Game 9: Galesburg vs. Springfield

Game 9
Galesburg vs. Springfield
(11/21/09)
Galesburg Tournament

A very long day of broadcasting, following a Division-III playoff football game between St. Thomas and Monmouth College. Unprepared for the long day of broadcasts, I forgot my laptop power supply. Fortunately, enough time allowed for me to make the drive from Monmouth back to Macomb, then back up to Galesburg with plenty of time.

This was a highly anticipated matchup, as Springfield took 4th place in Class 3A last year, and returns five of their top seven players from that team, with multiple girls getting Division-One attention. As I arrived at the gym before the fresh/soph game, I noticed two Springfield varsity players napping in the crooks of the bleachers, a funny sight, as one had even brought a pillow.

The Streaks held up early, but the Senators took a 10-point lead after one quarter (26-16). Zahna Medley, the sophomore point guard (receiving interest from Illinois and Missouri early on), picked up two quick fouls in the first two minutes and sat nearly the entire first quarter.

The rest of the team picked up, as Springfield is very deep and talented. SHS outscored GHS 25-16 in the second quarter to lead (51-32) at halftime. Springfield committed 12 fouls in the first half, that saw Medley, along with starters Demi VanderWal and (Fr.) Ashton Williams in foul trouble.

Galesburg outscored the visitors (20-19) in the third quarter, but trailed (70-52). The Streaks just couldn't capitalize on the Springfield turnovers, while the Senators were capitalizing and also dominating the the scoring inside, with most of their points coming in the paint. Both teams turned the ball over 25 times, and the Senators saw many girls in foul trouble throughout the game, but still won the game handily (96-66). This Springfield team is loaded, and should be ranked very high when the AP polls come out. Kelly Korza scored a game-high 20 points for Springfield, while Zahna Medley put up a quiet 19 points. A total of five Senators hit double-digits. Galesburg was led by Jessica Howard's 16 points and Sara Baker's 15 points.

This was the third game in 24 hours for Galesburg, and even with their uptempo run and gun style, they did not seem too gassed. Springfield is just an outstanding ball club.

After week one, I broadcasted 10 games. Nine basketball, one college football. I saw 13 basketball games in the week. In addition to the nine broadcasts, I caught the East Peoria/Alleman and United Township/Illini West games, in addition to the Galesburg/Illini West and Galesburg/Metamora sophomore games.

I was beat after the long Saturday, and decided to couch it. Dinner came from the Mobil station in Galesburg. The typical meal of a road warrior, Combos and a Gatorade, lol.

The Quest File Notes
Game 9
Date: 11/21/09
Result: Springfield racks up 96 points in defeating Galesburg (96-66)
Location: John Thiel Gymnasium (Galesburg Tournament)
Miles: 170 (due to the unexpected double-trip)