Game 4: Galesburg vs. Illini West

Game 4
Galesburg vs. Illini West
(11/17/09)

I had been eagerly anticipating this game since I received the schedule. Galesburg coach Evan Massey switch to the Grinnell-style offense in the off-season. A goal-oriented system, in which the Streaks goals this year will be to force the opposition into 26 turnovers, 72 field goal attempts, 36 three-point attempts, and getting 40% of misses back on offensive rebounds. Meanwhile, coach Zach Keene employs a pressuring defense and a fast-paced system.

The pen hit the scorebook fast and furious right off the bat, as I had GHS forcing seven turnovers in less than a minute to start the game. As a matter of fact, that 26 forced turnover goal was met with 2:13 to play in the 2nd quarter. Galesburg went 11-players deep, while Illini West went 9-deep. The outcome went to the host Streaks 88-80 in a wild one. Galesburg led 75-62 in the fourth quarter, but the Chargers stormed back to make it an 80-76 game at one point late in the fourth quarter.

Here are some eye-popping numbers. A grand total of 85 turnovers, that's right, 85 turnovers. Illini West had 47 turnovers, according to my turnovers stats. There were 78 free throw attempts by both teams, which would put that at 15th in IHSA history. Galesburg's 51 free-throw attempts would place them in a tie for 10th all-time. The Streaks 35 made free throws would put them in a tie for 5th all-time in the IHSA. The teams also combined for 55 fouls.

The Quest File Notes
Date: 11/17/09
Result: Galesburg beats Illini West (88-80)
Location: John Thiel Gymnasium (Galesburg High School)
Miles: 100