Game 33
(12/21/09)
Galesburg @ Canton (Girl's Basketball)
The 700 Club. One win away for Galesburg girl's basketball coach Evan Massey. Currently, coach Massey is the 3rd all-time winningest head coach in Illinois high school girl's basketball history, and looks to reach another milestone in a non-conference matchup at Canton.
This game was originally scheduled to be played at the Canton High School gym, the normal home to girl's basketball. The boy's basketball team plays at the historic Alice Ingersoll gymnasium, which is downtown, away from the school. A Title IX lawsuit was brought against the school over the summer, and a settlement was reach, that stated the girl's would get locker rooms at Ingersoll Gym, and would have to play five games at the "boy's gym".
These situations are usually pretty sticky, and from the sound of most people in Canton I talked to that were either a part of the girl's basketball program, or followers, they were not happy. No, for the most part, they felt it was at a disadvantage for the team to play in a "foreign" gym.
As a matter of fact, head coach Layne Langholf told me before the game he didn't know what to do, he felt lost playing a "home" game at a fairly unfamiliar location. The team had only practiced in this gym once, and in his 11 seasons at the school, only two games had been played here. Coach Langholf joked to me that he keeps telling himself, "what would I do if I were in Morton", referencing a routine for an away game.
Before arriving at the gym, I had to swing by John Thiel gym in Galesburg to pick up the equipment. I had Jason Bates leave it there after Saturday's broadcast. I arrived at the school at the same time the bus was leaving for Canton. Fortunately, as I pulled up Galesburg assistant Jacque Howard was just leaving the building, so she was able to let me in.
Heading to Canton is mostly back roads, some scenic views of Knox and Fulton counties. One of my favorites is Maquon, for some reason. It just seems like a once-happening little town. Of course, with two local drinking establishments, I'm sure it can get happening on occasion. Another view from these roads between Galesburg and Canton can be of the wildlife. Near Fairview, I spotted about a half dozen deer grazing in a corn field.
I arrived at the Alice Ingersoll gym about 5:00. Surprisingly, there were quite a few bodies in the gym at this early time. I spoke with coach Langholf extensively about the Title IX issue, as well as his team's holiday tournament, the Beardstown Lady Tiger Classic, one of the premier holiday tournaments for small-school girl's basketball.
My radio cohort Leon Groover, from WBYS/WCDD radio in Canton arrived at the gym, and spoke to him briefly. He would have a three-man crew for the night's game, with Bob Wagner and Tony Z. Following my interview with Langholf, I sat down and chatted with Coach Massey. We talked about the past weekend's games, in particular Moline, who coming off a loss at home to United Township, defeated Class 3A (#1) Montini on Saturday. He also gave me grief about not updating the IHSSN Scoreboard on Saturday. Oops!
Took to the airwaves earlier than normal, as my pregame interviews were in the 12-minute range. Called the final two minutes of the sophomore contest, which was won by Galesburg, snapping a three-game skid and putting them back at .500 on the season.
The varsity matchup got off to a hot start for the visiting Silver Streaks, as they nailed four of their first five three-point attempts, and finished with six in the first quarter alone. Galesburg led Canton 24-20 after eight minutes.
It was more of the same in the second quarter, with the Streaks dropping five more three's, but more importantly giving the Canton offense headaches. The Little Giants had trouble moving the ball past half court, and turned the ball over 25 times in the first half, while the Streaks coughed up the ball just nine times before halftime. Galesburg took a 45-36 lead into the locker room.
Despite turning the ball over time and time again, Canton was able to hang in the game throughout much of the third quarter, but trailed by 11 points after three (64-53). It was all Galesburg in the final frame, outscoring the hosts, 23-12. Coming into the game Galesburg had just shot 54% from the free throw line, but the Streaks were hot tonight. GHS made 20 of their first 26 free throw attempts, and finished (24-34) for a 71% mark. Tai Peachey went 9-10 from the line, with eight of those makes coming down the stretch at a crucial time.
Outside the three-point line, the Streaks were (17-48), for 35%. With those 17 three-pointers, Galesburg has now made 169 on the season, which places them 28th all-time in the IHSA record books. The Streaks turned the ball over 16 times, while forcing 36 Canton turnovers. Galesburg would win, 87-65, scoring 80+ points for the seventh time this season.
Evan Massey joined the 700-Club with (Chicago) Marshall's Dorthy Gaters and (Oak Park) Fenwick's Dave Power. A large contingent of Galesburg fans made the trip to Canton, and the crowd held up gold placards that read, "700 Wins". Another yellow card was handed out that read, "I was there....for Coach Massey's 700th", which features a long list of his coaching credits on the backside.
After the game, I would make the trip north up Route 78, for a stop in Annawan, before heading to the Sterling Shootout on Tuesday. It was a quick trip, since 60 miles is really one of my shorter drives. It was smooth sailing until reaching Kewanee. About three miles south of Kewanee, there was noticeable snow (just a dusting) on the road, however just north of Kewanee, that turned into snow covered roads. I had to drive 40 mph most of the way from Kewanee to Annawan, and it looked like about 2 inches had fallen in Annawan upon arrival.
The Quest File Notes
Game 33
Date: 12/21/09
Result: Galesburg gives coach Evan Massey 700th win over Canton, 87-65
Miles: 164
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