Game 78
(1/30/10)
Geneseo @ Galesburg (Boy's Basketball)
As I headed back across town from Knox to Galesburg High School, I made a run to Casey's for a Gatorade and some mints. During my wait in line, the guy behind me gets a phone call. He answers, and then says, "I'll call you later....I'm at work." I found this odd, as did the clerk at the register who gave him a very funny, quizzical (is that a word?) look. He just said, "Technically I am working."
I got the gym shortly after tipoff of the sophomore game. My broadcast partner Jimmie Carr was already in the booth, and had already done his pregame talk with Geneseo coach Dave Martin. Jimmie interviews all of the opposing coaches on the boy's games, while Gary Petersen or I will interview Streaks head coach Mike Reynolds. Jimmie conducts the postgame interview.
I had to hurredly get things ready, setting up my laptop, and filling out my scorebook, while also trying to track down coach Reynolds. Normally, Reynolds stands in the tunnel between the locker room and the gym. He was not there, but in the stands. I tried to head him off at halftime, but he had already gone in the locker room.
I waited on the floor and talked with Galesburg assistant football coach Brad Swanson, and assistant basketball coach Troy Noble. WGIL broadcaster Jim Lee also came down looking for Reynolds. Near the end of the third quarter, Jim mentioned something to assistant Steve Cheesman, and Reynolds came out shortly after.
Following our interview, I headed back up to our broadcast booth. Nathan Baliva was in town broadcasting for Regional Radio (Kewanee), who cover the Geneseo games. Nathan is also the play-by-play voice and Media Relations Director for the Peoria Chiefs. Nathan and I talked about the slow-down pace of the Maple Leafs, as they average around 40 points/game. We also talked a little bit about the Chiefs, and how not as many prospects would be coming through this season, unlike a season ago.
The gym was packed as the Youth Cheerleading Clinic was the halftime show, featuring future Streaks cheerleaders from kindergarten through fifth grade. These nights always bring out quite a few extra fans that aren't the regulars at the games.
As expected, it was a slow start. Neither team scored until 2:30 into the game. After one quarter, the Streaks held onto a 9-8 lead. Brandon Thompson hit a three, and Victor Davis hit three field goals in the paint for Galesburg.
The Streaks outscored the Maple Leafs, 11-9 in the second quarter to take a 20-17 lead at the break. Geneseo knocked down three, three-pointers in the first half (Devan DePauw, Sam Hamer, and Blake Croegaert). The Maple Leafs don't score much, but they do have shooters that can stroke well. Both teams were very patient in running their sets.
Chad Thompson came untracked in the third quarters, sparking the Streaks with a trio of three-pointers. Galesburg scored almost as many points in the third quarter as they did all first half, putting up 17 points out of halftime. Galesburg led 37-26 heading into the fourth quarter.
I mentioned that it is so hard to overcome a double-digit lead in games like these, but Geneseo did their best to prove me wrong, closing the game to within five points midway through the final frame. The Streaks were able to hit their free throws down the stretch (5-5), and finished out the game with a 49-34 win.
Victor Davis led the Streaks with 17 points, while Chad Thompson added 9 points. Geneseo was led by balanced scoring. Devan DePauw finished with 7 points, and Billy Hamer pitched in 6 points. The Maple Leafs finished with 14 turnovers, while Galesburg had only 9 turnovers.
The Quest File Notes
Game 78
Date: 1/30/10
Result: In a slow-down game, Galesburg prevails over Geneseo, 49-34
Miles: 50
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Game 77: Bloomington @ Galesburg (Girl's Basketball)
Game 77
(1/30/10)
Bloomington @ Galesburg (Girl's Basketball)
A Saturday afternoon non-conference affair at John Thiel Gymnasium. The Streaks are hot in non-conference action (13-5), and they have also had some of their hottest shooting days on these Saturday afternoons.
I arrived at the gym about 20 minutes before the sophomore game was to tip off. I set all of the equipment up and filled out the scorebook. Then I scanned the gym, on the lookout for coach Evan Massey.
As I walked down to the floor, I headed out to the concession stand for a Gatorade (Orange) and watched the first half of the sophomore game from the floor. During the second quarter, Coach Massey emerged and we did our pregame talk.
Back in the broadcast booth, I met Jeff Findley. He is the husband to Bloomington varsity coach Sondra Findley. Jeff runs Voice of Season (www.voiceofseason.com), a sports photographer. He also maintains the website, www.bhsraiders.com and works on the State Farm Classic Tournament, with public relations. We talked about the State Farm Classic, Bloomington basketball, and our websites.
Before the pregame show, another visitor came up to chat, Tim May. Tim is one of the founders of the Illinois High School Sports message board (www.illinoishighschoolsports.com). He was in town watching the Silver Streaks. He also took great video of the record setting three-pointers at Normal West earlier in the season. Always fun to meet some of the other posters from the message boards. By the way, my screen name on the message boards is "bpcbroadcaster".
It was a typical hot start for the Streaks, as they poured in 25 points in the first quarter, and knocked down eight three-pointers. Jessica Howard made three of them in the opening eight minutes. It continued to rain three's in the second quarter, with five more. That guaranteed fans in the stands a free triple cheeseburger from McDonalds, for those fans wearing the "3Diculous" t-shirts. This is the first time, 13 three-pointers has been reached in the first half at home.
The Raiders had kept up in the second and third quarters. Bloomington scored 21 points in the second quarter, and 20 in the third quarter. At halftime, the Streaks led 48-32, and took a 72-52 lead into the fourth quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Bloomington's Teasha Harris was whistled for her fifth foul, and apparently didn't agree with the call, and was called for a technical. Harris, headed to Kirkwood Community College, finished with 17 points. Kirkwood has won the NJCAA National title the past three seasons.
The three-point barrage carried over to the fourth quarter, as Kat Mangieri hit one, and Jessica Howard knocked down two more, including the 20th of the game late in the fourth quarter. The 20 three-pointers made ties an IHSA single-game record.
Galesburg finished (20-50) from outside the three-point line (40%), and made just 12 of 27 free throws (44%). Howard finished with 20 points for the Streaks, while Mickey Rodriguez poured in 18 points, Shelby Pacheco had 13 points, and Tai Peachey added 11 points. Both Rodriguez and Howard hit six three-pointers. Bloomington's Amanda Hainlen finished with 20 points. Hainlen will be continuing her basketball career at the University of Illinois-Springfield.
For the first time this season, the Streaks hit the 90-point plateau, beating visiting Bloomington, 90-70. The Streaks forced 30 turnovers, while giving the ball up 16 times themselves.
In our postgame interview, coach Massey finished by asking me how many games broadcasted I was up to. When I replied, 77, he joked that I had a ways to go to catch up to Cal Ripken.
I had some down time before the next broadcast, though I needed to head out to Knox College to drop off equipment for our Knox/Monmouth broadcasts. Since I was behind on the blog writing, I decided to run down to our WAIK studios in downtown Galesburg to write the blog for broadcast 76.
Eating a late lunch, I made the old fast food plunge once again, swinging into McDonalds. With the dual lanes in the drive-thru, a car ahead of me cut off the other car, butting in on that car's turn to proceed. This, apparently, made the passenger in that car a little upset. The angry woman rolled her window down and yelled something and held her hand up. A moment later, that door opens and the woman walks up to the van guilty of cutting and yells, "It's common courtesy to take turns." She stormed back into her car, while screaming out an obscenity that rhymes with itch. I chuckled.
After my meal of two cheeseburgers, fries, and a coffee (black), I finished my blog just in time to head down to Knox College for a bit. I pulled up to Knox at about 4:30. My broadcaster, John Ring, had also just arrived. He was doing play-by-play for the men's/women's doubleheader, and also had a hoarse voice. He had plenty of his staple Diet Mountain Dew, along with some Hall's cough drops. I hung out at the gym and filled out the scorebook for him, and talked with a couple coaches to get the starters for the women's game. I stayed for the first 10 minutes of the game, and then headed out to return to John Thiel Gymnasium for the next broadcast.
The Quest File Notes
Game 77
Date: 1/30/10
Result: Galesburg ties state record, making 20 three-pointers in 90-70 win over Bloomington
Miles: 60
(1/30/10)
Bloomington @ Galesburg (Girl's Basketball)
A Saturday afternoon non-conference affair at John Thiel Gymnasium. The Streaks are hot in non-conference action (13-5), and they have also had some of their hottest shooting days on these Saturday afternoons.
I arrived at the gym about 20 minutes before the sophomore game was to tip off. I set all of the equipment up and filled out the scorebook. Then I scanned the gym, on the lookout for coach Evan Massey.
As I walked down to the floor, I headed out to the concession stand for a Gatorade (Orange) and watched the first half of the sophomore game from the floor. During the second quarter, Coach Massey emerged and we did our pregame talk.
Back in the broadcast booth, I met Jeff Findley. He is the husband to Bloomington varsity coach Sondra Findley. Jeff runs Voice of Season (www.voiceofseason.com), a sports photographer. He also maintains the website, www.bhsraiders.com and works on the State Farm Classic Tournament, with public relations. We talked about the State Farm Classic, Bloomington basketball, and our websites.
Before the pregame show, another visitor came up to chat, Tim May. Tim is one of the founders of the Illinois High School Sports message board (www.illinoishighschoolsports.com). He was in town watching the Silver Streaks. He also took great video of the record setting three-pointers at Normal West earlier in the season. Always fun to meet some of the other posters from the message boards. By the way, my screen name on the message boards is "bpcbroadcaster".
It was a typical hot start for the Streaks, as they poured in 25 points in the first quarter, and knocked down eight three-pointers. Jessica Howard made three of them in the opening eight minutes. It continued to rain three's in the second quarter, with five more. That guaranteed fans in the stands a free triple cheeseburger from McDonalds, for those fans wearing the "3Diculous" t-shirts. This is the first time, 13 three-pointers has been reached in the first half at home.
The Raiders had kept up in the second and third quarters. Bloomington scored 21 points in the second quarter, and 20 in the third quarter. At halftime, the Streaks led 48-32, and took a 72-52 lead into the fourth quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Bloomington's Teasha Harris was whistled for her fifth foul, and apparently didn't agree with the call, and was called for a technical. Harris, headed to Kirkwood Community College, finished with 17 points. Kirkwood has won the NJCAA National title the past three seasons.
The three-point barrage carried over to the fourth quarter, as Kat Mangieri hit one, and Jessica Howard knocked down two more, including the 20th of the game late in the fourth quarter. The 20 three-pointers made ties an IHSA single-game record.
Galesburg finished (20-50) from outside the three-point line (40%), and made just 12 of 27 free throws (44%). Howard finished with 20 points for the Streaks, while Mickey Rodriguez poured in 18 points, Shelby Pacheco had 13 points, and Tai Peachey added 11 points. Both Rodriguez and Howard hit six three-pointers. Bloomington's Amanda Hainlen finished with 20 points. Hainlen will be continuing her basketball career at the University of Illinois-Springfield.
For the first time this season, the Streaks hit the 90-point plateau, beating visiting Bloomington, 90-70. The Streaks forced 30 turnovers, while giving the ball up 16 times themselves.
In our postgame interview, coach Massey finished by asking me how many games broadcasted I was up to. When I replied, 77, he joked that I had a ways to go to catch up to Cal Ripken.
I had some down time before the next broadcast, though I needed to head out to Knox College to drop off equipment for our Knox/Monmouth broadcasts. Since I was behind on the blog writing, I decided to run down to our WAIK studios in downtown Galesburg to write the blog for broadcast 76.
Eating a late lunch, I made the old fast food plunge once again, swinging into McDonalds. With the dual lanes in the drive-thru, a car ahead of me cut off the other car, butting in on that car's turn to proceed. This, apparently, made the passenger in that car a little upset. The angry woman rolled her window down and yelled something and held her hand up. A moment later, that door opens and the woman walks up to the van guilty of cutting and yells, "It's common courtesy to take turns." She stormed back into her car, while screaming out an obscenity that rhymes with itch. I chuckled.
After my meal of two cheeseburgers, fries, and a coffee (black), I finished my blog just in time to head down to Knox College for a bit. I pulled up to Knox at about 4:30. My broadcaster, John Ring, had also just arrived. He was doing play-by-play for the men's/women's doubleheader, and also had a hoarse voice. He had plenty of his staple Diet Mountain Dew, along with some Hall's cough drops. I hung out at the gym and filled out the scorebook for him, and talked with a couple coaches to get the starters for the women's game. I stayed for the first 10 minutes of the game, and then headed out to return to John Thiel Gymnasium for the next broadcast.
The Quest File Notes
Game 77
Date: 1/30/10
Result: Galesburg ties state record, making 20 three-pointers in 90-70 win over Bloomington
Miles: 60
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Game 76: Macomb @ Monmouth-Roseville (Boy's Basketball)
Game 76
(1/29/10)
Macomb @ Monmouth-Roseville (Boy's Basketball)
Taking the night off from website work on Wednesday, I headed up to State Farm agent Alan Thompson's office in Macomb. He hosts card night every Wednesday and a usually large contingent of guys are in attendance. We spoke about the big matchup between the Titans and the Bombers a couple days ahead, and reminded them to wear white, since Monmouth-Roseville was hosting "White Out Night". They didn't find that too funny. I even offered to hand out white shirts to Bomber fans that needed them.
It's always fun being on both sides of this big rivalry, with many friends from both sides. The rivalry can get pretty heated on the court....and on this night, even in the stands!
Since it was a pack the place night, and Macomb travels well, there would not be an empty seat in the house. I wanted to get to the gym extra early, and take care of both pregame interviews, so I didn't have to walk all over people from my broadcast perch.
I got to the gym at about 5:15, and already there were a few fans staking claim to seats. 45 minutes before the JV game was set to tip off. As I set my equipment down, Macomb statistician Dan Rouse came up and we chatted about the Monmouth/Macomb rivalry. The two teams were meeting for the 160th team (obviously predating the consolidation with Roseville). Since Monmouth and Roseville combined, the Titans were just 3-7 against the Bombers.
Dan also said he wanted to get something going for next year at Macomb, since it will be the 100th year of Macomb High School basketball. It's a work-in-progress.
After our talk, I headed down to speak with Danny Watson. We discussed the Macomb/Orion game, and how heated the end of the JV game got. Macomb was issued a technical after a Macomb player "didn't check in". There was a big argument, and things got heated very quickly to start the varsity game. Danny said that it was probably a good thing that the weather conditions were poor that night, or it could have gotten ugly in the stands.
After our pregame talk, I couldn't track down coach Grant. I returned to my booth for the start of the JV game. By halftime of the JV game, there were few seats unattended. I managed to shimmy around several fans sitting in the bleachers below my location, and got my pregame talk with Chuck Grant over with.
At the start of the third quarter, I made my way back through the fans and prepared everything for the broadcast. During the third quarter of the JV game, my broadcast partner for the night, Sam Brooks, questioned how to get up to our perch, and he made his way through safely.
Monmouth-Roseville High School's Velocity performed the National Anthem. Velocity is under the direction of Kevin Ferry, the music director is in his first year at the school. I know Ferry back from his Avon days, as he was an assistant football coach for the B-PC/A Spartans when I broadcasted their games a few years back. Ferry also provided color commentary for my Titans football broadcasts this past fall. He was texting me to make sure I gave him a shout out, as he was out of town at a music performance.
The first quarter began in a heated battle between the two teams. Things were starting to get ugly towards the end of the first quarter. At one point, Macomb's Tyler Thorman took a hard fall, and quickly got up to retaliate. The officials made quick work to stop the exchange, and started calling the game much tighter after that. Also, during the first half, Patrick Thompson took an elbow to the nose from Macomb's Alex Heille. Thompson was whistled on the reach-in foul. This is the third nose that Heille has elbowed this season, and second this week (Tanner Williams took a shot earlier in the week). Thompson was rightfully called on the foul, and the swinging elbows were not thrown maliciously.
At halftime, the Bombers took a 29-25 lead into the locker rooms. Neither team turned the ball over too much. In the first half, Macomb coughed it up seven times, while the Titans turned it over eight times.
Monmouth-Roseville jumped out to a 40-33 lead late in the third quarter. At the 1:48 mark, Matt Gordy took a steal down the court, and was fouled by Cory Jensen in a mid-air collision. This hit sent both players hard to the floor. Gordy received the brunt of the fall, hitting the back of his head on the wall seperating the doors of the gym. After a 10-minute delay in aiding Gordy on the floor, he was sent into the locker room. His dad, Dennis Gordy, told me after the game that he received six stitches in the locker room. When Gordy left the game, his team trailed by seven points. When he returned to the bench late in the fourth quarter, his team had taken a two-point lead.
That injury to Gordy sparked the Bombers, as they went on a 7-0 run heading into the fourth quarter. Macomb didn't look back, and Monmouth-Roseville did many things to let this game slip away. The Titans shot just (7-19) from the free throw line, and of their 14 total turnovers, seven were traveling calls (mostly unforced). Macomb didn't quite help their cause at the charity stripe, going (15-26), however they were (7-13) in the fourth quarter.
Tyler Thorman led Macomb with 16 points, followed by Seth Wickert and Alex Roberts with 14 points apiece. Monmouth-Roseville got a game-high 18 points from Alex Bresnahan, and 12 points from Cory Jensen.
With the win, coupled with Sherrard's victory over Orion on this night, the Bombers jumped into sole posession of first place in the Olympic Conference. Sherrard and Orion both have two losses in the league, with Macomb just one (to Orion).
After the game, I met up with my K100 (Macomb) broadcast buddies, Kipp Jones and Kelly Sears (Macomb Football coach). Coach Sears and I made many roadtrips working on K100 broadcasts over the last few years. They both razzed me about the "Get to Know Beau" section in the Monmouth-Roseville sports programs. I asked Coach Sears why he hasn't been putting his name out there for other jobs. He was a finalist at both Hoffman Estates and DeKalb three years ago, but withdrew to stay at Macomb. Sears says he is content, so Bomber fans rejoice.
And my postgame meal was some combo meal from Burger King. A big sandwich with all the trimmings. It was one of those fast food drive-thru moments where you freeze and have no idea what you want, so I blurted out a number. Something I paid for dearly on Saturday morning.
The Quest File Notes
Game 76
Date: 1/29/10
Result: In a physical game, Macomb rallies for a 64-59 at Monmouth-Roseville
Miles: 70
(1/29/10)
Macomb @ Monmouth-Roseville (Boy's Basketball)
Taking the night off from website work on Wednesday, I headed up to State Farm agent Alan Thompson's office in Macomb. He hosts card night every Wednesday and a usually large contingent of guys are in attendance. We spoke about the big matchup between the Titans and the Bombers a couple days ahead, and reminded them to wear white, since Monmouth-Roseville was hosting "White Out Night". They didn't find that too funny. I even offered to hand out white shirts to Bomber fans that needed them.
It's always fun being on both sides of this big rivalry, with many friends from both sides. The rivalry can get pretty heated on the court....and on this night, even in the stands!
Since it was a pack the place night, and Macomb travels well, there would not be an empty seat in the house. I wanted to get to the gym extra early, and take care of both pregame interviews, so I didn't have to walk all over people from my broadcast perch.
I got to the gym at about 5:15, and already there were a few fans staking claim to seats. 45 minutes before the JV game was set to tip off. As I set my equipment down, Macomb statistician Dan Rouse came up and we chatted about the Monmouth/Macomb rivalry. The two teams were meeting for the 160th team (obviously predating the consolidation with Roseville). Since Monmouth and Roseville combined, the Titans were just 3-7 against the Bombers.
Dan also said he wanted to get something going for next year at Macomb, since it will be the 100th year of Macomb High School basketball. It's a work-in-progress.
After our talk, I headed down to speak with Danny Watson. We discussed the Macomb/Orion game, and how heated the end of the JV game got. Macomb was issued a technical after a Macomb player "didn't check in". There was a big argument, and things got heated very quickly to start the varsity game. Danny said that it was probably a good thing that the weather conditions were poor that night, or it could have gotten ugly in the stands.
After our pregame talk, I couldn't track down coach Grant. I returned to my booth for the start of the JV game. By halftime of the JV game, there were few seats unattended. I managed to shimmy around several fans sitting in the bleachers below my location, and got my pregame talk with Chuck Grant over with.
At the start of the third quarter, I made my way back through the fans and prepared everything for the broadcast. During the third quarter of the JV game, my broadcast partner for the night, Sam Brooks, questioned how to get up to our perch, and he made his way through safely.
Monmouth-Roseville High School's Velocity performed the National Anthem. Velocity is under the direction of Kevin Ferry, the music director is in his first year at the school. I know Ferry back from his Avon days, as he was an assistant football coach for the B-PC/A Spartans when I broadcasted their games a few years back. Ferry also provided color commentary for my Titans football broadcasts this past fall. He was texting me to make sure I gave him a shout out, as he was out of town at a music performance.
The first quarter began in a heated battle between the two teams. Things were starting to get ugly towards the end of the first quarter. At one point, Macomb's Tyler Thorman took a hard fall, and quickly got up to retaliate. The officials made quick work to stop the exchange, and started calling the game much tighter after that. Also, during the first half, Patrick Thompson took an elbow to the nose from Macomb's Alex Heille. Thompson was whistled on the reach-in foul. This is the third nose that Heille has elbowed this season, and second this week (Tanner Williams took a shot earlier in the week). Thompson was rightfully called on the foul, and the swinging elbows were not thrown maliciously.
At halftime, the Bombers took a 29-25 lead into the locker rooms. Neither team turned the ball over too much. In the first half, Macomb coughed it up seven times, while the Titans turned it over eight times.
Monmouth-Roseville jumped out to a 40-33 lead late in the third quarter. At the 1:48 mark, Matt Gordy took a steal down the court, and was fouled by Cory Jensen in a mid-air collision. This hit sent both players hard to the floor. Gordy received the brunt of the fall, hitting the back of his head on the wall seperating the doors of the gym. After a 10-minute delay in aiding Gordy on the floor, he was sent into the locker room. His dad, Dennis Gordy, told me after the game that he received six stitches in the locker room. When Gordy left the game, his team trailed by seven points. When he returned to the bench late in the fourth quarter, his team had taken a two-point lead.
That injury to Gordy sparked the Bombers, as they went on a 7-0 run heading into the fourth quarter. Macomb didn't look back, and Monmouth-Roseville did many things to let this game slip away. The Titans shot just (7-19) from the free throw line, and of their 14 total turnovers, seven were traveling calls (mostly unforced). Macomb didn't quite help their cause at the charity stripe, going (15-26), however they were (7-13) in the fourth quarter.
Tyler Thorman led Macomb with 16 points, followed by Seth Wickert and Alex Roberts with 14 points apiece. Monmouth-Roseville got a game-high 18 points from Alex Bresnahan, and 12 points from Cory Jensen.
With the win, coupled with Sherrard's victory over Orion on this night, the Bombers jumped into sole posession of first place in the Olympic Conference. Sherrard and Orion both have two losses in the league, with Macomb just one (to Orion).
After the game, I met up with my K100 (Macomb) broadcast buddies, Kipp Jones and Kelly Sears (Macomb Football coach). Coach Sears and I made many roadtrips working on K100 broadcasts over the last few years. They both razzed me about the "Get to Know Beau" section in the Monmouth-Roseville sports programs. I asked Coach Sears why he hasn't been putting his name out there for other jobs. He was a finalist at both Hoffman Estates and DeKalb three years ago, but withdrew to stay at Macomb. Sears says he is content, so Bomber fans rejoice.
And my postgame meal was some combo meal from Burger King. A big sandwich with all the trimmings. It was one of those fast food drive-thru moments where you freeze and have no idea what you want, so I blurted out a number. Something I paid for dearly on Saturday morning.
The Quest File Notes
Game 76
Date: 1/29/10
Result: In a physical game, Macomb rallies for a 64-59 at Monmouth-Roseville
Miles: 70
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Game 75: Galesburg @ United Township (Girl's Basketball)
Game 75
(1/28/10)
Galesburg @ United Township (Girl's Basketball)
The Silver Streaks are on a two-game winning streak in the Western Big 6, after a brutal (0-5) start in the league. The matchup between the UTHS Panthers and Galesburg will be much different this night. The Streaks are much improved, and more confident in the "system" than the first meeting early in the season. Meanwhile, the Panthers are without one of their top players, Shanice Morrow, who was suspended for the remainder of the season in December for breaking team rules. Morrow poured it on Galesburg the first game, scoring 29 points.
I enjoy the Quad Cities games, just because I don't get back to the QC as much as I would like to. Growing up just a few miles down the road, I spent a lot of time there. With my handy Garmin in hand, I wanted to find a shortcut from Route 67 to East Moline. Approaching Milan, it guided me to take a right on a highway I have often wondered where it would take me. Tonight, I found out. What a shortcut!!! This stretch of highway cut right into Moline, and onto John Deere Road. Finally, a quick and easy way to get to Moline without driving through Milan.
I do not get to Moline as often as I used to, so I was taken by surprise when I pulled up to the South Park Mall stoplight. I gazed over to see a Buffalo Wild Wings had sprouted up next to the IHOP, along with a new strip mall on the perimeter of the mall parking lot. 15-20 years ago, there were a couple fast food joints on the outside of the mall parking lot, now the entire perimeter is filled with various businesses and eateries.
Driving down John Deere Road, I took a left a few miles down the highway that took me to the Avenue of the Cities. It will forever be known to me as 23rd Avenue. In high school, we would "cruise 23rd". It's been ten years, and I can't let go they renamed it Avenue of the Cities.
The last time I broadcast a game at United Township High School was during the 2002-03 basketball season. I was covering the Geneseo Maple Leafs, and Gary Harlacher was my broadcast partner. "Harlow" was the Geneseo girl's basketball coach in the 1990's. We pulled into the UTHS parking lot on this night the Panthers hosted the Maple Leafs. He directed me to park in a lot reserved for the UTHS sports boosters. I said I shouldn't park, there but he insisted. As we walked away, a parking lot attendant told us we had to move. Harlow insisted we could park there, and the two exchanged some words while I was going toward my car to move it. Harlow barked out not to move, and we walked on. The man then blurted something to the effect, "Typical coming from Geneseo", or something like that.
The girl's play in the auxilary gym, and I had not been there before. On the campus of UTHS, I had to give my broadcast partner, Jimmie Carr a call to find out where the gym was. He told me the west parking lot, which was exactly where I was.
In the gym, I gazed around to scope my broadcast location. It was about 20 minutes before tipoff of the JV game when I arrived. I walked over to the scorer's table to ask where the radio set up. I had my choice of either end of the gym at a table on the baseline. I chose the far end of the gym below the main scoreboard. It was not easy to see the scoreboard (with fouls on it), but I was more worried about an unobstructed view, since the other end was right next to the main gates of the gym.
After getting set up, coach Massey came up for our pregame talk. We discussed the Regional seeds that were supposed to be released by the IHSA today. By 5:00, they had not yet been posted to the IHSA website. Massey thought the Streaks could be anywhere between a top seed and a #3 seed. He didn't think Galesburg would get the top seed, since three of the five teams in the complex are from the same conference (NCIC). We also talked about the technical foul that was assessed before the Peoria Notre Dame game last Saturday. Apparently, the IHSA Officials Message Board had a posting the day before this game, alerting the referees to call the technical when teams run around the entire floor, as Galesburg did last week.
When coach Massey and I began talking, the JV game was tied at 4-4 early on. By the time our conversation ended, the host Panthers had jumped out to a 28-8 lead. I then filled out my scorebook, and heard my name. I looked up, and to my surprise, my friend Bob Anderson was walking up. Bob's fiancee is Lori Buresh, who is the trainer at United Township. Lori is the older sister to Annawan All-Stater Kelly Buresh.
During the JV game, I spoke with UTHS coach Justin Shiltz. We talked about the team since the first game, and their loss of Shanice Morrow. She was suspended for the remainder of the season in December for breaking team rules. Since she is a junior, she could return in the summer, if things work out. Morrow lit up the Streaks in the first meeting, scoring 29 points.
Shiltz is in his first year as head girl's basketball coach at the East Moline school. He has spent plenty of time in the Western Big 6, but mostly on the boy's side. He worked under Larry Schulte (Alleman), and Steve Young and Marc Polite (United Township).
Late in the third quarter, UTHS had taken a 25-point lead on Galesburg in the sophomore game. The next time I looked up, midway through the fourth quarter, the Streaks had started chipping in. Credit the young Streaks, as they battled back to a six-point game (53-47) in the loss. Galesburg won the previous meeting by four points.
The varsity game was hot out of the gates, with the teams trading baskets. Just 0:35 in the game, it was a 6-4 game with the Panthers knocking down a couple layups, and the Streaks answering with back-to-back three-pointers by Jessica Howard.
The first four points scored by the hosts were from sophomore Abby VanDeventer. I did find pronouncing her name during the play-by-play, but when I slowed down reading stats at halftime and postgame, I tripped up. The pronunciation is (Van-Dee-Ven-Ter). I had assumed that it was (Van-Duh-Venter). Another tricky name was Aisah Burris. It is pronounced (Asia), like the continent.
There was quite a foul discrepancy in the first quarter. Galesburg was whistled for six fouls, before one was called against UTHS. That would later equal out in the second quarter, and Galesburg was in the double-bonus midway through the second quarter. Coach Massey after the game, used the philosophy of some old coaches saying sometimes it's good to get down in foul trouble early, because sometimes it starts to even out.
It was a 14-14 tie after the first quarter, and the Streaks outscored the Panthers 17-13 in the second quarter, taking a (31-27) lead at the break. Galesburg continued to sustain their lead in the third quarter. After a couple calls went against the Panthers, an outspoken Justin Shiltz was whistled for a technical foul. Jessica Howard knocked both free throws down, but a five-second call on the in-bounds pass gave it back to the hosts.
In the fourth quarter, United Township chipped back in to within three points, but Galesburg was able to stretch out the lead, and prevail 67-59. Tai Peachey was key down the stretch, and finished with a team-high 17 points, shooting (9-11) from the free throw line. Jessica Howard also scored 17 points for Galesburg. Abby VanDeventer scored a game-high 18 points for the Panthers, while MiKayla Fallon added 16 points.
An achilles heel of the Streaks has been free throw shooting, however not tonight. Galesburg was (19-25) from the line, while United Township struggled (12-24). The Panthers also had 26 turnovers, and Galesburg had 16 turnovers.
The Panthers are very, very young. Three starters (MiKayla Fallon, Abby VanDeventer, and Kiana Brady) are sophomores, while their classmates Halle Lewis, and Kayla Contreras saw plenty of playing time, along with freshman Laura Burrill. There is only one senior that is a contributor, that is Courtney Ledezma.
After the game, I made a stop at the Big Ten Mart. Being an Iowa Hawkeyes fan, I thought I should support the Big Ten. Okay, I know, bad joke. I picked up an All-Sport and some trail mix.
Driving down John Deere Road, I passed by Miss Mamie's Catfish House. Everytime I drive by, I think of their annoying 1980's commercial jingle, that went something like, "Come to Miss Mamie's, Come to Miss Mamie's....Catfish House." That triggered other cheesy 80's local jingles like the auto dealer that went, "The Super Van Man is Orby", and "Rudy's....Rudy's Taco's".
The Quest File Notes
Game 75
Date: 1/28/10
Result: Galesburg Wins Third Straight Western Big 6 game, defeating United Township 67-59
Miles: 174
(1/28/10)
Galesburg @ United Township (Girl's Basketball)
The Silver Streaks are on a two-game winning streak in the Western Big 6, after a brutal (0-5) start in the league. The matchup between the UTHS Panthers and Galesburg will be much different this night. The Streaks are much improved, and more confident in the "system" than the first meeting early in the season. Meanwhile, the Panthers are without one of their top players, Shanice Morrow, who was suspended for the remainder of the season in December for breaking team rules. Morrow poured it on Galesburg the first game, scoring 29 points.
I enjoy the Quad Cities games, just because I don't get back to the QC as much as I would like to. Growing up just a few miles down the road, I spent a lot of time there. With my handy Garmin in hand, I wanted to find a shortcut from Route 67 to East Moline. Approaching Milan, it guided me to take a right on a highway I have often wondered where it would take me. Tonight, I found out. What a shortcut!!! This stretch of highway cut right into Moline, and onto John Deere Road. Finally, a quick and easy way to get to Moline without driving through Milan.
I do not get to Moline as often as I used to, so I was taken by surprise when I pulled up to the South Park Mall stoplight. I gazed over to see a Buffalo Wild Wings had sprouted up next to the IHOP, along with a new strip mall on the perimeter of the mall parking lot. 15-20 years ago, there were a couple fast food joints on the outside of the mall parking lot, now the entire perimeter is filled with various businesses and eateries.
Driving down John Deere Road, I took a left a few miles down the highway that took me to the Avenue of the Cities. It will forever be known to me as 23rd Avenue. In high school, we would "cruise 23rd". It's been ten years, and I can't let go they renamed it Avenue of the Cities.
The last time I broadcast a game at United Township High School was during the 2002-03 basketball season. I was covering the Geneseo Maple Leafs, and Gary Harlacher was my broadcast partner. "Harlow" was the Geneseo girl's basketball coach in the 1990's. We pulled into the UTHS parking lot on this night the Panthers hosted the Maple Leafs. He directed me to park in a lot reserved for the UTHS sports boosters. I said I shouldn't park, there but he insisted. As we walked away, a parking lot attendant told us we had to move. Harlow insisted we could park there, and the two exchanged some words while I was going toward my car to move it. Harlow barked out not to move, and we walked on. The man then blurted something to the effect, "Typical coming from Geneseo", or something like that.
The girl's play in the auxilary gym, and I had not been there before. On the campus of UTHS, I had to give my broadcast partner, Jimmie Carr a call to find out where the gym was. He told me the west parking lot, which was exactly where I was.
In the gym, I gazed around to scope my broadcast location. It was about 20 minutes before tipoff of the JV game when I arrived. I walked over to the scorer's table to ask where the radio set up. I had my choice of either end of the gym at a table on the baseline. I chose the far end of the gym below the main scoreboard. It was not easy to see the scoreboard (with fouls on it), but I was more worried about an unobstructed view, since the other end was right next to the main gates of the gym.
After getting set up, coach Massey came up for our pregame talk. We discussed the Regional seeds that were supposed to be released by the IHSA today. By 5:00, they had not yet been posted to the IHSA website. Massey thought the Streaks could be anywhere between a top seed and a #3 seed. He didn't think Galesburg would get the top seed, since three of the five teams in the complex are from the same conference (NCIC). We also talked about the technical foul that was assessed before the Peoria Notre Dame game last Saturday. Apparently, the IHSA Officials Message Board had a posting the day before this game, alerting the referees to call the technical when teams run around the entire floor, as Galesburg did last week.
When coach Massey and I began talking, the JV game was tied at 4-4 early on. By the time our conversation ended, the host Panthers had jumped out to a 28-8 lead. I then filled out my scorebook, and heard my name. I looked up, and to my surprise, my friend Bob Anderson was walking up. Bob's fiancee is Lori Buresh, who is the trainer at United Township. Lori is the older sister to Annawan All-Stater Kelly Buresh.
During the JV game, I spoke with UTHS coach Justin Shiltz. We talked about the team since the first game, and their loss of Shanice Morrow. She was suspended for the remainder of the season in December for breaking team rules. Since she is a junior, she could return in the summer, if things work out. Morrow lit up the Streaks in the first meeting, scoring 29 points.
Shiltz is in his first year as head girl's basketball coach at the East Moline school. He has spent plenty of time in the Western Big 6, but mostly on the boy's side. He worked under Larry Schulte (Alleman), and Steve Young and Marc Polite (United Township).
Late in the third quarter, UTHS had taken a 25-point lead on Galesburg in the sophomore game. The next time I looked up, midway through the fourth quarter, the Streaks had started chipping in. Credit the young Streaks, as they battled back to a six-point game (53-47) in the loss. Galesburg won the previous meeting by four points.
The varsity game was hot out of the gates, with the teams trading baskets. Just 0:35 in the game, it was a 6-4 game with the Panthers knocking down a couple layups, and the Streaks answering with back-to-back three-pointers by Jessica Howard.
The first four points scored by the hosts were from sophomore Abby VanDeventer. I did find pronouncing her name during the play-by-play, but when I slowed down reading stats at halftime and postgame, I tripped up. The pronunciation is (Van-Dee-Ven-Ter). I had assumed that it was (Van-Duh-Venter). Another tricky name was Aisah Burris. It is pronounced (Asia), like the continent.
There was quite a foul discrepancy in the first quarter. Galesburg was whistled for six fouls, before one was called against UTHS. That would later equal out in the second quarter, and Galesburg was in the double-bonus midway through the second quarter. Coach Massey after the game, used the philosophy of some old coaches saying sometimes it's good to get down in foul trouble early, because sometimes it starts to even out.
It was a 14-14 tie after the first quarter, and the Streaks outscored the Panthers 17-13 in the second quarter, taking a (31-27) lead at the break. Galesburg continued to sustain their lead in the third quarter. After a couple calls went against the Panthers, an outspoken Justin Shiltz was whistled for a technical foul. Jessica Howard knocked both free throws down, but a five-second call on the in-bounds pass gave it back to the hosts.
In the fourth quarter, United Township chipped back in to within three points, but Galesburg was able to stretch out the lead, and prevail 67-59. Tai Peachey was key down the stretch, and finished with a team-high 17 points, shooting (9-11) from the free throw line. Jessica Howard also scored 17 points for Galesburg. Abby VanDeventer scored a game-high 18 points for the Panthers, while MiKayla Fallon added 16 points.
An achilles heel of the Streaks has been free throw shooting, however not tonight. Galesburg was (19-25) from the line, while United Township struggled (12-24). The Panthers also had 26 turnovers, and Galesburg had 16 turnovers.
The Panthers are very, very young. Three starters (MiKayla Fallon, Abby VanDeventer, and Kiana Brady) are sophomores, while their classmates Halle Lewis, and Kayla Contreras saw plenty of playing time, along with freshman Laura Burrill. There is only one senior that is a contributor, that is Courtney Ledezma.
After the game, I made a stop at the Big Ten Mart. Being an Iowa Hawkeyes fan, I thought I should support the Big Ten. Okay, I know, bad joke. I picked up an All-Sport and some trail mix.
Driving down John Deere Road, I passed by Miss Mamie's Catfish House. Everytime I drive by, I think of their annoying 1980's commercial jingle, that went something like, "Come to Miss Mamie's, Come to Miss Mamie's....Catfish House." That triggered other cheesy 80's local jingles like the auto dealer that went, "The Super Van Man is Orby", and "Rudy's....Rudy's Taco's".
The Quest File Notes
Game 75
Date: 1/28/10
Result: Galesburg Wins Third Straight Western Big 6 game, defeating United Township 67-59
Miles: 174
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Game 74: Knoxville @ Monmouth-Roseville (Boy's Basketball)
Game 74
(1/26/10)
Knoxville @ Monmouth-Roseville (Boy's Basketball)
As I pulled up to Monmouth-Roseville High School on this brisk Tuesday evening, it had all the feelings of a trap game for the host and favored Titans. It was a non-conference game (for the first time since the 1991-92 season), with Knoxville defecting to the Prairieland, a light crowd would be on hand, and it was one of those blah Tuesday nights that can set the stage for an underdog in high school basketball.
I walked up the steps of the main entrance and signed the "Hometown Heroes" petition for the Monmouth-Roseville boy's basketball team. This is a promotion put on by our rival station in Galesburg, but it's a great cause for area sports teams. MRHS high school principal Jeff Bryan made a comment about signing in a "relative who couldn't make it", jokingly of course.
Before heading up to broadcast central, I spoke with Rick Chick. He mentioned that the Titans Sports Boosters are looking into putting some money into the gym before next season. One of the options is moving the main scoreboard to the other side of the gym, or adding an additional scoreboard. This would come in so handy, since I cannot see the main scoreboard from my post. It also sounds like some work will go into the baseball diamond, with a new press box being built behind home plate in the near future.
During our conversation, Rick made a comment to Titans (Jr.) Alex Bresnahan, egging him on about scoring 30 points, saying he bet he couldn't score 30 tonight. Alex may have taken those words to heart, by pouring in 10 points in the first quarter alone. He finished with 21 points.
After our talk, I went and set up the equipment and took in the first half of the JV game. The Titans were without starters Jackson Kane and Jacob Baber. At halftime, I went to chase down coach Grant for the pregame interview, however, he alluded me. I knew he wasn't dodging the microphone, as he never shies away from the spotlight! In the meantime, my broadcast partner for the night, Pat Repp, entered the gym. We talked about the JV game and how he coached some of the players at Immaculate Conception in Monmouth. The ICS 7th graders were also in action this night, along with MRJH in regional semifinal play. MRJH fell to Mercer County, while ICS bested Valley.
I learned of the disappearance of Coach Grant. There was no principal or vice principal at the gym, so he had to preside over those duties at the game for the moment. We did our pregame chat during the third quarter of the JV game. The Titans JV would move on for a 15-point win over the visiting Blue Bullets.
To start the game, Monmouth-Roseville could not click on anymore cylinders. The hosts jumped out to a 23-5 lead after the first quarter, led by Bresnahan's 10 points, and Markus Hunter's 9 points. The pressing defense was too much for Knoxville, who had to take two timeouts in the early going to stop the hemorrhaging.
Knoxville played much better in the second quarter, outscoring the Titans 17-14. It was 37-22 at halftime. Bresnahan scored 14 points, and Hunter added 11 points by the break. The Titans did turn the ball over ten times, which is much higher than their average (about 13 turnovers/game).
The turnovers would get better for Monmouth-Roseville, only coughing the ball up four times in the second half (finishing with 14 turnovers). However, the play at the times was very erratic by both teams. On several occasions, four, five, and six bodies would go flying all over the floor, into the stands, etc. diving after loose balls.
Monmouth-Roseville would cruise to a 65-49 win, sparked by Brenahan's game-high 21 points. Hunter added 13 points, and the Titans went (9-14) from the free throw line. Knoxville was led by Bryce Ball's 15 points. The Blue Bullets turned the ball over 28 times, and shot just (4-10) from the free throw line.
The Quest File Notes
Game 74
Date: 1/26/10
Result: Early pressure sparks Monmouth-Roseville over Knoxville (65-49)
Miles: 70
(1/26/10)
Knoxville @ Monmouth-Roseville (Boy's Basketball)
As I pulled up to Monmouth-Roseville High School on this brisk Tuesday evening, it had all the feelings of a trap game for the host and favored Titans. It was a non-conference game (for the first time since the 1991-92 season), with Knoxville defecting to the Prairieland, a light crowd would be on hand, and it was one of those blah Tuesday nights that can set the stage for an underdog in high school basketball.
I walked up the steps of the main entrance and signed the "Hometown Heroes" petition for the Monmouth-Roseville boy's basketball team. This is a promotion put on by our rival station in Galesburg, but it's a great cause for area sports teams. MRHS high school principal Jeff Bryan made a comment about signing in a "relative who couldn't make it", jokingly of course.
Before heading up to broadcast central, I spoke with Rick Chick. He mentioned that the Titans Sports Boosters are looking into putting some money into the gym before next season. One of the options is moving the main scoreboard to the other side of the gym, or adding an additional scoreboard. This would come in so handy, since I cannot see the main scoreboard from my post. It also sounds like some work will go into the baseball diamond, with a new press box being built behind home plate in the near future.
During our conversation, Rick made a comment to Titans (Jr.) Alex Bresnahan, egging him on about scoring 30 points, saying he bet he couldn't score 30 tonight. Alex may have taken those words to heart, by pouring in 10 points in the first quarter alone. He finished with 21 points.
After our talk, I went and set up the equipment and took in the first half of the JV game. The Titans were without starters Jackson Kane and Jacob Baber. At halftime, I went to chase down coach Grant for the pregame interview, however, he alluded me. I knew he wasn't dodging the microphone, as he never shies away from the spotlight! In the meantime, my broadcast partner for the night, Pat Repp, entered the gym. We talked about the JV game and how he coached some of the players at Immaculate Conception in Monmouth. The ICS 7th graders were also in action this night, along with MRJH in regional semifinal play. MRJH fell to Mercer County, while ICS bested Valley.
I learned of the disappearance of Coach Grant. There was no principal or vice principal at the gym, so he had to preside over those duties at the game for the moment. We did our pregame chat during the third quarter of the JV game. The Titans JV would move on for a 15-point win over the visiting Blue Bullets.
To start the game, Monmouth-Roseville could not click on anymore cylinders. The hosts jumped out to a 23-5 lead after the first quarter, led by Bresnahan's 10 points, and Markus Hunter's 9 points. The pressing defense was too much for Knoxville, who had to take two timeouts in the early going to stop the hemorrhaging.
Knoxville played much better in the second quarter, outscoring the Titans 17-14. It was 37-22 at halftime. Bresnahan scored 14 points, and Hunter added 11 points by the break. The Titans did turn the ball over ten times, which is much higher than their average (about 13 turnovers/game).
The turnovers would get better for Monmouth-Roseville, only coughing the ball up four times in the second half (finishing with 14 turnovers). However, the play at the times was very erratic by both teams. On several occasions, four, five, and six bodies would go flying all over the floor, into the stands, etc. diving after loose balls.
Monmouth-Roseville would cruise to a 65-49 win, sparked by Brenahan's game-high 21 points. Hunter added 13 points, and the Titans went (9-14) from the free throw line. Knoxville was led by Bryce Ball's 15 points. The Blue Bullets turned the ball over 28 times, and shot just (4-10) from the free throw line.
The Quest File Notes
Game 74
Date: 1/26/10
Result: Early pressure sparks Monmouth-Roseville over Knoxville (65-49)
Miles: 70
Monday, January 25, 2010
Game 73: Monmouth-Roseville @ Macomb (Girl's Basketball)
Game 73
(1/25/10)
Monmouth-Roseville @ Macomb (Girl's Basketball)
A surprisingly nasty weather night this Monday evening. As I drove down Route 67 around 3:30 in the afternoon, the section between Roseville and Macomb was pretty white, with blowing snow across the roadway. The area only saw about two inches of snow, but 40 mph winds created some white-out conditions. It would worsen throughout the night, and a winter weather advisory was issued in the early evening.
Always enjoy the Macomb games, first off because of the short drive home, but also to see old faces. Even though I live in town still, a majority of time is spent away from town, or on the road. I tried to sneak in a quick nap before heading up to the Washington Street Gym, but to no avail. I awoke and had one of those bachelor suppers, consisting of toaster strudel (Boston Cream Pie, wow!) and a banana.
I made my way to the home of the Lady Bombers around 5:30. There was already quite a few cars parked, but this is also home to the Macomb campus of Spoon River College, which was a majority of the cars parked here. I had to park in the west lot, but not too far of a walk.
Before the JV game tipped off, I walked over and talked with both head coaches, Jim Cole of the Titans, and Jeff Thorman of the Lady Bombers. My first interview was with coach Cole. We talked about the status of his team, and how healthy they were. Rebecca Gillen tweaked her ankle a few weeks ago, but has recovered nicely. However, the Titans have lost Chelsea Clark, one of their post players. Monmouth-Roseville is coming off a huge win in Olympic Conference play, defeating Sherrard last Monday.
After my chat with Cole, I talked with Jeff Thorman. His team is pretty young and inexperienced, but have played one tough schedule. They are coming off games against 3A competition over the last week (Galesburg, United Township, and Peoria Central), along with 1A (#1) Brimfield. Coach Thorman also informed me that the Lady Bomber Classic would be adding another strong team next year, with the addition of Illini Bluffs. They will replace Rushville-Industry. Knoxville is also looking to get out of the tournament to play in the Galesburg Thanksgiving Tournament. It looks like West Prairie will be replacing Knoxville at Macomb.
As we chatted after our pregame interview, we noticed the two-man officiating crew for the JV game was Marv Hillyer, and Chris Smith. Smith and I worked together for 3.5 years on the K100 morning show in Macomb. Thorman looked out on the playing floor, trying to get Smith's attention, asking, "Doesn't he wear glasses?!" He was not wearing glasses. Chris later came up to me during the JV game, and I posed that very question, saying he was wearing contacts. Sure!
After my talks with the coaches, I made my way back over to press row. I ran into Stan Day, and talked about the girl's team. His daughter, Ashton, his a senior for the Lady Bombers. After a quick chat, I headed back to my broadcast location courtside at the Washington Street Gym, where I ran into Jeff Miller. His son, Austin, is the state's #1 ranked wrestler in the 130 lb. weight division.
After leading by three points at halftime of the JV contest, the Titans squandered their lead, and fell by 13 points (38-25) to the hosts. With a couple minutes left in the JV game, I saw Macomb athletic director Dave Bartlett call over the officials and tell them something, then say something to the scorer's table. I assumed it had something to do with the varsity officiating crew, and it did. The varsity officials did not arrive until about 0:20 to play in the sophomore contest. They would get dressed and be ready with no delay.
As I went on the air for the pregame show, my old buddy Dana Nissen stopped by. We talked a little wrestling. Dana and I, along with Macomb football coach Kelly Sears took a trip to Keokuk a couple years ago to watch some pro wrestling, put on by the "King" Harley Race. We talked about TNA bringing back all of the old wrestlers, including Ric Flair. Dana said that if Ric Flair wrestles again, coach Sears will play 8-man football. Let's all cross our fingers for Ric Flair's return to the wrestling ring!!!
The first quarter was pretty rough for the host Lady Bombers, as Monmouth-Roseville jumped out to a 13-4 lead. Both teams had troubles handling the basketball, with some helter skelter play. It seemed everytime one team committed a turnover, the other team would turn it right back over.
In the second quarter, Monmouth-Roseville had a "power play", or a 5-on-4, when Macomb's Taylor Claudon lost her shoe running down the floor. The Titans did not capitalize with the extra player on that posession.
At halftime, the Titans led the Bombers 23-9. Lynsey Weber had 9 points at the break. During my break, Alan Thompson stopped by. An avid outdoorsman, he tries to expose me to the outdoor life. I did go duck hunting this past fall, my first ever experience out on a hunt. This time, we was talking about an ice fishing adventure, or possibly "shed hunting", for antlers. His daughter, Kali, a sophomore on the team, tore her ACL earlier this season. More on ACL tears later in this blog.
Over the next two quarters, sloppy play continued, but Monmouth-Roseville was able to hang on. The Titans picked up their 17th win of the season by beating Macomb 47-25. The last few minutes were pretty ugly. In all, Macomb turned the ball over 29 times, while the Titans had turned it over 26 times. Monmouth-Roseville also struggled from the free throw line, shooting just (10-22).
During the game, I was getting text updates from the Macomb/Orion boy's basketball game. In commercial breaks, I had my radio tuned to K100's call of that game (with Kipp Jones and Kelly Sears). As my postgame commercial break was coming to an end, there was still 0:20 to play in the Macomb/Orion game with a 52-49 lead for the host Orion Chargers. A small group gathered around my broadcast setup to hear the ending. Since I had to go back on the air to finish the postgame show, I handed over the digital radio with ear buds to some Monmouth-Roseville Titans boy's basketball players huddled around, with Tim Chick, Drew Cole, Alex Temple, and Alex Bresnahan all listening in to the conclusion of that game while I interviewed coach Jim Cole.
As I finished up my interview with coach Cole, I asked Tim Chick what the final score of the Macomb/Orion game, and the Chargers had prevailed 56-50. After my postgame show wrapped up, the group of Titans basketball players quizzed me on broadcasting solo and how many games I was up to.
Macomb coach Jeff Thorman stopped by, and we chatted about the game. We also talked about ACL tears. He had said he heard from a trainer that in girl's, as they grow, their hips widen, creating weakness in their legs, and a better chance for tearing the ACL (that is just off the top of my head, can't recall the exact conversation!).
The Quest File Notes
Game 73
Date: 1/25/10
Result: Monmouth-Roseville beats Macomb 47-25 in an ugly game
Miles: 3
(1/25/10)
Monmouth-Roseville @ Macomb (Girl's Basketball)
A surprisingly nasty weather night this Monday evening. As I drove down Route 67 around 3:30 in the afternoon, the section between Roseville and Macomb was pretty white, with blowing snow across the roadway. The area only saw about two inches of snow, but 40 mph winds created some white-out conditions. It would worsen throughout the night, and a winter weather advisory was issued in the early evening.
Always enjoy the Macomb games, first off because of the short drive home, but also to see old faces. Even though I live in town still, a majority of time is spent away from town, or on the road. I tried to sneak in a quick nap before heading up to the Washington Street Gym, but to no avail. I awoke and had one of those bachelor suppers, consisting of toaster strudel (Boston Cream Pie, wow!) and a banana.
I made my way to the home of the Lady Bombers around 5:30. There was already quite a few cars parked, but this is also home to the Macomb campus of Spoon River College, which was a majority of the cars parked here. I had to park in the west lot, but not too far of a walk.
Before the JV game tipped off, I walked over and talked with both head coaches, Jim Cole of the Titans, and Jeff Thorman of the Lady Bombers. My first interview was with coach Cole. We talked about the status of his team, and how healthy they were. Rebecca Gillen tweaked her ankle a few weeks ago, but has recovered nicely. However, the Titans have lost Chelsea Clark, one of their post players. Monmouth-Roseville is coming off a huge win in Olympic Conference play, defeating Sherrard last Monday.
After my chat with Cole, I talked with Jeff Thorman. His team is pretty young and inexperienced, but have played one tough schedule. They are coming off games against 3A competition over the last week (Galesburg, United Township, and Peoria Central), along with 1A (#1) Brimfield. Coach Thorman also informed me that the Lady Bomber Classic would be adding another strong team next year, with the addition of Illini Bluffs. They will replace Rushville-Industry. Knoxville is also looking to get out of the tournament to play in the Galesburg Thanksgiving Tournament. It looks like West Prairie will be replacing Knoxville at Macomb.
As we chatted after our pregame interview, we noticed the two-man officiating crew for the JV game was Marv Hillyer, and Chris Smith. Smith and I worked together for 3.5 years on the K100 morning show in Macomb. Thorman looked out on the playing floor, trying to get Smith's attention, asking, "Doesn't he wear glasses?!" He was not wearing glasses. Chris later came up to me during the JV game, and I posed that very question, saying he was wearing contacts. Sure!
After my talks with the coaches, I made my way back over to press row. I ran into Stan Day, and talked about the girl's team. His daughter, Ashton, his a senior for the Lady Bombers. After a quick chat, I headed back to my broadcast location courtside at the Washington Street Gym, where I ran into Jeff Miller. His son, Austin, is the state's #1 ranked wrestler in the 130 lb. weight division.
After leading by three points at halftime of the JV contest, the Titans squandered their lead, and fell by 13 points (38-25) to the hosts. With a couple minutes left in the JV game, I saw Macomb athletic director Dave Bartlett call over the officials and tell them something, then say something to the scorer's table. I assumed it had something to do with the varsity officiating crew, and it did. The varsity officials did not arrive until about 0:20 to play in the sophomore contest. They would get dressed and be ready with no delay.
As I went on the air for the pregame show, my old buddy Dana Nissen stopped by. We talked a little wrestling. Dana and I, along with Macomb football coach Kelly Sears took a trip to Keokuk a couple years ago to watch some pro wrestling, put on by the "King" Harley Race. We talked about TNA bringing back all of the old wrestlers, including Ric Flair. Dana said that if Ric Flair wrestles again, coach Sears will play 8-man football. Let's all cross our fingers for Ric Flair's return to the wrestling ring!!!
The first quarter was pretty rough for the host Lady Bombers, as Monmouth-Roseville jumped out to a 13-4 lead. Both teams had troubles handling the basketball, with some helter skelter play. It seemed everytime one team committed a turnover, the other team would turn it right back over.
In the second quarter, Monmouth-Roseville had a "power play", or a 5-on-4, when Macomb's Taylor Claudon lost her shoe running down the floor. The Titans did not capitalize with the extra player on that posession.
At halftime, the Titans led the Bombers 23-9. Lynsey Weber had 9 points at the break. During my break, Alan Thompson stopped by. An avid outdoorsman, he tries to expose me to the outdoor life. I did go duck hunting this past fall, my first ever experience out on a hunt. This time, we was talking about an ice fishing adventure, or possibly "shed hunting", for antlers. His daughter, Kali, a sophomore on the team, tore her ACL earlier this season. More on ACL tears later in this blog.
Over the next two quarters, sloppy play continued, but Monmouth-Roseville was able to hang on. The Titans picked up their 17th win of the season by beating Macomb 47-25. The last few minutes were pretty ugly. In all, Macomb turned the ball over 29 times, while the Titans had turned it over 26 times. Monmouth-Roseville also struggled from the free throw line, shooting just (10-22).
During the game, I was getting text updates from the Macomb/Orion boy's basketball game. In commercial breaks, I had my radio tuned to K100's call of that game (with Kipp Jones and Kelly Sears). As my postgame commercial break was coming to an end, there was still 0:20 to play in the Macomb/Orion game with a 52-49 lead for the host Orion Chargers. A small group gathered around my broadcast setup to hear the ending. Since I had to go back on the air to finish the postgame show, I handed over the digital radio with ear buds to some Monmouth-Roseville Titans boy's basketball players huddled around, with Tim Chick, Drew Cole, Alex Temple, and Alex Bresnahan all listening in to the conclusion of that game while I interviewed coach Jim Cole.
As I finished up my interview with coach Cole, I asked Tim Chick what the final score of the Macomb/Orion game, and the Chargers had prevailed 56-50. After my postgame show wrapped up, the group of Titans basketball players quizzed me on broadcasting solo and how many games I was up to.
Macomb coach Jeff Thorman stopped by, and we chatted about the game. We also talked about ACL tears. He had said he heard from a trainer that in girl's, as they grow, their hips widen, creating weakness in their legs, and a better chance for tearing the ACL (that is just off the top of my head, can't recall the exact conversation!).
The Quest File Notes
Game 73
Date: 1/25/10
Result: Monmouth-Roseville beats Macomb 47-25 in an ugly game
Miles: 3
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Game 72: Galesburg vs. Peoria Notre Dame (Girl's Basketball)
Game 72
(1/23/10)
Galesburg vs. Peoria Notre Dame (Girl's Basketball)
Galesburg Mid-Winter Classic
Back at Galesburg High School for the second time today, I arrived as the Macomb/United Township game wrapped up. Most of my equipment was already set up from the morning games, so I just booted up the laptop, and made my way down to the hospitality room (sensing a trend here?)
Coach Evan Massey was in the hospitality room with his son, as well as GHS baseball coach Arnie Gonzalez. I grabbed a water, no food. After a few minutes, I had to go grab a roster for Peoria Notre Dame. I conducted my pregame interview with coach Massey as the first quarter of the Alleman/Morton game got underway.
Massey said that Sadee Hamilton would probably not play (she wouldn't) with an ailing back. She played against Macomb, but has missed most of the last two weeks. Sophomore Paige Klinck would see a lot of time once again.
Dave Hasley and his crew were officiating the Alleman/Morton game. At halftime, he looked up at my booth and yelled out, "Didn't I just see you in Abingdon?" He did. I filmed a few minutes of the third quarter of this matchup and posted it on the home page of IHSSN.net. Morton features freshman Sarah Livingston, the younger sister of former NBA player Shaun Livingston.
There was a scary moment late in the second quarter for Alleman, as All-Stater A.J. Ledbetter went down in pain with an apparent ankle injury. She would sit the rest of the first half, but would return to start the second half.
I did not see Peoria Notre Dame in the gym, and could not find coach Ron Carothers, so was unable to grab him for a pregame interview. The game tipped off a few minutes earlier than schedule, I like that! Especially after a loooong day of basketball.
To start the Galesburg/Notre Dame game, an interesting scenario played out. It was announced that the game would start with a technical foul assessed to Galesburg, for running the entire court in pregame, which is a violation of rules. Apparently this is "intimidating" the opponent. Fortunately for the Streaks, Elle Bielfeldt missed both free throws, and the Irish would turn the ball over on the posession, scoring 0 points on the technical.
The Streaks got off to a very, very cold start, scoring just ten points in the first quarter. Peoria Notre Dame jumped out to a 18-10 lead after the first quarter. Shelby Pacheco had a few big layups in the second quarter, as both teams were giving up the lane and trading baskets. Pacheco scored seven points in the second quarter. Elle Bielfeldt and Jennie Coughlin dominated the paint, scoring 14 and 13 points, respectively in the first half. Notre Dame led 39-29 at the half.
Galesburg outscored Notre Dame 20-17 in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Streaks were able to chip as close as three points, but were consistently staying 4-5 points behind Notre Dame, missing out on opportunities on a few occasions to get closer. Jennie Coughlin scored a game-high 21 points, while Elle Bielfeldt added 20 points, and Kristin Itschner pitched in 17 points. Sara Baker scored a team-high 13 points for the Streaks.
That wrapped up a day of basketball. In all, I was able to take in parts or all of ten basketball games. Here's the rundown.
1) Macomb/Galesburg girl's
2) Alleman/Peoria Central girl's
3) United Township/Peoria Notre Dame girl's
4) Knoxville/Southeastern boy's
5) Farmington/Stark County boy's
6) Monmouth-Roseville/Eureka boy's
7) Abingdon/Bureau Valley boy's
8) United Township/Macomb girl's
9) Alleman/Morton girl's
10) Galesburg/Peoria Notre Dame girl's
Upon reaching Macomb, I had to have the 10:30 p.m. dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings. Since it was a Saturday, I dove into a dozen traditional Asian Zing. Normally they upset my stomach, but I figured with an entire Sunday of couch and football, I cared not!
The Quest File Notes
Game 72
Date: 1/23/10
Result: Peoria Notre Dame staves off Galesburg 72-68
Miles: 50
Peoria Notre Dame would move on for a 72-68 win. Jennie Coughlin
(1/23/10)
Galesburg vs. Peoria Notre Dame (Girl's Basketball)
Galesburg Mid-Winter Classic
Back at Galesburg High School for the second time today, I arrived as the Macomb/United Township game wrapped up. Most of my equipment was already set up from the morning games, so I just booted up the laptop, and made my way down to the hospitality room (sensing a trend here?)
Coach Evan Massey was in the hospitality room with his son, as well as GHS baseball coach Arnie Gonzalez. I grabbed a water, no food. After a few minutes, I had to go grab a roster for Peoria Notre Dame. I conducted my pregame interview with coach Massey as the first quarter of the Alleman/Morton game got underway.
Massey said that Sadee Hamilton would probably not play (she wouldn't) with an ailing back. She played against Macomb, but has missed most of the last two weeks. Sophomore Paige Klinck would see a lot of time once again.
Dave Hasley and his crew were officiating the Alleman/Morton game. At halftime, he looked up at my booth and yelled out, "Didn't I just see you in Abingdon?" He did. I filmed a few minutes of the third quarter of this matchup and posted it on the home page of IHSSN.net. Morton features freshman Sarah Livingston, the younger sister of former NBA player Shaun Livingston.
There was a scary moment late in the second quarter for Alleman, as All-Stater A.J. Ledbetter went down in pain with an apparent ankle injury. She would sit the rest of the first half, but would return to start the second half.
I did not see Peoria Notre Dame in the gym, and could not find coach Ron Carothers, so was unable to grab him for a pregame interview. The game tipped off a few minutes earlier than schedule, I like that! Especially after a loooong day of basketball.
To start the Galesburg/Notre Dame game, an interesting scenario played out. It was announced that the game would start with a technical foul assessed to Galesburg, for running the entire court in pregame, which is a violation of rules. Apparently this is "intimidating" the opponent. Fortunately for the Streaks, Elle Bielfeldt missed both free throws, and the Irish would turn the ball over on the posession, scoring 0 points on the technical.
The Streaks got off to a very, very cold start, scoring just ten points in the first quarter. Peoria Notre Dame jumped out to a 18-10 lead after the first quarter. Shelby Pacheco had a few big layups in the second quarter, as both teams were giving up the lane and trading baskets. Pacheco scored seven points in the second quarter. Elle Bielfeldt and Jennie Coughlin dominated the paint, scoring 14 and 13 points, respectively in the first half. Notre Dame led 39-29 at the half.
Galesburg outscored Notre Dame 20-17 in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Streaks were able to chip as close as three points, but were consistently staying 4-5 points behind Notre Dame, missing out on opportunities on a few occasions to get closer. Jennie Coughlin scored a game-high 21 points, while Elle Bielfeldt added 20 points, and Kristin Itschner pitched in 17 points. Sara Baker scored a team-high 13 points for the Streaks.
That wrapped up a day of basketball. In all, I was able to take in parts or all of ten basketball games. Here's the rundown.
1) Macomb/Galesburg girl's
2) Alleman/Peoria Central girl's
3) United Township/Peoria Notre Dame girl's
4) Knoxville/Southeastern boy's
5) Farmington/Stark County boy's
6) Monmouth-Roseville/Eureka boy's
7) Abingdon/Bureau Valley boy's
8) United Township/Macomb girl's
9) Alleman/Morton girl's
10) Galesburg/Peoria Notre Dame girl's
Upon reaching Macomb, I had to have the 10:30 p.m. dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings. Since it was a Saturday, I dove into a dozen traditional Asian Zing. Normally they upset my stomach, but I figured with an entire Sunday of couch and football, I cared not!
The Quest File Notes
Game 72
Date: 1/23/10
Result: Peoria Notre Dame staves off Galesburg 72-68
Miles: 50
Peoria Notre Dame would move on for a 72-68 win. Jennie Coughlin
Game 71: Monmouth-Roseville vs. Eureka (Boy's Basketball)
Game 71
(1/23/10)
Monmouth-Roseville vs. Eureka (Boy's Basketball)
Great Western Shootout (@ Abingdon)
I missed out on last year's Great Western Shootout, but have covered the event for most of it's existence. I recall the first game I covered, I believe it was the 2002-03 season when Stronghurst Southern played Orion. It was supposed to be a great game, but the Southern Rebels pulled off a huge and surprising win.
In those years, I don't think I have ever seen the parking lot as full as it was today. The entire parking lot was full, and the small lot in the back was filling up. I parked in the back lot and made my way in.
The first game of the shootout was nearing an end, Southeastern vs. Knoxville. The Suns were winning in a blowout and I caught the last few minutes of the game. I can tell you one thing, the officiating crew of Joe Thompson, Aaron Furrow, and Jake Kilberg have certainly been the crew that has called a majority of the games I have broadcasted this year. This crew officiated the Galesburg/Macomb girl's game earlier today.
One thing that grinded my gears a little bit was the rude grouchiness of one local newspaper report who I shall not name. He resigned from the radio station a couple years ago, amid some communication problems. For some reason, most likely because I am still employed by that station, he refused to acknowledge my presence. I greeted him by name as I set my equipment down at the broadcast table, as he looked directly at me, and quickly looked down. There may be some people out there I would rather not talk to, but the lack of tact he showed, proved what type of person he is.
After getting the equipment set up, my broadcast partner John Ring showed up. He would provide color commentary with me on the Monmouth-Roseville game, and then do play-by-play for the following game, Abingdon vs. Bureau Valley.
During the Farmington/Stark County game, I went over and talked with Eureka coach Tim Meiss. His team was coming off of a big win at Olympia the night before and brings in a 9-7 record.
After our talk, I ran into WMBD's Robert Hahn. We talked about the Farmington/Stark County game, and he informed me that in girl's basketball, Brimfield held off Abingdon 54-44. Paige Spietz scored her 2,000th career point in that game.
At halftime of the Farmington/Stark County game, I went down to talk with Titans coach Chuck Grant. After our pregame interview, I made my way into the hospitality room. After my Hungry Hobo just an hour or so prior, I held off and just had a cookie and water. Abingdon girl's basketball coach Roger Thurman was in the hospitality room, coming off of that great effort at Brimfield, the state's #1 ranked team.
Just before our game, Charlie Waca arrived. Charlie does radio for the Princeton radio station, and covers Bureau Valley basketball. His son, Chris, is the head football coach at Kewanee. Charlie and I talked about how the Storm were doing this season.
Monmouth-Roseville jumped out to a great start, leading Eureka 16-15. Eureka's Josh Prosser, younger brother to Jordan Prosser (Bradley), had a big first quarter with six points. In the first half, the Titans turned the ball over just three times, while forcing eight Eureka turnovers. Monmouth-Roseville led 28-26.
The Titans would increase their lead in the third quarter, to 42-33, behind a couple three-pointers by Markus Hunter that sparked the big run. Monmouth-Roseville would hold on to a 56-49 win. Alex Bresnahan was named the game's MVP, scoring a team-high 12 points. Hunter added 11 points. Eureka's Josh Prosser scored a game-high 15 points, while Kyle Fellner added 14 points. The Titans committed just 12 turnovers. The team went to the free throw line just ten times, but made six of those shots. Coach Grant said in the postgame show, despite the low number, that's probably the best his team has shot from the free throw line this season.
After the broadcast, I packed up my computer, so John could move the equipment down as Carthage radio station WCAZ and play-by-play man Greg Phelps needed to squeeze onto press row. Illini West was playing IVC following the Abingdon/Bureau Valley game.
I made a return trip to the hospitality room, and sat with the Monmouth-Roseville coaching staff (Chuck Grant, Jim Simpson, Doug Dennison, and Jimmy Jordan). Enjoyed a big slice of pizza (not sure where from), and a Pepsi. Among our discussions were the upcoming Colts/Jets AFC title game, and coach Grant saying he was an independent NFL fan, meaning he didn't have a team to root for. He was chided for being a bandwagon rider. He did say he was a Cardinals football fan when in St. Louis, but did not follow the team in their move to Arizona.
Back to Galesburg, and the cruise back up Route 41 was pretty foggy!
The Quest File Notes
Game 71
Date: 1/23/10
Result: Monmouth-Roseville stings the Eureka Hornets 56-49
Miles: 15
(1/23/10)
Monmouth-Roseville vs. Eureka (Boy's Basketball)
Great Western Shootout (@ Abingdon)
I missed out on last year's Great Western Shootout, but have covered the event for most of it's existence. I recall the first game I covered, I believe it was the 2002-03 season when Stronghurst Southern played Orion. It was supposed to be a great game, but the Southern Rebels pulled off a huge and surprising win.
In those years, I don't think I have ever seen the parking lot as full as it was today. The entire parking lot was full, and the small lot in the back was filling up. I parked in the back lot and made my way in.
The first game of the shootout was nearing an end, Southeastern vs. Knoxville. The Suns were winning in a blowout and I caught the last few minutes of the game. I can tell you one thing, the officiating crew of Joe Thompson, Aaron Furrow, and Jake Kilberg have certainly been the crew that has called a majority of the games I have broadcasted this year. This crew officiated the Galesburg/Macomb girl's game earlier today.
One thing that grinded my gears a little bit was the rude grouchiness of one local newspaper report who I shall not name. He resigned from the radio station a couple years ago, amid some communication problems. For some reason, most likely because I am still employed by that station, he refused to acknowledge my presence. I greeted him by name as I set my equipment down at the broadcast table, as he looked directly at me, and quickly looked down. There may be some people out there I would rather not talk to, but the lack of tact he showed, proved what type of person he is.
After getting the equipment set up, my broadcast partner John Ring showed up. He would provide color commentary with me on the Monmouth-Roseville game, and then do play-by-play for the following game, Abingdon vs. Bureau Valley.
During the Farmington/Stark County game, I went over and talked with Eureka coach Tim Meiss. His team was coming off of a big win at Olympia the night before and brings in a 9-7 record.
After our talk, I ran into WMBD's Robert Hahn. We talked about the Farmington/Stark County game, and he informed me that in girl's basketball, Brimfield held off Abingdon 54-44. Paige Spietz scored her 2,000th career point in that game.
At halftime of the Farmington/Stark County game, I went down to talk with Titans coach Chuck Grant. After our pregame interview, I made my way into the hospitality room. After my Hungry Hobo just an hour or so prior, I held off and just had a cookie and water. Abingdon girl's basketball coach Roger Thurman was in the hospitality room, coming off of that great effort at Brimfield, the state's #1 ranked team.
Just before our game, Charlie Waca arrived. Charlie does radio for the Princeton radio station, and covers Bureau Valley basketball. His son, Chris, is the head football coach at Kewanee. Charlie and I talked about how the Storm were doing this season.
Monmouth-Roseville jumped out to a great start, leading Eureka 16-15. Eureka's Josh Prosser, younger brother to Jordan Prosser (Bradley), had a big first quarter with six points. In the first half, the Titans turned the ball over just three times, while forcing eight Eureka turnovers. Monmouth-Roseville led 28-26.
The Titans would increase their lead in the third quarter, to 42-33, behind a couple three-pointers by Markus Hunter that sparked the big run. Monmouth-Roseville would hold on to a 56-49 win. Alex Bresnahan was named the game's MVP, scoring a team-high 12 points. Hunter added 11 points. Eureka's Josh Prosser scored a game-high 15 points, while Kyle Fellner added 14 points. The Titans committed just 12 turnovers. The team went to the free throw line just ten times, but made six of those shots. Coach Grant said in the postgame show, despite the low number, that's probably the best his team has shot from the free throw line this season.
After the broadcast, I packed up my computer, so John could move the equipment down as Carthage radio station WCAZ and play-by-play man Greg Phelps needed to squeeze onto press row. Illini West was playing IVC following the Abingdon/Bureau Valley game.
I made a return trip to the hospitality room, and sat with the Monmouth-Roseville coaching staff (Chuck Grant, Jim Simpson, Doug Dennison, and Jimmy Jordan). Enjoyed a big slice of pizza (not sure where from), and a Pepsi. Among our discussions were the upcoming Colts/Jets AFC title game, and coach Grant saying he was an independent NFL fan, meaning he didn't have a team to root for. He was chided for being a bandwagon rider. He did say he was a Cardinals football fan when in St. Louis, but did not follow the team in their move to Arizona.
Back to Galesburg, and the cruise back up Route 41 was pretty foggy!
The Quest File Notes
Game 71
Date: 1/23/10
Result: Monmouth-Roseville stings the Eureka Hornets 56-49
Miles: 15
Game 70: Alleman vs. Peoria Central (Girl's Basketball)
Game 70
(1/23/10)
Alleman vs. Peoria Central (Girl's Basketball)
Galesburg Mid-Winter Classic
After my postgame interview with Galesburg coach Evan Massey, I wrapped up the WAIK postgame show, and readied myself for the IHSSN broadcast of the Alleman Pioneers and the Peoria Central Lions. With everything set to go, I was able to go on the air just in time for starting lineups.
I was able to help out the Alleman coaching staff with a plug-in problem in my broadcast booth. The outlet near the bleachers in my booth is just a two-prong outlet, while the Alleman assistant had a three-prong extension cord. I was able to pull out my three-to-two converter for him during the first minute of the broadcast.
Peoria Central did not arrive at the gym until the 3:30 mark of the fourth quarter of the Galesburg/Macomb game. It seemed that they were not aware they were going to warm up in 3:30, as they took a seat in the bleachers. Coach Meechie Edwards walked in and directed his team to the locker room. They were only able to get a few minutes of warm ups in, as Alleman had been in the gym all morning.
It didn't seem to benefit the Pioneers all too much, as they struggled and committed an uncharacteristic eight turnovers in the first quarter. Alleman trailed Central by just a point, 8-7 at the end of one.
The Pioneers got back on track in the second quarter, turning the ball over just once in the next eight minutes. Alleman outscored Central 16-10 in the second quarter, to take a 23-18 halftime lead. They were led by a balanced scoring attack, with eight players cracking the scorebooks. The Lions were also pretty balanced, with freshman Denisha Womack leading the way with five points, and Shavonn Watkins and Ashley Hightower each adding four points.
In the third quarter, the Pioneers jumped out to a 31-21 lead, before Central roared back on an 8-0 run. The Lions would finish out the third quarter, outscoring the Pioneers 11-2. Tera Green hit a three-pointer at the end of the third quarter for Central. Womack had a big quarter with six points.
Central would attain the lead, and never look back in a 53-49 win, despite shooting just 50% from the free throw line down the stretch. Toni Johnson scored ten of her 12 points in the fourth quarter for Central. Freshman Denisha Womack led the Lions with 16 points, followed by Johnson's 12, and Shavonn Watkins with 11 points. A.J. Ledbetter led Alleman with 15 points.
After the game, I headed down to the hospitality room, and talked with Brad Swanson, an assistant coach for the Streaks football team. He is a Stark County graduate, and we talked about the Rebels basketball season. Girl's sophomore coach Mike Rux and freshman coach Jay Barshinger were also in the hospitality room, and a little discussion surrounded a two-hand dunk by Victor Davis the night before in Galesburg's win over Moline at the Wharton Fieldhouse. I grabbed a couple small sub sandwiches from Hungry Hobo and a Pepsi.
The next game at the Mid-Winter Classic was United Township facing Peoria Notre Dame. I sat in the stands with Alleman coach Jay Hatch and talked about the game, the regional seeds, and the play of UTHS. Hatch told me that apparently Mercer County didn't turn in their seeds and there was a tie between Kewanee and Alleman for the top seed, and a coin toss determined that Kewanee was the #1 seed at the Alleman Regional.
During the second quarter of this game, I took off to head south down Route 41 to take in the Great Western Shootout and my next broadcast. I stopped into our WAIK studios in downtown Galesburg, where I felt like I was walking into a walk-in freezer with the heat turned all the way down.
The Quest File Notes
Game 70
Date: 1/23/10
Result: Peoria Central overcomes double-digit deficit to down Alleman 53-49
Miles: 15
(1/23/10)
Alleman vs. Peoria Central (Girl's Basketball)
Galesburg Mid-Winter Classic
After my postgame interview with Galesburg coach Evan Massey, I wrapped up the WAIK postgame show, and readied myself for the IHSSN broadcast of the Alleman Pioneers and the Peoria Central Lions. With everything set to go, I was able to go on the air just in time for starting lineups.
I was able to help out the Alleman coaching staff with a plug-in problem in my broadcast booth. The outlet near the bleachers in my booth is just a two-prong outlet, while the Alleman assistant had a three-prong extension cord. I was able to pull out my three-to-two converter for him during the first minute of the broadcast.
Peoria Central did not arrive at the gym until the 3:30 mark of the fourth quarter of the Galesburg/Macomb game. It seemed that they were not aware they were going to warm up in 3:30, as they took a seat in the bleachers. Coach Meechie Edwards walked in and directed his team to the locker room. They were only able to get a few minutes of warm ups in, as Alleman had been in the gym all morning.
It didn't seem to benefit the Pioneers all too much, as they struggled and committed an uncharacteristic eight turnovers in the first quarter. Alleman trailed Central by just a point, 8-7 at the end of one.
The Pioneers got back on track in the second quarter, turning the ball over just once in the next eight minutes. Alleman outscored Central 16-10 in the second quarter, to take a 23-18 halftime lead. They were led by a balanced scoring attack, with eight players cracking the scorebooks. The Lions were also pretty balanced, with freshman Denisha Womack leading the way with five points, and Shavonn Watkins and Ashley Hightower each adding four points.
In the third quarter, the Pioneers jumped out to a 31-21 lead, before Central roared back on an 8-0 run. The Lions would finish out the third quarter, outscoring the Pioneers 11-2. Tera Green hit a three-pointer at the end of the third quarter for Central. Womack had a big quarter with six points.
Central would attain the lead, and never look back in a 53-49 win, despite shooting just 50% from the free throw line down the stretch. Toni Johnson scored ten of her 12 points in the fourth quarter for Central. Freshman Denisha Womack led the Lions with 16 points, followed by Johnson's 12, and Shavonn Watkins with 11 points. A.J. Ledbetter led Alleman with 15 points.
After the game, I headed down to the hospitality room, and talked with Brad Swanson, an assistant coach for the Streaks football team. He is a Stark County graduate, and we talked about the Rebels basketball season. Girl's sophomore coach Mike Rux and freshman coach Jay Barshinger were also in the hospitality room, and a little discussion surrounded a two-hand dunk by Victor Davis the night before in Galesburg's win over Moline at the Wharton Fieldhouse. I grabbed a couple small sub sandwiches from Hungry Hobo and a Pepsi.
The next game at the Mid-Winter Classic was United Township facing Peoria Notre Dame. I sat in the stands with Alleman coach Jay Hatch and talked about the game, the regional seeds, and the play of UTHS. Hatch told me that apparently Mercer County didn't turn in their seeds and there was a tie between Kewanee and Alleman for the top seed, and a coin toss determined that Kewanee was the #1 seed at the Alleman Regional.
During the second quarter of this game, I took off to head south down Route 41 to take in the Great Western Shootout and my next broadcast. I stopped into our WAIK studios in downtown Galesburg, where I felt like I was walking into a walk-in freezer with the heat turned all the way down.
The Quest File Notes
Game 70
Date: 1/23/10
Result: Peoria Central overcomes double-digit deficit to down Alleman 53-49
Miles: 15
Game 69: Galesburg vs. Macomb (Girl's Basketball)
Game 69
(1/23/10)
Galesburg vs. Macomb (Girl's Basketball)
Galesburg Mid-Winter Classic
A late start led to fast driving on this Saturday filled with broadcasts. Four broadcasts to be exact. I set my alarm for 6:00 a.m. to give me plenty of time to get ready and make sure everything in order for my broadcasts in both Galesburg and Abingdon.
As I struggle to awaken, I notice the alarm clock reads, 7:18. OH NO! Quickly doing the math while barely awake, I quickly realized I would be cutting it entirely too close. I rushed through the morning routine, which does include a trip to Ayerco for the morning coffee. I took off north on Route 67 at about an average clip of 75 to 80 mph.
I arrived at Galesburg High School at about 8:25 a.m. Sure, that's over a half hour before tip time, but just a mere twenty minutes before airtime, with equipment setup to still get done. I raced inside and starting getting the equipment ready to go. Fortunately I filled my scorebook out for the games the night before. Since I was broadcasting the very next game (Alleman vs. Peoria Central), I forgot to grab the Internet broadcast equipment in the car, so I had a few minutes to grab it before airtime.
Everything was on time for my broadcast, though with no time, I was unable to grab either coaches for a pregame interview. Funny thing is, even though they had the 10:30 game, Alleman was already at the gym...they beat me there!
Macomb came into this game really struggling. The Lady Bombers are a young and inexperienced team off to a (2-20) start. Playing the 9:00 a.m. game can be very tough, even for the host Silver Streaks. The first eight minutes were pretty ugly. The teams combined for 22 turnovers...in the first quarter alone!!!
Galesburg knocked down a couple three-pointers in the first quarter and led 14-5 after one. The Streaks turned the ball over seven times, while forcing 15 Macomb turnovers. The helter skelter play continued for the first minute of the second quarter, before a Jamie Johnson three-pointer seemed to get the Streaks untracked. Galesburg went on to outscore Macomb 23-4 in the second quarter. The Streaks knocked down six three-pointers in the second quarter.
The hosts knocked down four more three-pointers in the third quarter, entering the final eight minutes with just one three-pointer needed to guarantee fans wearing their "3-Diculous" t-shirts a Triple Cheeseburger from McDonalds. That trey would come from Sarah Nelson, as she hit two of them, the only field goals by Galesburg in the fourth quarter.
Galesburg would cruise past Macomb with a running clock, by a 60-35 final. After turning the ball over seven times in the first quarter, the Streaks committed just seven turnovers over the next three quarters. They forced 31 turnovers in the game. Jessica Howard led the Streaks with 12 points, while Maddy Boyer, and Jamie Johnson added 8 points apiece. Danielle Thorman led Macomb with a team-high 8 points.
The Quest File Notes
Game 69
Date: 1/23/10
Result: Galesburg puts running clock on Macomb in 60-35 win
Miles: 50
(1/23/10)
Galesburg vs. Macomb (Girl's Basketball)
Galesburg Mid-Winter Classic
A late start led to fast driving on this Saturday filled with broadcasts. Four broadcasts to be exact. I set my alarm for 6:00 a.m. to give me plenty of time to get ready and make sure everything in order for my broadcasts in both Galesburg and Abingdon.
As I struggle to awaken, I notice the alarm clock reads, 7:18. OH NO! Quickly doing the math while barely awake, I quickly realized I would be cutting it entirely too close. I rushed through the morning routine, which does include a trip to Ayerco for the morning coffee. I took off north on Route 67 at about an average clip of 75 to 80 mph.
I arrived at Galesburg High School at about 8:25 a.m. Sure, that's over a half hour before tip time, but just a mere twenty minutes before airtime, with equipment setup to still get done. I raced inside and starting getting the equipment ready to go. Fortunately I filled my scorebook out for the games the night before. Since I was broadcasting the very next game (Alleman vs. Peoria Central), I forgot to grab the Internet broadcast equipment in the car, so I had a few minutes to grab it before airtime.
Everything was on time for my broadcast, though with no time, I was unable to grab either coaches for a pregame interview. Funny thing is, even though they had the 10:30 game, Alleman was already at the gym...they beat me there!
Macomb came into this game really struggling. The Lady Bombers are a young and inexperienced team off to a (2-20) start. Playing the 9:00 a.m. game can be very tough, even for the host Silver Streaks. The first eight minutes were pretty ugly. The teams combined for 22 turnovers...in the first quarter alone!!!
Galesburg knocked down a couple three-pointers in the first quarter and led 14-5 after one. The Streaks turned the ball over seven times, while forcing 15 Macomb turnovers. The helter skelter play continued for the first minute of the second quarter, before a Jamie Johnson three-pointer seemed to get the Streaks untracked. Galesburg went on to outscore Macomb 23-4 in the second quarter. The Streaks knocked down six three-pointers in the second quarter.
The hosts knocked down four more three-pointers in the third quarter, entering the final eight minutes with just one three-pointer needed to guarantee fans wearing their "3-Diculous" t-shirts a Triple Cheeseburger from McDonalds. That trey would come from Sarah Nelson, as she hit two of them, the only field goals by Galesburg in the fourth quarter.
Galesburg would cruise past Macomb with a running clock, by a 60-35 final. After turning the ball over seven times in the first quarter, the Streaks committed just seven turnovers over the next three quarters. They forced 31 turnovers in the game. Jessica Howard led the Streaks with 12 points, while Maddy Boyer, and Jamie Johnson added 8 points apiece. Danielle Thorman led Macomb with a team-high 8 points.
The Quest File Notes
Game 69
Date: 1/23/10
Result: Galesburg puts running clock on Macomb in 60-35 win
Miles: 50
Friday, January 22, 2010
Game 68: Orion @ Monmouth-Roseville (Boy's Basketball)
Game 68
(1/22/10)
Orion @ Monmouth-Roseville (Boy's Basketball)
The Orion/Monmouth-Roseville matchups over the last couple seasons have provided some great games for fans in attendance. The first meeting between these two teams left a lot to be desired for. The teams managed to turn the ball over 20+ times and Orion held on for a 59-51 win.
With the small Monmouth-Roseville High School gym sure to be packed like sardines in this one, I wanted to get there early and conduct both pregame interviews before tipoff of the JV game. I've said it numerous times, the Monmouth-Roseville gym is just not an easy gym to broadcast in. I feel claustrophobic, and trying to get up to my broadcast booth is a pain walking all over people in the bleachers.
I arrived at the gym around 5:30. There were already quite a few fans at the gym and both sophomore teams were already warming up. It was a pretty sultry night in the gym, one of the hottest gyms around.
After getting most of the equipment set up, I walked down and spoke with Orion head coach Brent Hutton. His team is ranked (#5) in Class 1A this week and comes in with a (14-5) record. The Chargers had a set back on Tuesday in Olympic Conference play, getting bit by the Sherrard Tigers, a team Monmouth-Roseville beat last Friday on their home floor. Coach Hutton said his team's guard play has really improved over the course of the season, and the turnovers have come down dramatically. We also spoke about (6'5" sophomore) Tanner Williams. He was a one-man wrecking crew in the first meeting between the teams, on both sides of the ball. I mentioned to Coach Hutton I remembered him playing at the JV level as a freshman, but didn't really recall his ability. He agreed, and said he really wasn't a dominant player at the JV level last year, but has been as a sophomore at the varsity level this year.
Tanner Williams played on the Martin Brothers Select 15-under AAU team this past summer, and that team won tournaments in New York City, Chicago, Milwaukee, took 2nd at the AAU Super Showcase in Orlando, and finished 14th at the Nationals.
After my talk with coach Hutton, I sat down with coach Chuck Grant of the Titans. We talked about Tuesday's ugly win at Farmington. Late in the game at Farmington, sophomore guard Drew Cole threw a pass right at a Farmington player. Grant said he was giving him some grief over that play, comparing it to Georgetown's Sleepy Floyd in that 1982 NCAA tournament championship.
Pat Repp joined me as the color analyst tonight, filling in for Jeff Thompson. We went on the air with a minute and a half as the JV game was a dead heat between the two teams. An exciting finish, in which the host Titans came out on top, 60-58.
The varsity matchup started out the exact same way, both teams trading baskets. One achilles heel (besides atrocious free throw shooting) for Monmouth-Roseville has been the final shot of a quarter. Tonight, though, that would not be the case. The final play went to Cory Jensen, who nailed the shot at the buzzer to tie the game after the first quarter, 16-16.
Monmouth-Roseville completely dominated Orion the first six minutes of the second quarter, going on a 16-4 tear. Alex Temple knocked down a couple three-pointers during that run. Orion seemed lost in this part of the game, and Tanner Williams sat much of the run. In fact, I believe he left the game with a second foul when the game was just a two-point deficit for Orion. He returned, and that Titans lead was at 32-18.
Once Williams was back in the game, Orion turned on their jets and rolled off a 7-0 run, in which the Titans looked a little rushed and lost during this part of the game. Again, in the final seconds, Monmouth-Roseville was able to get off a nice shot at the buzzer, with Markus Hunter draining a three-pointer, making it a ten point game at halfime (35-25).
The Chargers chipped in even further during the third quarter, outscoring the Titans 16-12 and it was 47-41 heading into the fourth quarter. To start the fourth quarter, the Titans had posession. Tanner Williams stole the inbounds pass and brought down the house with a thundering one hand slam dunk. He would later drive in for a two-hand slam.
With that dunk, the momentum swung in Orion's favor, although it had already begun to swing in their direction prior to that point, this was just an exclamation point. With that dunk, it was a 47-43 game, and Orion would score five more unanswered points to take their first lead since the final seconds of the first quarter, at 48-47.
The Titans only put up six points in the fourth quarter, all field goals by Markus Hunter, who finished with 17 points. Meanwhile, Orion scored 15 points in the final eight minutes and went 9-16) from the free throw line in the final quarter. Both teams struggled at the line, with Orion (13-23) and Monmouth-Roseville just (6-13) from the charity stripe.
Monmouth-Roseville had a shot to send the game to overtime in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter, as Alex Temple had a great shot from the wing, and the three-pointer was just off the mark and rimmed out. Orion won the game, 56-53.
Williams finished with 17 points for Orion, while his sophomore classmate Trent DeDecker added 10 points. Joining Hunter in double figures for Monmouth-Roseville was Alex Bresnahan with 10 points. Turnovers were a definite improved aspect of the team's play the second time around, with both teams turning it over 12 times. The Titans had eight of them in the second half.
After the game, I headed straight home down Route 67, with the IHSSN scoreboard to update, and a few hours of sleep before a four-broadcast Saturday ahead of me.
The Quest File Notes
Game 68
Date: 1/22/10
Result: Orion mounts comeback and beats Monmouth-Roseville 56-53
Miles: 70
(1/22/10)
Orion @ Monmouth-Roseville (Boy's Basketball)
The Orion/Monmouth-Roseville matchups over the last couple seasons have provided some great games for fans in attendance. The first meeting between these two teams left a lot to be desired for. The teams managed to turn the ball over 20+ times and Orion held on for a 59-51 win.
With the small Monmouth-Roseville High School gym sure to be packed like sardines in this one, I wanted to get there early and conduct both pregame interviews before tipoff of the JV game. I've said it numerous times, the Monmouth-Roseville gym is just not an easy gym to broadcast in. I feel claustrophobic, and trying to get up to my broadcast booth is a pain walking all over people in the bleachers.
I arrived at the gym around 5:30. There were already quite a few fans at the gym and both sophomore teams were already warming up. It was a pretty sultry night in the gym, one of the hottest gyms around.
After getting most of the equipment set up, I walked down and spoke with Orion head coach Brent Hutton. His team is ranked (#5) in Class 1A this week and comes in with a (14-5) record. The Chargers had a set back on Tuesday in Olympic Conference play, getting bit by the Sherrard Tigers, a team Monmouth-Roseville beat last Friday on their home floor. Coach Hutton said his team's guard play has really improved over the course of the season, and the turnovers have come down dramatically. We also spoke about (6'5" sophomore) Tanner Williams. He was a one-man wrecking crew in the first meeting between the teams, on both sides of the ball. I mentioned to Coach Hutton I remembered him playing at the JV level as a freshman, but didn't really recall his ability. He agreed, and said he really wasn't a dominant player at the JV level last year, but has been as a sophomore at the varsity level this year.
Tanner Williams played on the Martin Brothers Select 15-under AAU team this past summer, and that team won tournaments in New York City, Chicago, Milwaukee, took 2nd at the AAU Super Showcase in Orlando, and finished 14th at the Nationals.
After my talk with coach Hutton, I sat down with coach Chuck Grant of the Titans. We talked about Tuesday's ugly win at Farmington. Late in the game at Farmington, sophomore guard Drew Cole threw a pass right at a Farmington player. Grant said he was giving him some grief over that play, comparing it to Georgetown's Sleepy Floyd in that 1982 NCAA tournament championship.
Pat Repp joined me as the color analyst tonight, filling in for Jeff Thompson. We went on the air with a minute and a half as the JV game was a dead heat between the two teams. An exciting finish, in which the host Titans came out on top, 60-58.
The varsity matchup started out the exact same way, both teams trading baskets. One achilles heel (besides atrocious free throw shooting) for Monmouth-Roseville has been the final shot of a quarter. Tonight, though, that would not be the case. The final play went to Cory Jensen, who nailed the shot at the buzzer to tie the game after the first quarter, 16-16.
Monmouth-Roseville completely dominated Orion the first six minutes of the second quarter, going on a 16-4 tear. Alex Temple knocked down a couple three-pointers during that run. Orion seemed lost in this part of the game, and Tanner Williams sat much of the run. In fact, I believe he left the game with a second foul when the game was just a two-point deficit for Orion. He returned, and that Titans lead was at 32-18.
Once Williams was back in the game, Orion turned on their jets and rolled off a 7-0 run, in which the Titans looked a little rushed and lost during this part of the game. Again, in the final seconds, Monmouth-Roseville was able to get off a nice shot at the buzzer, with Markus Hunter draining a three-pointer, making it a ten point game at halfime (35-25).
The Chargers chipped in even further during the third quarter, outscoring the Titans 16-12 and it was 47-41 heading into the fourth quarter. To start the fourth quarter, the Titans had posession. Tanner Williams stole the inbounds pass and brought down the house with a thundering one hand slam dunk. He would later drive in for a two-hand slam.
With that dunk, the momentum swung in Orion's favor, although it had already begun to swing in their direction prior to that point, this was just an exclamation point. With that dunk, it was a 47-43 game, and Orion would score five more unanswered points to take their first lead since the final seconds of the first quarter, at 48-47.
The Titans only put up six points in the fourth quarter, all field goals by Markus Hunter, who finished with 17 points. Meanwhile, Orion scored 15 points in the final eight minutes and went 9-16) from the free throw line in the final quarter. Both teams struggled at the line, with Orion (13-23) and Monmouth-Roseville just (6-13) from the charity stripe.
Monmouth-Roseville had a shot to send the game to overtime in the waning seconds of the fourth quarter, as Alex Temple had a great shot from the wing, and the three-pointer was just off the mark and rimmed out. Orion won the game, 56-53.
Williams finished with 17 points for Orion, while his sophomore classmate Trent DeDecker added 10 points. Joining Hunter in double figures for Monmouth-Roseville was Alex Bresnahan with 10 points. Turnovers were a definite improved aspect of the team's play the second time around, with both teams turning it over 12 times. The Titans had eight of them in the second half.
After the game, I headed straight home down Route 67, with the IHSSN scoreboard to update, and a few hours of sleep before a four-broadcast Saturday ahead of me.
The Quest File Notes
Game 68
Date: 1/22/10
Result: Orion mounts comeback and beats Monmouth-Roseville 56-53
Miles: 70
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Game 67: Rock Island @ Galesburg (Girl's Basketball)
Game 67
(1/21/10)
Rock Island @ Galesburg (Girl's Basketball)
Two-thirds of the way there, 67 games in the books. All week, I keep looking at the calendar, and doing the math. Everytime, I hear the word postseason, worry runs through my head. I am very confident that 100 broadcasts will be met, but with 30+ broadcasts still to be attained, I worry....I am a worryer.
Once again, the odd work hours create a dinner time dilemma. Leaving for work, I planned on eating a mid-afternoon lunch that should satisfy my hunger until after the game. It didn't wait, and my hunger set in early.
I arrived at Galesburg High School shortly after 5:00. As the sophomore game tipped off, coach Massey stopped by the broadcast booth. Before our pregame interview, we discussed the 2A Regional seeds being released, mainly Alleman and how they received a #2 seed at their Regional.
Upon completion of our interview, I finished gathering my notes and prepared my talk with Rock Island head coach Thad Hoover. I went down and talked with coach Hoover at halftime of the sophomore game. When asking who his starters would be, he was a little hesitant on a fifth starter (it turned out to be freshman Shavonne Brewer). He seemed very irritated during the interview, mentioning several times during our talk that his team was "up and down". His attitude during this interview was much less enthusiastic about his team than the first time these two teams met.
Hoping this game was going to be much better than the first time around....it had to be. At Rock Island, the teams combined for eight turnovers before a shot ATTEMPT. The Rocks would roll on to a 77-58 victory, with the Streaks going just (6-43) from outside the three-point line.
Once again, Galesburg is without the services of Sadee Hamilton, with a back injury. This is her third straight game missed with this malady. As coach Massey subbed in his second string, a new player emerged that is not normally in the second rotation, in sophomore Paige Klinck. Klinck sat much of the first half out with an injury, and made her season debut at the sophomore level just before Christmas at Canton. With the new rotation, I noticed Baylie Boyer was at the end of the bench, icing an ankle. She, too, would not play in this game.
Just like their first meeting, Galesburg started out slow. The Streaks did not score until 2:15 to play in the first quarter, after trailing 7-0. It could have been a lot worse. After a quarter, it was just a four-point game (15-11).
Neither team got untracked in the second quarter, and it was 27-22 at halftime. At the break, the Streaks had committed 15 turnovers. The Galesburg drum line performed at halftime.
It was an entirely different third quarter, with the Streaks outscoring the Rocks 22-11 in the frame. Galesburg committed just one turnover in the quarter, while forcing six. Shelby Pacheco had three nice open looks down low.
Galesburg would finish the fourth quarter holding off Rock Island, and went (10-19) from the free throw line. The Streaks would prevail, 61-53 and improved to (14-9) overall and (2-5) in the Western Big 6.
The Streaks were led by Jessica Howard's game-high 13 points, while Shelby Pacheco added 11 points, and Jamie Johnson added 10 points. Rock Island was led by Sarita Goldsmith's 12 points, Lashonica Johnson with 11 points, and Rayven Morrow with 10 points.
After the game, I had to indulge in one of my old weaknesses, as I stopped to gas up at the Galesburg Mobil on Henderson Street. The old Andy Capp's Hot Fries. I had to get the 1 liter bottle of water, and needed it. Forgot how hot, the hot fries really are.
The Quest File Notes
Game 67
Date: 1/21/10
Result: Galesburg overcomes poor first half to beat Rock Island 61-53
Miles: 100
(1/21/10)
Rock Island @ Galesburg (Girl's Basketball)
Two-thirds of the way there, 67 games in the books. All week, I keep looking at the calendar, and doing the math. Everytime, I hear the word postseason, worry runs through my head. I am very confident that 100 broadcasts will be met, but with 30+ broadcasts still to be attained, I worry....I am a worryer.
Once again, the odd work hours create a dinner time dilemma. Leaving for work, I planned on eating a mid-afternoon lunch that should satisfy my hunger until after the game. It didn't wait, and my hunger set in early.
I arrived at Galesburg High School shortly after 5:00. As the sophomore game tipped off, coach Massey stopped by the broadcast booth. Before our pregame interview, we discussed the 2A Regional seeds being released, mainly Alleman and how they received a #2 seed at their Regional.
Upon completion of our interview, I finished gathering my notes and prepared my talk with Rock Island head coach Thad Hoover. I went down and talked with coach Hoover at halftime of the sophomore game. When asking who his starters would be, he was a little hesitant on a fifth starter (it turned out to be freshman Shavonne Brewer). He seemed very irritated during the interview, mentioning several times during our talk that his team was "up and down". His attitude during this interview was much less enthusiastic about his team than the first time these two teams met.
Hoping this game was going to be much better than the first time around....it had to be. At Rock Island, the teams combined for eight turnovers before a shot ATTEMPT. The Rocks would roll on to a 77-58 victory, with the Streaks going just (6-43) from outside the three-point line.
Once again, Galesburg is without the services of Sadee Hamilton, with a back injury. This is her third straight game missed with this malady. As coach Massey subbed in his second string, a new player emerged that is not normally in the second rotation, in sophomore Paige Klinck. Klinck sat much of the first half out with an injury, and made her season debut at the sophomore level just before Christmas at Canton. With the new rotation, I noticed Baylie Boyer was at the end of the bench, icing an ankle. She, too, would not play in this game.
Just like their first meeting, Galesburg started out slow. The Streaks did not score until 2:15 to play in the first quarter, after trailing 7-0. It could have been a lot worse. After a quarter, it was just a four-point game (15-11).
Neither team got untracked in the second quarter, and it was 27-22 at halftime. At the break, the Streaks had committed 15 turnovers. The Galesburg drum line performed at halftime.
It was an entirely different third quarter, with the Streaks outscoring the Rocks 22-11 in the frame. Galesburg committed just one turnover in the quarter, while forcing six. Shelby Pacheco had three nice open looks down low.
Galesburg would finish the fourth quarter holding off Rock Island, and went (10-19) from the free throw line. The Streaks would prevail, 61-53 and improved to (14-9) overall and (2-5) in the Western Big 6.
The Streaks were led by Jessica Howard's game-high 13 points, while Shelby Pacheco added 11 points, and Jamie Johnson added 10 points. Rock Island was led by Sarita Goldsmith's 12 points, Lashonica Johnson with 11 points, and Rayven Morrow with 10 points.
After the game, I had to indulge in one of my old weaknesses, as I stopped to gas up at the Galesburg Mobil on Henderson Street. The old Andy Capp's Hot Fries. I had to get the 1 liter bottle of water, and needed it. Forgot how hot, the hot fries really are.
The Quest File Notes
Game 67
Date: 1/21/10
Result: Galesburg overcomes poor first half to beat Rock Island 61-53
Miles: 100
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Game 66: Monmouth-Roseville @ Farmington (Boy's Basketball)
Game 66
(1/19/10)
Monmouth-Roseville @ Farmington (Boy's Basketball)
I have never liked Tuesdays! I always seem so rushed. Maybe, because it is used for things that were pushed off on Monday. Historically, I have been rushed on Tuesdays, especially during basketball season with it being game night. Heck, this season EVERY night is game night, LOL.
Getting everything done, I was able to make good timing on my trip to Farmington. That meant a stop to McDonald's. Just because they sponsor our broadcasts doesn't mean I need to eat there three times a week! I picked up the Southern Style Chicken sandwich meal with a Coke. The fries were extra salty. I hate salt, and honestly, I don't even think I own a salt shaker. I have a ten-year old container of salt that rarely, if ever, gets used. That's a good thing with high blood pressure and all, though I consumed far too much sodium in this meal.
Garmin guided me down I-74 to the Route 97 exit that winds through Maquon and Rapatee. The last time the Titans played at Farmington I stopped in Maquon and enjoyed an adult soda (or two) at one of their two establishments (pop: 350).
I entered Farmington from the east on Route 116, and discovered their was a detour near downtown. I never follow detour signs, because more than likely, the detour takes you much farther out of the way than you need to be going.
Arriving at Farmington High School with plenty of time, I hiked the bleachers (at least not as many as Normal West from Saturday!). As with anywhere in Fulton County, there is absolutely NO reception of any kind. I am pretty sure, satellite technology, as advanced as we are, does not know Fulton County exists. Farmington, Cuba, and Avon are all a broadcaster's nightmare if using cell phone equipment. Fortunately there is a hard telephone line at the school, but my Verizon wireless Internet card has zero bars.
This brings me to an odd discovery. I had zero to minimal Internet reception on my wireless card, which would create problems when playing commercials (accessing the radio station computers from my laptop). I used the school's WI-FI connection, which connected to the Internet, however, I could not access any website. No Yahoo!, or Google, or Hotmail, not even IHSA.org, nothing....EXCEPT...the LogMeIn website that I plug into our radio stations. Victory is mine!
At halftime of the JV game, I went down and talked with coach Chuck Grant and did our pregame interview. We also talked about some future changes in the Titans schedule, as well as some potential changes in tournaments. Monmouth-Roseville will not be returning to the Lisle Shootout next year, instead playing a game at Quincy High School, and will also be playing Peoria Heights just prior to Christmas. There could be some changes in the Titans holiday tournament schedules in the next couple seasons as well.
After the third quarter, I visited with former Farmington head coach Tom Wierzba. He is enjoying retirement by, what else, being in the gym. He joked that now he gets to go watch the games he wants to watch, and has taken in several different games and has even done some scouting for his son, Ben, coaching at Evansville. Tom later joined me on the broadcast during the halftime show of the broadcast.
Farmington has really struggled this season, but showed absolutely no signs of those struggles in this game. The Farmers led throughout most of the first quarter. Lucas Flynn had the Titans down 7-4, as he knocked down a pair of field goals and a three-pointer. Blaize Shipp (6'1" So.) added the next five points, as those two alone led the Titans after a quarter (12-10).
The Titans battled back and tied the game at 26-26 at halftime. Alex Bresnahan and Lucas Flynn put on a shooting clinic, with both scoring 11 first half points. It was a fairly ugly first half with Farmington turning the ball over 12 times, and the Titans coughing it up nine times.
Monmouth-Roseville jumped out to a six-point lead in the third quarter, but that quickly dissipated. Trailing 36-32, Corey Dawson chucked up a three-pointer on the left wing, drained it, and drew the foul. He would convert the rare four-point play, and tied the game at 36-36.
The teams would trade baskets throughout the fourth quarter. With 0:36 to play in regulation, the Titans led 50-48 and had posession of the basketball. They would hold on to the basketball, but an errant pass would be taken away by Lucas Flynn and his pass ahead to Blaize Shipp turned into a layup and tied the game at 50-50 with 0:30 to play.
After crossing half court with 0:27 to play, the Titans called a timeout. Monmouth-Roseville, as they have all season, struggled to get a good look in the final seconds. Sophomore Drew Cole chucked up a three-pointer from 31 feet with 0:03 left that fell short and hit the base line with a half-second remaining. Farmington didn't get a shot off, and we go to overtime.
On their first posession, the Farmers turned the ball over, then fouled the Titans. Monmouth-Roseville missed both free throws. It seemed as if both teams were playing NOT to win. The Titans, after those missed shots, were (5-15) from the foul line. They would right the ship and go (9-17) in overtime from the free throw line. Despite shooting just (14-31) from the free throw line, the Titans found a way to win, holding off the host Farmers (61-57) in the extra session.
Alex Brenahan filled up the scorebook, going off for 30 points. Markus Hunter added double-digits for the Titans with 11 points. Farmington's Lucas Flynn scored 22 points, and Blaize Shipp pitched in 13 points.
The Quest File Notes
Game 66
Date: 1/19/10
Result: An ugly win for Monmouth-Roseville, holding off Farmington in overtime, 61-57
Miles: 139
(1/19/10)
Monmouth-Roseville @ Farmington (Boy's Basketball)
I have never liked Tuesdays! I always seem so rushed. Maybe, because it is used for things that were pushed off on Monday. Historically, I have been rushed on Tuesdays, especially during basketball season with it being game night. Heck, this season EVERY night is game night, LOL.
Getting everything done, I was able to make good timing on my trip to Farmington. That meant a stop to McDonald's. Just because they sponsor our broadcasts doesn't mean I need to eat there three times a week! I picked up the Southern Style Chicken sandwich meal with a Coke. The fries were extra salty. I hate salt, and honestly, I don't even think I own a salt shaker. I have a ten-year old container of salt that rarely, if ever, gets used. That's a good thing with high blood pressure and all, though I consumed far too much sodium in this meal.
Garmin guided me down I-74 to the Route 97 exit that winds through Maquon and Rapatee. The last time the Titans played at Farmington I stopped in Maquon and enjoyed an adult soda (or two) at one of their two establishments (pop: 350).
I entered Farmington from the east on Route 116, and discovered their was a detour near downtown. I never follow detour signs, because more than likely, the detour takes you much farther out of the way than you need to be going.
Arriving at Farmington High School with plenty of time, I hiked the bleachers (at least not as many as Normal West from Saturday!). As with anywhere in Fulton County, there is absolutely NO reception of any kind. I am pretty sure, satellite technology, as advanced as we are, does not know Fulton County exists. Farmington, Cuba, and Avon are all a broadcaster's nightmare if using cell phone equipment. Fortunately there is a hard telephone line at the school, but my Verizon wireless Internet card has zero bars.
This brings me to an odd discovery. I had zero to minimal Internet reception on my wireless card, which would create problems when playing commercials (accessing the radio station computers from my laptop). I used the school's WI-FI connection, which connected to the Internet, however, I could not access any website. No Yahoo!, or Google, or Hotmail, not even IHSA.org, nothing....EXCEPT...the LogMeIn website that I plug into our radio stations. Victory is mine!
At halftime of the JV game, I went down and talked with coach Chuck Grant and did our pregame interview. We also talked about some future changes in the Titans schedule, as well as some potential changes in tournaments. Monmouth-Roseville will not be returning to the Lisle Shootout next year, instead playing a game at Quincy High School, and will also be playing Peoria Heights just prior to Christmas. There could be some changes in the Titans holiday tournament schedules in the next couple seasons as well.
After the third quarter, I visited with former Farmington head coach Tom Wierzba. He is enjoying retirement by, what else, being in the gym. He joked that now he gets to go watch the games he wants to watch, and has taken in several different games and has even done some scouting for his son, Ben, coaching at Evansville. Tom later joined me on the broadcast during the halftime show of the broadcast.
Farmington has really struggled this season, but showed absolutely no signs of those struggles in this game. The Farmers led throughout most of the first quarter. Lucas Flynn had the Titans down 7-4, as he knocked down a pair of field goals and a three-pointer. Blaize Shipp (6'1" So.) added the next five points, as those two alone led the Titans after a quarter (12-10).
The Titans battled back and tied the game at 26-26 at halftime. Alex Bresnahan and Lucas Flynn put on a shooting clinic, with both scoring 11 first half points. It was a fairly ugly first half with Farmington turning the ball over 12 times, and the Titans coughing it up nine times.
Monmouth-Roseville jumped out to a six-point lead in the third quarter, but that quickly dissipated. Trailing 36-32, Corey Dawson chucked up a three-pointer on the left wing, drained it, and drew the foul. He would convert the rare four-point play, and tied the game at 36-36.
The teams would trade baskets throughout the fourth quarter. With 0:36 to play in regulation, the Titans led 50-48 and had posession of the basketball. They would hold on to the basketball, but an errant pass would be taken away by Lucas Flynn and his pass ahead to Blaize Shipp turned into a layup and tied the game at 50-50 with 0:30 to play.
After crossing half court with 0:27 to play, the Titans called a timeout. Monmouth-Roseville, as they have all season, struggled to get a good look in the final seconds. Sophomore Drew Cole chucked up a three-pointer from 31 feet with 0:03 left that fell short and hit the base line with a half-second remaining. Farmington didn't get a shot off, and we go to overtime.
On their first posession, the Farmers turned the ball over, then fouled the Titans. Monmouth-Roseville missed both free throws. It seemed as if both teams were playing NOT to win. The Titans, after those missed shots, were (5-15) from the foul line. They would right the ship and go (9-17) in overtime from the free throw line. Despite shooting just (14-31) from the free throw line, the Titans found a way to win, holding off the host Farmers (61-57) in the extra session.
Alex Brenahan filled up the scorebook, going off for 30 points. Markus Hunter added double-digits for the Titans with 11 points. Farmington's Lucas Flynn scored 22 points, and Blaize Shipp pitched in 13 points.
The Quest File Notes
Game 66
Date: 1/19/10
Result: An ugly win for Monmouth-Roseville, holding off Farmington in overtime, 61-57
Miles: 139
Monday, January 18, 2010
Game 65: Galesburg vs. Minooka (Boy's Basketball)
Game 65
(1/18/10)
Galesburg vs. Minooka (Boy's Basketball)
Martin Luther King Tournament
Following up the great conversations in the hospitality room, I had my second pregame chat with coach Reynolds. This time, we previewed the Streaks matchup with the Minooka Indians. The team came in with a (0-3) tournament record, but gave a very strong Maine South squad a run in the first game of the day.
Speaking of that Maine South squad, it was brought to my attention (unconfirmed), that after the Hawks loss to Galesburg on Saturday afternoon, their coach was so upset he had his team pack their bags and have them ready at the hotel. If they lost against United Township on Saturday night, they would be driving back home, and returning back to Galesburg, with a 4:00 a.m. bus time Monday morning (for their 9:00 a.m. game). That motivation must have worked, in beating the (Class 4A #10) Panthers by 30 points.
After my talk with Reynolds, I returned to my WAIK broadcast booth, and arrived at the same time as my broadcast partner Jimmie Carr. He was on the lookout for the Indians, as he conducts the pregame interviews with the opposing coaches. Minooka showed up early in the second half of the prior game (UTHS/Lakes), and he spoke with their coach Scott Tanaka.
Tanaka grew up in Moline, before moving to Hawaii in fifth grade. He scored 57 points in one game, knocking down 13 three-pointers in high school. Tanaka went to the University of Hawaii, and finished his masters at Illinois State University. I think Jimmie liked to say Tanaka.
While he was interviewing Tanaka, I talked with a couple Minooka assistant coaches, and got some pronunciations. While Jimmie enjoyed saying Tanaka (Tuh-nah-kuh), I got my kicks my saying James Salahuddin, pronounced (Suh-lah-who-deen). Another one of my favorite names on their roster was Parker Parzych (par-zich), but he did not get in the game.
This game had running clock written all over it from the start. The Streaks could do nothing wrong, and take no bad shot. Galesburg jumped out to a 28-4 first quarter lead. Big man Victor Davis had 13 points in the first quarter, and Chad Thompson knocked down a pair of three's.
Minooka actually outscored Galesburg in the second quarter (14-13), but still trailed big, 41-18. At the break, Davis had 17 points, while Minooka's Jacob Butler had 12 of his team's 18 points.
Playing with a spark in that second quarter, it quickly fizzled out. The Streaks would outscore the Indians 16-4 in the third quarter, taking a 57-22 lead, and a running clock in the fourth quarter.
One thing that confused me during the first few minutes of this game was the scoreboard. Galesburg was the visitor in the game, wearing their road uniforms of black shorts and tops and silver trim, while the Indians wore home whites. The scoreboard read Galesburg as the home team.
It was a very quick fourth quarter, with the running clock established with the large deficit. Galesburg would cruise to a 63-29 victory and improve to 12-7 on the season and win the Martin Luther King Tournament title outright with a 4-0 record.
Victor Davis had 20 points, all in the first three quarters, while Dalton Davis added 10 points for the Streaks. Jacob Butler scored a team-high 16 points for Minooka, who dropped to 4-10 on the year.
Following the game, I packed up, strangely since it was only 7:15, and normally I am just starting my pregame show for the night. I was able to catch the first half of the Monmouth-Roseville/Sherrard girl's basketball game on the drive back, but made a pit stop for a late dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings. Since my last Asian Zing experience gave my insides some trouble, I toned it down with a dozen Parmesan Garlic tonight.
The Quest File Notes
Game 65
Date: 1/18/10
Result: Galesburg jumps out to huge lead, and goes on to defeat Minooka 63-29
Miles: 50
(1/18/10)
Galesburg vs. Minooka (Boy's Basketball)
Martin Luther King Tournament
Following up the great conversations in the hospitality room, I had my second pregame chat with coach Reynolds. This time, we previewed the Streaks matchup with the Minooka Indians. The team came in with a (0-3) tournament record, but gave a very strong Maine South squad a run in the first game of the day.
Speaking of that Maine South squad, it was brought to my attention (unconfirmed), that after the Hawks loss to Galesburg on Saturday afternoon, their coach was so upset he had his team pack their bags and have them ready at the hotel. If they lost against United Township on Saturday night, they would be driving back home, and returning back to Galesburg, with a 4:00 a.m. bus time Monday morning (for their 9:00 a.m. game). That motivation must have worked, in beating the (Class 4A #10) Panthers by 30 points.
After my talk with Reynolds, I returned to my WAIK broadcast booth, and arrived at the same time as my broadcast partner Jimmie Carr. He was on the lookout for the Indians, as he conducts the pregame interviews with the opposing coaches. Minooka showed up early in the second half of the prior game (UTHS/Lakes), and he spoke with their coach Scott Tanaka.
Tanaka grew up in Moline, before moving to Hawaii in fifth grade. He scored 57 points in one game, knocking down 13 three-pointers in high school. Tanaka went to the University of Hawaii, and finished his masters at Illinois State University. I think Jimmie liked to say Tanaka.
While he was interviewing Tanaka, I talked with a couple Minooka assistant coaches, and got some pronunciations. While Jimmie enjoyed saying Tanaka (Tuh-nah-kuh), I got my kicks my saying James Salahuddin, pronounced (Suh-lah-who-deen). Another one of my favorite names on their roster was Parker Parzych (par-zich), but he did not get in the game.
This game had running clock written all over it from the start. The Streaks could do nothing wrong, and take no bad shot. Galesburg jumped out to a 28-4 first quarter lead. Big man Victor Davis had 13 points in the first quarter, and Chad Thompson knocked down a pair of three's.
Minooka actually outscored Galesburg in the second quarter (14-13), but still trailed big, 41-18. At the break, Davis had 17 points, while Minooka's Jacob Butler had 12 of his team's 18 points.
Playing with a spark in that second quarter, it quickly fizzled out. The Streaks would outscore the Indians 16-4 in the third quarter, taking a 57-22 lead, and a running clock in the fourth quarter.
One thing that confused me during the first few minutes of this game was the scoreboard. Galesburg was the visitor in the game, wearing their road uniforms of black shorts and tops and silver trim, while the Indians wore home whites. The scoreboard read Galesburg as the home team.
It was a very quick fourth quarter, with the running clock established with the large deficit. Galesburg would cruise to a 63-29 victory and improve to 12-7 on the season and win the Martin Luther King Tournament title outright with a 4-0 record.
Victor Davis had 20 points, all in the first three quarters, while Dalton Davis added 10 points for the Streaks. Jacob Butler scored a team-high 16 points for Minooka, who dropped to 4-10 on the year.
Following the game, I packed up, strangely since it was only 7:15, and normally I am just starting my pregame show for the night. I was able to catch the first half of the Monmouth-Roseville/Sherrard girl's basketball game on the drive back, but made a pit stop for a late dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings. Since my last Asian Zing experience gave my insides some trouble, I toned it down with a dozen Parmesan Garlic tonight.
The Quest File Notes
Game 65
Date: 1/18/10
Result: Galesburg jumps out to huge lead, and goes on to defeat Minooka 63-29
Miles: 50
Game 64: Galesburg vs. (Lake Villa) Lakes (Boy's Basketball)
Game 64
(1/18/10)
Galesburg vs. (Lake Villa) Lakes (Boy's Basketball)
Martin Luther King Tournament
The beginning of a doubleheader at Galesburg High School. Went into the office at 7:00 a.m. to get caught up, so I could leave late morning and spend the rest of the day watching basketball at John Thiel Gymnasium.
Arrived at the gym around 10:45 a.m. and set things up, and filled out my scorebook for this first matchup. The game going on was United Township vs. (Chicago Heights) Marian Catholic. After filling out my book, I tracked down coach Mike Reynolds of the Silver Streaks to get my pregame interview.
First, I stopped and chatted with GHS Athletic Director Ralph Henning. We talked a little basketball and wanted to make sure I could keep some of the broadcast equipment in our booth, since I would be back on Thursday for the girl's game.
I said hi to assistant coaches Steve Cheesman and Rob Williams before my talk with Reynolds. Coach Reynolds was pretty happy with his team's play on Saturday, and said they went through a normal practice on Sunday, as did the rest of the teams in the tournament, since all but United Township stayed in town Saturday and Sunday nights.
After finishing the interview, I had some time to grab a water in the hospitality room. Lunch had not arrived yet, but I grabbed something to drink. Henning, along with a couple officials, were in the room.
I learned for the first time, that if I powered my Marti unit on during the morning hours on WAIK, it would come across the air. From 9:00 a.m. to Noon weekdays, Jack Larson hosts a big band show on 1590 WAIK. He broadcasts from our Galesburg studios via a Marti unit. Apparently the sports Marti unit is stronger, and when activated, will overpower the studio Marti. When I turned it on, it took Jack off the air. Learn something new everyday.
This also created a small problem, since I need to check my levels, and Jack was hosting his show right up until my pregame show. Fortunately, the United Township/Marian Catholic game went a little long, so a quick two minute break from Jack's show to our pregame show gave us ample time to make sure everything was sounding good.
There was a small gathering of coaching minds in the bleachers near our broadcast location. Galesburg girl's basketball coach Evan Massey, Moline boy's coach Ryan Webber (Galesburg native), Rock Island boy's coach Thom Sigel, and Knox College men's basketball coach Rob Purlee all congregated together.
Lakes came in led by John Androus, who is averaging around 23 points/game and just surpassed 1,000 career points earlier in the season. It would not be his day against Galesburg.
The 6'5" guard/forward was mainly defended by 6'0" junior Ryan McElmurry (I think 6'0" may be stretching it!). McElmurry gave Androus fits, to the tune of three fouls in the first seven minutes of the game. Androus picked up his third foul with 1:13 to play in the first quarter, and sat the rest of the first half.
Galesburg jumped out to a 23-9 lead after one quarter, boosted by six-point efforts from Brandon Thompson and Chad Thompson (no relation). By halftime, the Streaks built a 40-19 lead behind a balanced scoring attack.
Androus would start the second half with three fouls, and played foul-free throughout the third and fourth quarters, finishing with 10 points in the game. The Streaks outscored the Eagles 21-15 in the third quarter, with Brandon Thompson and Dalton Davis each knocking down a three-pointer. Galesburg finished the game hitting seven, three-pointers.
Galesburg would down Lakes 70-43, and had five players score in double figures. Brandon Thompson scored a game-high 15 points, followed by Victor Davis and Chad Thompson with 13 points, while Dalton Davis and Trimaine Carson each added 10 points. Lakes was led by Tyler Swindle's 14 points, and Androus' 10 points.
After the game, I mosied on back to the hospitality room and grabbed a couple Reece's Pieces cookies and a water. A couple coaches from Marian Catholic were the only bodies in the hospitality room. I headed back up to my broadcast booth and filled out the scorebook for the 6:00 game and prepared my notes.
I took in the next two games, featuring Maine South against Marian Catholic, followed by United Township against (Lake Villa) Lakes. I took some video of the latter matchup, which can be seen on the homepage of www.ihssn.net.
During the second matchup, I headed back down to the hospitality room. A little livelier this time, with coach Reynolds, coach Massey, and a few of the referees sharing stories. Coach Massey was getting ribbed for wearing a Savanna basketball sweatshirt, with somebody in the group asking if they had won any games while he was there (Massey graduated from Savanna High School). Other knocks came on an elder official, upon telling a story and dating himself, Reynolds replying, "oh you mean before I was born."
Dinner was served in the hospitality room, catered by the great downtown Galesburg establishment, The Pizza House. I had a plate full of lasagna with a Pepsi.
The Quest File Notes
Game 64
Date: 1/18/10
Result: Galesburg improves to (3-0) in tournament with 70-43 win over (Lake Villa) Lakes
Miles: 50
(1/18/10)
Galesburg vs. (Lake Villa) Lakes (Boy's Basketball)
Martin Luther King Tournament
The beginning of a doubleheader at Galesburg High School. Went into the office at 7:00 a.m. to get caught up, so I could leave late morning and spend the rest of the day watching basketball at John Thiel Gymnasium.
Arrived at the gym around 10:45 a.m. and set things up, and filled out my scorebook for this first matchup. The game going on was United Township vs. (Chicago Heights) Marian Catholic. After filling out my book, I tracked down coach Mike Reynolds of the Silver Streaks to get my pregame interview.
First, I stopped and chatted with GHS Athletic Director Ralph Henning. We talked a little basketball and wanted to make sure I could keep some of the broadcast equipment in our booth, since I would be back on Thursday for the girl's game.
I said hi to assistant coaches Steve Cheesman and Rob Williams before my talk with Reynolds. Coach Reynolds was pretty happy with his team's play on Saturday, and said they went through a normal practice on Sunday, as did the rest of the teams in the tournament, since all but United Township stayed in town Saturday and Sunday nights.
After finishing the interview, I had some time to grab a water in the hospitality room. Lunch had not arrived yet, but I grabbed something to drink. Henning, along with a couple officials, were in the room.
I learned for the first time, that if I powered my Marti unit on during the morning hours on WAIK, it would come across the air. From 9:00 a.m. to Noon weekdays, Jack Larson hosts a big band show on 1590 WAIK. He broadcasts from our Galesburg studios via a Marti unit. Apparently the sports Marti unit is stronger, and when activated, will overpower the studio Marti. When I turned it on, it took Jack off the air. Learn something new everyday.
This also created a small problem, since I need to check my levels, and Jack was hosting his show right up until my pregame show. Fortunately, the United Township/Marian Catholic game went a little long, so a quick two minute break from Jack's show to our pregame show gave us ample time to make sure everything was sounding good.
There was a small gathering of coaching minds in the bleachers near our broadcast location. Galesburg girl's basketball coach Evan Massey, Moline boy's coach Ryan Webber (Galesburg native), Rock Island boy's coach Thom Sigel, and Knox College men's basketball coach Rob Purlee all congregated together.
Lakes came in led by John Androus, who is averaging around 23 points/game and just surpassed 1,000 career points earlier in the season. It would not be his day against Galesburg.
The 6'5" guard/forward was mainly defended by 6'0" junior Ryan McElmurry (I think 6'0" may be stretching it!). McElmurry gave Androus fits, to the tune of three fouls in the first seven minutes of the game. Androus picked up his third foul with 1:13 to play in the first quarter, and sat the rest of the first half.
Galesburg jumped out to a 23-9 lead after one quarter, boosted by six-point efforts from Brandon Thompson and Chad Thompson (no relation). By halftime, the Streaks built a 40-19 lead behind a balanced scoring attack.
Androus would start the second half with three fouls, and played foul-free throughout the third and fourth quarters, finishing with 10 points in the game. The Streaks outscored the Eagles 21-15 in the third quarter, with Brandon Thompson and Dalton Davis each knocking down a three-pointer. Galesburg finished the game hitting seven, three-pointers.
Galesburg would down Lakes 70-43, and had five players score in double figures. Brandon Thompson scored a game-high 15 points, followed by Victor Davis and Chad Thompson with 13 points, while Dalton Davis and Trimaine Carson each added 10 points. Lakes was led by Tyler Swindle's 14 points, and Androus' 10 points.
After the game, I mosied on back to the hospitality room and grabbed a couple Reece's Pieces cookies and a water. A couple coaches from Marian Catholic were the only bodies in the hospitality room. I headed back up to my broadcast booth and filled out the scorebook for the 6:00 game and prepared my notes.
I took in the next two games, featuring Maine South against Marian Catholic, followed by United Township against (Lake Villa) Lakes. I took some video of the latter matchup, which can be seen on the homepage of www.ihssn.net.
During the second matchup, I headed back down to the hospitality room. A little livelier this time, with coach Reynolds, coach Massey, and a few of the referees sharing stories. Coach Massey was getting ribbed for wearing a Savanna basketball sweatshirt, with somebody in the group asking if they had won any games while he was there (Massey graduated from Savanna High School). Other knocks came on an elder official, upon telling a story and dating himself, Reynolds replying, "oh you mean before I was born."
Dinner was served in the hospitality room, catered by the great downtown Galesburg establishment, The Pizza House. I had a plate full of lasagna with a Pepsi.
The Quest File Notes
Game 64
Date: 1/18/10
Result: Galesburg improves to (3-0) in tournament with 70-43 win over (Lake Villa) Lakes
Miles: 50
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Game 63: Galesburg @ Normal West (Girl's Basketball)
Game 63
(1/16/10)
Galesburg @ Normal West (Girl's Basketball)
The day began very early on this Saturday, as it was my weekend to head to the station first thing in the morning. On my daily stop into the Macomb Ayerco for my coffee and small breakfast, I encountered a very interesting conversation.
Strange things (and people) can be met at all-night gas stations, especially at 5:00 a.m. on the weekends. I walked into the station, overhearing a conversation between the gas station clerk and a man dressed in all camouflage. He was not a hunter. As I poured my coffee next to camo man, the guy says to the clerk in a suspenseful, almost movie-like swagger, "I look for stolen cars (short pause as a creepy grin comes across his face)....and I steal them back." It felt like something straight out of "The Hitcher", or a movie similar. Very eery, and I wanted to stay and listen to the rest of the story, but work awaited.
After a few hours at the station, I was able to catch up on a couple tasks that have been pushed off for some time due to lack of time. I took off for Bloomington/Normal around 10:30, a little early, but knew a couple stops were to be made in the trip.
The first stop was in Morton, to gas up and use the facilities. After I filled the tank, I walked inside the Morton Shell station, and discovered the most disgusting bathroom I may have ever walked into. This bathroom was dirtier than any bathroom from my college days, and that is certainly saying something. In fact, the sink was so filthy, I was nervous to wash my hands.
Fog had settled in as I meandered eastward down I-74 toward Bloomington, and then a flash from the past poured out through the speakers. Eminem's "My Name Is..." blared through my car stereo from Peoria's 99.9 The Buzz.
The first time I broadcasted a game at Normal West was last Christmas, during the State Farm Classic. Fortunately, Santa had blessed me with a Garmin, and it came in very handly during the great Fog of Christmas 2008. I would probably still be looking for Normal Community and Normal West high schools without the GPS. I did discover (the first of many Garmin errors), it was about a block off on Normal West High School.
Last year, it took about 15 minutes driving through extremely dense fog to find this high school, as Garmin directed me down a street to nowhere. Finally, I would drive a block north and find the high school. Not as much fog, and remembering that debacle, it was much easier to find today.
I strolled by the school about ten minutes after noon, 50 minutes before the JV tipoff. I decided to head on over to the nearest gas station to grab a water and some Lifesavers. Any type of candy to activate the salivary glands is very handy when broadcasting. Sometimes I will get a tickle in the throat, and it's not very easy to do play-by-play without something to quench that, especially when flying solo on a broadcast.
Walked into Normal West about a half hour before the tipoff of the preliminary game. I walked over and spoke with Athletic Director Stan Lewis to get my directions on which side to broadcast from. The hospitality at Normal West is top notch, as Lewis even took a cooler up to our broadcast location and filled it with a couple waters, gatorades, and Snickers. Superb!
I hiked the 40 rows of bleachers and reached the summit of Mount Normal West, stopping just shy of yodeling, "REEEE-COOOOO-LAAAAH". As I set my equipment down, and looked at the phone jack, worry set in. Normally we use cell equipment, and rarely do I pack unneccesary equipment (such as phone cord). I had just enough phone cord with my Remote Mix board to set it to my left on the bleachers next to me. That was the best place anyway, with the table just large enough for both of the broadcast teams.
Evan Massey hiked the mountain of bleachers and joked that he expected me to stay back at Galesburg to broadcast the entire day of boy's basketball games in the Martin Luther King Tournament to get my games in.
Normal West coach Angie Codron also stopped up and dropped off her team's stats and starters for the day's game. The Wildcats came in with a (14-4) record, but are (13-1) since December 1st. A tough task for the Silver Streaks. The only common opponent is Richwoods, a team Galesburg beat by three points at home in November, while Normal West lost in overtime by ten at the State Farm Classic.
The host Wildcats jumped out to a 6-0 lead to start the game. Jessica Howard hit a three-pointer early that tied the IHSA single-season record of three-pointers made in a season (260). Crystal Lake Prairie Ridge set that mark in the (1999-00) season. Maddy Boyer's three from the left side wing broke the record in the first quarter. The Streaks would finish with 11 three-pointer's and continue to set the record with each three-pointer made from here on out
Galesburg took their first lead of the game with (0:21) to play in the first quarter, and would finish the first quarter up by a point (17-16). The Streaks would outscore the Wildcats (20-16) in the second quarter and led 37-31 at halftime.
It was all downhill from there for the visiting Streaks. Galesburg turned the ball over eight times in the third quarter, and I had seven of those turnovers unforced (traveling, double dribbles, bad passes). Normal West took advantage of those mistakes, and rattled the Streaks outscoring them 24-6 in the third quarter, taking a 55-43 lead into the final frame.
Midway through the fourth quarter, the Streaks had only scored five points from the field, and had seven points at the free throw line. The deficit was too large to overcome, and Normal West would hold on for a 76-60 victory.
One big positive for Galesburg over the past two games has been free throw shooting. Before the game against Quincy on Thursday, the team was just 53% from the free throw line. In the last two games, Galesburg is (73%) from the free throw line.
Three players in the game scored 16 points. Lauren Berry and Erin McGinnis each scored 16 points for Normal West, and Jessica Howard led the Streaks with 16 points. Galesburg was outrebounded 24-7 in the first half, but still led by six points at that point. The teams combined for 70 turnovers (Galesburg: 37) and (Normal West: 33).
After the game, it would be a quick trip home, skipping out on any other basketball for the weekend. The thought had crossed my mind to head back to Galesburg to watch the rest of the boy's Martin Luther King Tournament, but fatigue had settled in. A quick fix for the long trip home would be some Steak 'n Shake. On the menu for my dinner: Triple Cheeseburger, fries, and a Coke.
The Quest File Notes
Game 63
Date: 1/16/10
Result: Normal West uses huge third quarter to defend home floor and beat Galesburg, 76-60
Miles: 276
(1/16/10)
Galesburg @ Normal West (Girl's Basketball)
The day began very early on this Saturday, as it was my weekend to head to the station first thing in the morning. On my daily stop into the Macomb Ayerco for my coffee and small breakfast, I encountered a very interesting conversation.
Strange things (and people) can be met at all-night gas stations, especially at 5:00 a.m. on the weekends. I walked into the station, overhearing a conversation between the gas station clerk and a man dressed in all camouflage. He was not a hunter. As I poured my coffee next to camo man, the guy says to the clerk in a suspenseful, almost movie-like swagger, "I look for stolen cars (short pause as a creepy grin comes across his face)....and I steal them back." It felt like something straight out of "The Hitcher", or a movie similar. Very eery, and I wanted to stay and listen to the rest of the story, but work awaited.
After a few hours at the station, I was able to catch up on a couple tasks that have been pushed off for some time due to lack of time. I took off for Bloomington/Normal around 10:30, a little early, but knew a couple stops were to be made in the trip.
The first stop was in Morton, to gas up and use the facilities. After I filled the tank, I walked inside the Morton Shell station, and discovered the most disgusting bathroom I may have ever walked into. This bathroom was dirtier than any bathroom from my college days, and that is certainly saying something. In fact, the sink was so filthy, I was nervous to wash my hands.
Fog had settled in as I meandered eastward down I-74 toward Bloomington, and then a flash from the past poured out through the speakers. Eminem's "My Name Is..." blared through my car stereo from Peoria's 99.9 The Buzz.
The first time I broadcasted a game at Normal West was last Christmas, during the State Farm Classic. Fortunately, Santa had blessed me with a Garmin, and it came in very handly during the great Fog of Christmas 2008. I would probably still be looking for Normal Community and Normal West high schools without the GPS. I did discover (the first of many Garmin errors), it was about a block off on Normal West High School.
Last year, it took about 15 minutes driving through extremely dense fog to find this high school, as Garmin directed me down a street to nowhere. Finally, I would drive a block north and find the high school. Not as much fog, and remembering that debacle, it was much easier to find today.
I strolled by the school about ten minutes after noon, 50 minutes before the JV tipoff. I decided to head on over to the nearest gas station to grab a water and some Lifesavers. Any type of candy to activate the salivary glands is very handy when broadcasting. Sometimes I will get a tickle in the throat, and it's not very easy to do play-by-play without something to quench that, especially when flying solo on a broadcast.
Walked into Normal West about a half hour before the tipoff of the preliminary game. I walked over and spoke with Athletic Director Stan Lewis to get my directions on which side to broadcast from. The hospitality at Normal West is top notch, as Lewis even took a cooler up to our broadcast location and filled it with a couple waters, gatorades, and Snickers. Superb!
I hiked the 40 rows of bleachers and reached the summit of Mount Normal West, stopping just shy of yodeling, "REEEE-COOOOO-LAAAAH". As I set my equipment down, and looked at the phone jack, worry set in. Normally we use cell equipment, and rarely do I pack unneccesary equipment (such as phone cord). I had just enough phone cord with my Remote Mix board to set it to my left on the bleachers next to me. That was the best place anyway, with the table just large enough for both of the broadcast teams.
Evan Massey hiked the mountain of bleachers and joked that he expected me to stay back at Galesburg to broadcast the entire day of boy's basketball games in the Martin Luther King Tournament to get my games in.
Normal West coach Angie Codron also stopped up and dropped off her team's stats and starters for the day's game. The Wildcats came in with a (14-4) record, but are (13-1) since December 1st. A tough task for the Silver Streaks. The only common opponent is Richwoods, a team Galesburg beat by three points at home in November, while Normal West lost in overtime by ten at the State Farm Classic.
The host Wildcats jumped out to a 6-0 lead to start the game. Jessica Howard hit a three-pointer early that tied the IHSA single-season record of three-pointers made in a season (260). Crystal Lake Prairie Ridge set that mark in the (1999-00) season. Maddy Boyer's three from the left side wing broke the record in the first quarter. The Streaks would finish with 11 three-pointer's and continue to set the record with each three-pointer made from here on out
Galesburg took their first lead of the game with (0:21) to play in the first quarter, and would finish the first quarter up by a point (17-16). The Streaks would outscore the Wildcats (20-16) in the second quarter and led 37-31 at halftime.
It was all downhill from there for the visiting Streaks. Galesburg turned the ball over eight times in the third quarter, and I had seven of those turnovers unforced (traveling, double dribbles, bad passes). Normal West took advantage of those mistakes, and rattled the Streaks outscoring them 24-6 in the third quarter, taking a 55-43 lead into the final frame.
Midway through the fourth quarter, the Streaks had only scored five points from the field, and had seven points at the free throw line. The deficit was too large to overcome, and Normal West would hold on for a 76-60 victory.
One big positive for Galesburg over the past two games has been free throw shooting. Before the game against Quincy on Thursday, the team was just 53% from the free throw line. In the last two games, Galesburg is (73%) from the free throw line.
Three players in the game scored 16 points. Lauren Berry and Erin McGinnis each scored 16 points for Normal West, and Jessica Howard led the Streaks with 16 points. Galesburg was outrebounded 24-7 in the first half, but still led by six points at that point. The teams combined for 70 turnovers (Galesburg: 37) and (Normal West: 33).
After the game, it would be a quick trip home, skipping out on any other basketball for the weekend. The thought had crossed my mind to head back to Galesburg to watch the rest of the boy's Martin Luther King Tournament, but fatigue had settled in. A quick fix for the long trip home would be some Steak 'n Shake. On the menu for my dinner: Triple Cheeseburger, fries, and a Coke.
The Quest File Notes
Game 63
Date: 1/16/10
Result: Normal West uses huge third quarter to defend home floor and beat Galesburg, 76-60
Miles: 276
Friday, January 15, 2010
Game 62: Monmouth-Roseville @ Sherrard (Boy's Basketball)
Game 62
(1/15/10)
Monmouth-Roseville @ Sherrard (Boy's Basketball)
Olympic Conference basketball returns to the court tonight. As a broadcaster, Sherrard is one of my least favorite locales. The people are great, hospitality is top notch, great atmosphere, but it is in the middle of nowhere, and the crowd is right on top of you. In every game I have broadcasted, I usually lose my cell signal at least once during the game. Tonight, I also had trouble with my Internet connection (Verizon). I do enjoy being close to the action, as opposed to up in a corner rafter, but it can be a double-edge sword.
It seems that the Casey's in Viola is always a stopping point for me on trips to Sherrard or the Quad Cities. Oh wait, that's because it's the only place to stop between Monmouth and the Quad Cities! Had to fuel up with this trip, and a trip to Bloomington/Normal on Saturday. Gas was $2.79 there, not sure where that rates with other towns right now.
Arrived at Sherrard High School with plenty of time, about a half hour before the sophomore game. Sherrard Athletic Director Brady Stromquist even made mention as I set up that he was surprised how early I was. In years past, the outlet and phone lines have been underneath the bleachers, and we string the extension cord through an opening. I couldn't find that opening, so I plugged into the power strip below the scorer's table. The broadcast table sits directly behind the scorers table.
My friend Jim Taylor from WRMJ-Aledo was there to broadcast the game as well. Both of us were flying solo, so we had plenty of space. When each broadcast team has a color commentator it gets very tricky to find table space.
During the first half of the JV game, I went over and talked with Sherrard head coach Ryan Kelly, in his second season as the Tigers head coach. Last year, at Monmouth, I started our pregame interview and introduced him as Ryan WEBBER (Moline head coach). As soon as I said it, it didn't sound right and he flashed me a funny look. Fortunately it wasn't live and we started over. I had just covered Galesburg/Moline the week prior and got the two Ryan's confused. His response after my gaffe, was "I wish I had his win/loss record".
Before our pregame interview we talked about the Tigers at the holiday tournament in Williamsville. Sherrard went 1-2 there. We also talked about Delavan, a team that was in that tournament, and how well they play.
After our chat, I went over to talk with Chuck Grant. We seemed pretty confident coming into Sherrard, even with his post player Cody Crouse out with an ankle injury. We also talked about the exciting finish at Sherrard a year ago, when Tanner Schreck nailed a three-pointer at the buzzer to give the Titans the win in a back-and-forth game.
Sherrard jumped out to an early 6-0 lead in the first quarter, but a couple baskets by the Titans made it 6-4. Monmouth-Roseville took their first lead at 0:51 to play in the opening quarter, at 17-16. They would hold that lead at the end of the first quarter. It would be the last time the Titans led until midway through the third quarter.
The Tigers jumped out to a 32-23 lead late in the second quarter, but the Titans stormed back, and after a Logan Frye foul in the final seconds, a B.J. Salyers basket put the Titans within two points (32-30) at halftime. Alex Bresnahan led the Titans with 11 points at halftime, while Sherrard's Mitch Heiar also had 11, all of his in the first quarter.
In the third quarter, Sherrard took their biggest lead of the game at 40-32. Andy Anderson had three big baskets for the Tigers. Sherrard didn't turn the ball over in the second half until the 3:55 mark, but in the next 60 seconds, they would cough the ball up four times. That led to a 14-point swing, with the visitors taking their first lead since 17-16, late in the quarter at 41-40. The Titans would add a few more points to lead by six points (46-40).
Sherrard would storm right back, and at the end of three quarters, it was a three-point game again, at 46-43. The Titans and Tigers would trade blows through most of the fourth quarter, before Monmouth-Roseville would extend the game out and led by 11 points in the waning seconds, before a Mitch Heiar three made it an eight-point final, with Monmouth-Roseville knocking off host Sherrard (68-60).
Alex Bresnahan scored a game-high 19 points, while Markus Hunter added 18 points. Mitch Heiar paced the Tigers with 16 points, and Andy Anderson pitched in 15 points. Sherrard committed 16 turnovers, while the Titans turned it over 10 times.
Having not ate since about 1:00, the stomach was growling at me, telling me it couldn't wait the entire hour drive back to Macomb. I caved, a pit stop at McDonalds in Monmouth. I ordered the two cheeseburger meal with a Powerade.
The Quest File Notes
Game 62
Date: 1/15/10
Result: In a back-and-forth game, Monmouth-Roseville beats Sherrard 68-60
Miles: 136
(1/15/10)
Monmouth-Roseville @ Sherrard (Boy's Basketball)
Olympic Conference basketball returns to the court tonight. As a broadcaster, Sherrard is one of my least favorite locales. The people are great, hospitality is top notch, great atmosphere, but it is in the middle of nowhere, and the crowd is right on top of you. In every game I have broadcasted, I usually lose my cell signal at least once during the game. Tonight, I also had trouble with my Internet connection (Verizon). I do enjoy being close to the action, as opposed to up in a corner rafter, but it can be a double-edge sword.
It seems that the Casey's in Viola is always a stopping point for me on trips to Sherrard or the Quad Cities. Oh wait, that's because it's the only place to stop between Monmouth and the Quad Cities! Had to fuel up with this trip, and a trip to Bloomington/Normal on Saturday. Gas was $2.79 there, not sure where that rates with other towns right now.
Arrived at Sherrard High School with plenty of time, about a half hour before the sophomore game. Sherrard Athletic Director Brady Stromquist even made mention as I set up that he was surprised how early I was. In years past, the outlet and phone lines have been underneath the bleachers, and we string the extension cord through an opening. I couldn't find that opening, so I plugged into the power strip below the scorer's table. The broadcast table sits directly behind the scorers table.
My friend Jim Taylor from WRMJ-Aledo was there to broadcast the game as well. Both of us were flying solo, so we had plenty of space. When each broadcast team has a color commentator it gets very tricky to find table space.
During the first half of the JV game, I went over and talked with Sherrard head coach Ryan Kelly, in his second season as the Tigers head coach. Last year, at Monmouth, I started our pregame interview and introduced him as Ryan WEBBER (Moline head coach). As soon as I said it, it didn't sound right and he flashed me a funny look. Fortunately it wasn't live and we started over. I had just covered Galesburg/Moline the week prior and got the two Ryan's confused. His response after my gaffe, was "I wish I had his win/loss record".
Before our pregame interview we talked about the Tigers at the holiday tournament in Williamsville. Sherrard went 1-2 there. We also talked about Delavan, a team that was in that tournament, and how well they play.
After our chat, I went over to talk with Chuck Grant. We seemed pretty confident coming into Sherrard, even with his post player Cody Crouse out with an ankle injury. We also talked about the exciting finish at Sherrard a year ago, when Tanner Schreck nailed a three-pointer at the buzzer to give the Titans the win in a back-and-forth game.
Sherrard jumped out to an early 6-0 lead in the first quarter, but a couple baskets by the Titans made it 6-4. Monmouth-Roseville took their first lead at 0:51 to play in the opening quarter, at 17-16. They would hold that lead at the end of the first quarter. It would be the last time the Titans led until midway through the third quarter.
The Tigers jumped out to a 32-23 lead late in the second quarter, but the Titans stormed back, and after a Logan Frye foul in the final seconds, a B.J. Salyers basket put the Titans within two points (32-30) at halftime. Alex Bresnahan led the Titans with 11 points at halftime, while Sherrard's Mitch Heiar also had 11, all of his in the first quarter.
In the third quarter, Sherrard took their biggest lead of the game at 40-32. Andy Anderson had three big baskets for the Tigers. Sherrard didn't turn the ball over in the second half until the 3:55 mark, but in the next 60 seconds, they would cough the ball up four times. That led to a 14-point swing, with the visitors taking their first lead since 17-16, late in the quarter at 41-40. The Titans would add a few more points to lead by six points (46-40).
Sherrard would storm right back, and at the end of three quarters, it was a three-point game again, at 46-43. The Titans and Tigers would trade blows through most of the fourth quarter, before Monmouth-Roseville would extend the game out and led by 11 points in the waning seconds, before a Mitch Heiar three made it an eight-point final, with Monmouth-Roseville knocking off host Sherrard (68-60).
Alex Bresnahan scored a game-high 19 points, while Markus Hunter added 18 points. Mitch Heiar paced the Tigers with 16 points, and Andy Anderson pitched in 15 points. Sherrard committed 16 turnovers, while the Titans turned it over 10 times.
Having not ate since about 1:00, the stomach was growling at me, telling me it couldn't wait the entire hour drive back to Macomb. I caved, a pit stop at McDonalds in Monmouth. I ordered the two cheeseburger meal with a Powerade.
The Quest File Notes
Game 62
Date: 1/15/10
Result: In a back-and-forth game, Monmouth-Roseville beats Sherrard 68-60
Miles: 136
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Game 61: Quincy @ Galesburg (Girl's Basketball)
Game 61
(1/14/10)
Quincy @ Galesburg (Girl's Basketball)
The days are beginning to run together! In preparation for this Western Big 6 matchup, I expected coming in, that the Silver Streaks should win this game by double digits. The first time these two teams met (@ Quincy), it was just an ugly game. Reading the Peoria Journal-Star large school basketball column by Jane Miller, the Streaks were back to the #1 ranking in the PJStar coverage area. The Peoria-area schools have all had their struggles this season.
My head is just a flurry of work, website, and broadcasting, and it gets tough to remember my daily schedule at work with the games. Normally on game day, I go into the office at 11:30, which really throws off my day. On these days, I normally wake up at 8:00 a.m. and have my coffee and breakfast. Sometimes it comes a little later, and getting showered and ready around 10:30 and leaving for work at 11:00, my lunch schedule is thrown out of wack. Today, I had made some grilled chicken (thank you George Foreman for your wonderful grills), and planned on taking a bag of microwave popcorn for a snack to tide me over for the game. Of course, in a hurry, I forgot the lunch.
Always rushed when I get to the office, it seemed like everyone was coming at me from every which way, throwing my day off even further. I realized I forgot my lunch not long after I arrived in my office. Once things slowed down around 1:30, I found some tortilla chips and dip and an apple, deciding I would hit Subway while heading to the game in the early evening.
On my way to Galesburg, I grabbed some early dinner at Subway (6 inch bacon & ranch with Baked Lays & a Coke). I really considered taking in some Taco Bell, but my better judgement prevailed.
Pulled up to the gym at the same time as Galesburg Register-Mail columnist Tom Wilson. Tom writes fantastic historical sports columns weekly in the paper. You can read his stuff each Monday online at www.galesburg.com.
I went up to my broadcast booth at John Thiel gymnasium and set everything up, looking over my notes for the pregame interviews. Coach Evan Massey came up and we talked about the Peoria-area basketball teams and the struggles of Richwoods (lost Katie Murphy for several weeks with injury), and also talked a little bit about the next opponent (Normal West).
My broadcast partner Jimmie Carr arrived shortly afterwards, and one of our listeners, Tom (don't know his last name), stopped by to chat. We talked about the struggles of Galesburg's free throw shooting (56% coming into the game), and what has led really good shooters, to shoot so poorly at the line. Personally, my theory is the constant switching in and out and running up and down effects the slow down of patient free throw shooting. I could be way off on that, but that's my opinion. Here is a crazy stat line. Sophomore Baylie Boyer (coming into this Quincy game), shot 46% from the three-point line, 44% from the field overall, and just 24% from the free throw line.
The Galesburg sophomores fell in their game at Quincy earlier in the season, but dominated the Blue Devils tonight. They would go on to win 58-37. I mentioned before we went on the air to Tom and Jimmie that I hoped it was a sign of things to come (for the varsity).
Galesburg jumped out to an 8-0 lead just two minutes into the game. Quincy failed to get the ball across half court on their first three posessions. The Blue Devils didn't score until 3:16 to play in the first quarter. The Streaks nailed five three-pointers in the opening eight minutes and led 26-11 after one.
Coming in, the Streaks needed 15 three-pointers to break the all-time IHSA record for three's made in a season, and 30 attempts to break the state record.
Through two quarters, that poor free throw shooting we talked about before the game must have been an anti-jinx. Galesburg was (12-17) in the first half, and would finish the game (23-33), a 70% clip. The Streaks led 45-26 at halftime, and were (7-29) from outside the three-point line.
Early in the third quarter, a rarity occurred. Audrey Holtschlag of Quincy took an in-bounds pass, turned and knocked it off the glass for two points....for Galesburg. Wrong basket! Mickey Rodriguez was the closest Silver Streak to the play, so she was awarded the two points. Coach Massey would mention in the postgame show that the Blue Devils scored 14 straight points in this frame (of course, these two were credited to Galesburg).
The Blue Devils outscored the Streaks 16-14 in the third quarter. Galesburg broke the state record for three-pointers attempted, with their 964th three-point attempt on the season. That record breaking shot can be viewed on the IHSSN.net homepage. It was a Kat Mangieri corner three from near the Galesburg bench.
Quincy closed their deficit to nine points near the end of the third quarter, but a pair of late three-pointers by Jessica Howard lifted the Streaks to a 15-point lead (59-44) at the end of the third quarter.
The Streaks made their 13th three-pointer late in the fourth quarter, erupting loud cheers from those in attendance wearing their 3-diculous t-shirts. Those wearing the shirts receive a triple cheeseburger coupon from McDonalds when Galesburg makes 13 three's.
Galesburg would score 80+ points for the 11th time this season. When scoring 80 or more points, Galesburg is 9-2. Quincy freshman Jordan Fletcher scored a game-high 22 points, and could have scored a lot more had she seen more playing time. The Streaks got 16 points and a solid all around game from Sara Baker. Mickey Rodriguez added 13 points, and Jessica Howard scored 12 points.
The Streaks went (13-60) from the three-point line, finishing the night with 994 three-point attempts (the new IHSA single-season record), and 259 three-pointers made, one away from tying the state record. Galesburg forced 35 Blue Devils turnovers, while committing 24 turnovers themselves. The Streaks win their first Western Big 6 game, after going 0-5 against the league during the first half of the conference slate.
The Quest File Notes
Game 61
Date: 1/14/10
Result: Galesburg sets 3-point attempts record in 81-56 win over Quincy
Miles: 105
(1/14/10)
Quincy @ Galesburg (Girl's Basketball)
The days are beginning to run together! In preparation for this Western Big 6 matchup, I expected coming in, that the Silver Streaks should win this game by double digits. The first time these two teams met (@ Quincy), it was just an ugly game. Reading the Peoria Journal-Star large school basketball column by Jane Miller, the Streaks were back to the #1 ranking in the PJStar coverage area. The Peoria-area schools have all had their struggles this season.
My head is just a flurry of work, website, and broadcasting, and it gets tough to remember my daily schedule at work with the games. Normally on game day, I go into the office at 11:30, which really throws off my day. On these days, I normally wake up at 8:00 a.m. and have my coffee and breakfast. Sometimes it comes a little later, and getting showered and ready around 10:30 and leaving for work at 11:00, my lunch schedule is thrown out of wack. Today, I had made some grilled chicken (thank you George Foreman for your wonderful grills), and planned on taking a bag of microwave popcorn for a snack to tide me over for the game. Of course, in a hurry, I forgot the lunch.
Always rushed when I get to the office, it seemed like everyone was coming at me from every which way, throwing my day off even further. I realized I forgot my lunch not long after I arrived in my office. Once things slowed down around 1:30, I found some tortilla chips and dip and an apple, deciding I would hit Subway while heading to the game in the early evening.
On my way to Galesburg, I grabbed some early dinner at Subway (6 inch bacon & ranch with Baked Lays & a Coke). I really considered taking in some Taco Bell, but my better judgement prevailed.
Pulled up to the gym at the same time as Galesburg Register-Mail columnist Tom Wilson. Tom writes fantastic historical sports columns weekly in the paper. You can read his stuff each Monday online at www.galesburg.com.
I went up to my broadcast booth at John Thiel gymnasium and set everything up, looking over my notes for the pregame interviews. Coach Evan Massey came up and we talked about the Peoria-area basketball teams and the struggles of Richwoods (lost Katie Murphy for several weeks with injury), and also talked a little bit about the next opponent (Normal West).
My broadcast partner Jimmie Carr arrived shortly afterwards, and one of our listeners, Tom (don't know his last name), stopped by to chat. We talked about the struggles of Galesburg's free throw shooting (56% coming into the game), and what has led really good shooters, to shoot so poorly at the line. Personally, my theory is the constant switching in and out and running up and down effects the slow down of patient free throw shooting. I could be way off on that, but that's my opinion. Here is a crazy stat line. Sophomore Baylie Boyer (coming into this Quincy game), shot 46% from the three-point line, 44% from the field overall, and just 24% from the free throw line.
The Galesburg sophomores fell in their game at Quincy earlier in the season, but dominated the Blue Devils tonight. They would go on to win 58-37. I mentioned before we went on the air to Tom and Jimmie that I hoped it was a sign of things to come (for the varsity).
Galesburg jumped out to an 8-0 lead just two minutes into the game. Quincy failed to get the ball across half court on their first three posessions. The Blue Devils didn't score until 3:16 to play in the first quarter. The Streaks nailed five three-pointers in the opening eight minutes and led 26-11 after one.
Coming in, the Streaks needed 15 three-pointers to break the all-time IHSA record for three's made in a season, and 30 attempts to break the state record.
Through two quarters, that poor free throw shooting we talked about before the game must have been an anti-jinx. Galesburg was (12-17) in the first half, and would finish the game (23-33), a 70% clip. The Streaks led 45-26 at halftime, and were (7-29) from outside the three-point line.
Early in the third quarter, a rarity occurred. Audrey Holtschlag of Quincy took an in-bounds pass, turned and knocked it off the glass for two points....for Galesburg. Wrong basket! Mickey Rodriguez was the closest Silver Streak to the play, so she was awarded the two points. Coach Massey would mention in the postgame show that the Blue Devils scored 14 straight points in this frame (of course, these two were credited to Galesburg).
The Blue Devils outscored the Streaks 16-14 in the third quarter. Galesburg broke the state record for three-pointers attempted, with their 964th three-point attempt on the season. That record breaking shot can be viewed on the IHSSN.net homepage. It was a Kat Mangieri corner three from near the Galesburg bench.
Quincy closed their deficit to nine points near the end of the third quarter, but a pair of late three-pointers by Jessica Howard lifted the Streaks to a 15-point lead (59-44) at the end of the third quarter.
The Streaks made their 13th three-pointer late in the fourth quarter, erupting loud cheers from those in attendance wearing their 3-diculous t-shirts. Those wearing the shirts receive a triple cheeseburger coupon from McDonalds when Galesburg makes 13 three's.
Galesburg would score 80+ points for the 11th time this season. When scoring 80 or more points, Galesburg is 9-2. Quincy freshman Jordan Fletcher scored a game-high 22 points, and could have scored a lot more had she seen more playing time. The Streaks got 16 points and a solid all around game from Sara Baker. Mickey Rodriguez added 13 points, and Jessica Howard scored 12 points.
The Streaks went (13-60) from the three-point line, finishing the night with 994 three-point attempts (the new IHSA single-season record), and 259 three-pointers made, one away from tying the state record. Galesburg forced 35 Blue Devils turnovers, while committing 24 turnovers themselves. The Streaks win their first Western Big 6 game, after going 0-5 against the league during the first half of the conference slate.
The Quest File Notes
Game 61
Date: 1/14/10
Result: Galesburg sets 3-point attempts record in 81-56 win over Quincy
Miles: 105
Game 60: North Fulton vs. Elmwood (Boy's Basketball)
Game 60
(1/13/10)
North Fulton vs. Elmwood (Boy's Basketball)
Inter-County Conference Tournament (@ Cuba)
Final game of the night, and I had to switch to my third scorebook of the year for this one. A pretty light crowd on the Wildcats home floor for their matchup against the Elmwood Trojans. Both of these teams are also members of the Prairieland Conference.
North Fulton enters with a (6-7) record, while Elmwood brings in a (8-7) mark. The Trojans jumped out and gave the Wildcats fits early on, leading 13-0 in the first quarter. The first basket for the Wildcats didn't come until the 2:48 mark in the first quarter when Brandon Shaw made a free throw. Shawn Norville hit a three-pointer with 0:22 left in the frame to give the team their first field goal. Elmwood hit four three-pointers in the first quarter, a pair by Isaac Ramsey, and led 16-4 after the first quarter.
More of the same in the second quarter, with the Trojans outscoring the Wildcats 20-7. Elmwood led 36-11 at halftime. Cody Landau knocked down a couple three-pointers in the second quarter and had 11 points at the break.
At the end of the third quarter, three Trojans hit double-digits in scoring (Landau, Nick Almasi, and Jake Hammond). For some reason, I kept calling Nick Almasi, Tony, during the broadcast. For listeners, they probably thought there were two Almasi's playing. My apologies.
It was a slow fourth quarter with Elmwood taking a comfortable lead, and would be victorious 61-39. (6'7") junior Max Schelkopf scored a game-high 13 points for Elmwood. He was joined in double figures by Cody Landau and Nick Almasi with 11 points each, and Jake Hammond with 10 points. North Fulton got 12 points from Shawn Norville and Beriah Quick with 11 points.
A quick wrap up after the game, and I was finished for the night. After a thousand trips this way, it was an easy trip back to Macomb, lol.
The Quest File Notes
Game 60
Date: 1/13/10
Result: Elmwood jumps out to early lead, cruises in 61-39 win over host North Fulton
Miles: 31
(1/13/10)
North Fulton vs. Elmwood (Boy's Basketball)
Inter-County Conference Tournament (@ Cuba)
Final game of the night, and I had to switch to my third scorebook of the year for this one. A pretty light crowd on the Wildcats home floor for their matchup against the Elmwood Trojans. Both of these teams are also members of the Prairieland Conference.
North Fulton enters with a (6-7) record, while Elmwood brings in a (8-7) mark. The Trojans jumped out and gave the Wildcats fits early on, leading 13-0 in the first quarter. The first basket for the Wildcats didn't come until the 2:48 mark in the first quarter when Brandon Shaw made a free throw. Shawn Norville hit a three-pointer with 0:22 left in the frame to give the team their first field goal. Elmwood hit four three-pointers in the first quarter, a pair by Isaac Ramsey, and led 16-4 after the first quarter.
More of the same in the second quarter, with the Trojans outscoring the Wildcats 20-7. Elmwood led 36-11 at halftime. Cody Landau knocked down a couple three-pointers in the second quarter and had 11 points at the break.
At the end of the third quarter, three Trojans hit double-digits in scoring (Landau, Nick Almasi, and Jake Hammond). For some reason, I kept calling Nick Almasi, Tony, during the broadcast. For listeners, they probably thought there were two Almasi's playing. My apologies.
It was a slow fourth quarter with Elmwood taking a comfortable lead, and would be victorious 61-39. (6'7") junior Max Schelkopf scored a game-high 13 points for Elmwood. He was joined in double figures by Cody Landau and Nick Almasi with 11 points each, and Jake Hammond with 10 points. North Fulton got 12 points from Shawn Norville and Beriah Quick with 11 points.
A quick wrap up after the game, and I was finished for the night. After a thousand trips this way, it was an easy trip back to Macomb, lol.
The Quest File Notes
Game 60
Date: 1/13/10
Result: Elmwood jumps out to early lead, cruises in 61-39 win over host North Fulton
Miles: 31
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