the Assembly Hall were filled to watch the State Tourney.
Saturday, March 1, 2025
Race & Basketball- 1954 DuSable- "The Uncrowned State Champs"
When it comes to racial and ethnic equality, our nation has been a work in progress, and still is a work in progress. The 1950's were a time where there were some dramatic changes in the U.S., including the Supreme Court case of Brown vs. Topeka Board of Education.
The story of 1954 DuSable basketball team gives one a perspective on some of the climate and attitudes toward race in the 1950's. Much of what I am going to write in this blog post is based on the book, The DuSable Panthers: The Greatest Blackest Saddest Team From the Meanest Street in Chicago, written by Ira Berkow in 1978.
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Race & Basketball- Historical Perspective
HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE
1916- Ziggy Hamblin was first African-American to play basketball at Galesburg HS, Another African-American did not play at GHS until the 1940's when Joe Henderson played for the Streaks.
10. No other African-Americans played in the Big Ten during his career.
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Monday, February 24, 2025
Birmingham & Oxford- History with Basketball Sprinkled In
Retirement is great, Amy and I had an opportunity in early January to go south. We visited Birmingham, Alabama and Oxford Mississippi. I would highly recommend a visit to these towns of the south.
How Does The Multiplier Work & Not Work
Private schools and public schools are different. They have a different set of demographics from each other. An advantage private schools would seem to have is the ability to draw from a larger population area, whereas public schools have a set boundary. As a result of these differences, the Illinois High School Association has developed plan to try to make competition between public and private schools more equitable.
Saturday, February 22, 2025
Streaks Scrapbook- 1996 Ottawa Sectional
After winning the Regional over Rochelle 89-52, the 1996 Silver Streaks headed to the Ottawa Sectional. The Streaks went in as underdogs to state power- the Freeport Pretzels.
Friday, February 21, 2025
Western Big 6- 2025 Final Stats
Girls WB6 Standings