Game 13: United vs. Henry (Boy's)

Game 13
(11/27/09)
United vs. Henry
Williamsfield Thanksgiving Tournament

After a two-day break from broadcasting, it resumes back in Billtown for a doubleheader. I started the day over in Galesburg, watching some games at that tournament, and also took stats for the WAIK broadcast of Galesburg/Chicago Collins. Other games I caught were Peoria Manual/Thornridge, a key matchup between top three ranked Class 3A girl's teams in Springfield and Peoria Richwoods, along with the GHS/Collins game, and then caught a few minutes of Pekin/Chicago Harlan.

Met my broadcast partner John Ring at our WAIK studios in Galesburg and he drove to Williamsfield. Only two slight delays in the short 25-mile drive to Williamsfield. John missed the exit off of I-74 and drove an extra five or six miles. I just thought he knew of a quicker way, but he just talked too much and missed it. Our second holdup came on the highway just outside of Williamsfield, with John trying to make up time. An Illinois State Police trooper didn't think he should be driving that faster. As the officer approached, he recognized John as a broadcaster and asked if we were headed to the games. He said he was a former Billtown Bomber and let us off without even a warning.

We finally made it to the gym, and with time to spare. The Red Storm jumped out to a 10-2 lead in the first quarter, but committed four consecutive turnovers, and the Henry Mallards inched back into the game, tying it at 10-10 before the end of the quarter. United sophomore Jake Gavin nailed a three to break the tie after the first quarter.

United took advantage of Mallards turnovers in the second quarter, and took a 22-15 lead into halftime. Red Storm junior Alex Gavin, a returning All-Conference pick had 13 points at the break, and finished with a game-high 21 points.

The Red Storm led 31-23 heading into the fourth quarter. In the final frame, Henry was able to knock down just two field goals, along with going (4-10) at the free throw line. United would prevail 45-31 to pick up their first win (1-2) of the season. Henry drops to (0-3). Henry received balanced scoring, Kenny Swartz finished with 7 points. The Mallards committed 26 turnovers and shot just (7-16) from the free throw line.

The Quest File Notes
Game 13
Date: 11/27/09
Result: United hangs on capitalizing on Henry's mistakes in a 45-31 victory
Location: Williamsfield
Miles: 194 (total on the day)