Game 56: Galesburg @ Macomb (Boy's Basketball)

Game 56
(1/9/10)
Galesburg @ Macomb (Boy's Basketball)

Watching the time, I wanted to be in Macomb around 5:45 at the latest. The reason I like to get to Macomb early for games is due to where my broadcast set up is. I need about 50-75 feet of phone cord and string it along the back of the bleachers. The less people sitting in those popular seats, the easier it is for me to unwind the massive mess of line I keep.

Driving well over the speed limit, I did need to make a pit stop in Augusta at Suzy Q's for a bathroom break and a water. Something I have noticed over the last couple years in multiple broadcast days, is that my tongue gets sore. Even with a lot of water, it still happens.

Back on the road, I drove straight to the "Hangar", via the back way driving past the Eagle's Club and DMV on the east edge of Macomb, taking Grant Street in from the east to the high school. I pulled in the parking lot right around 5:45.

Before I hit the gym, I had to rearrange some equipment, packing an extension cord, and I forgot to add my digital recorder cord (to play my pregame interviews). Surprisingly as I entered the gym, there were not as many people as normal, though the place would fill up later, and it would be one of the largest crowds I've seen at MHS recently.

I had to make my routine basketball talk with Dennis Gordy, Macomb senior Matt Gordy's dad. Him and his wife Judy sit in the back row bleachers next to my phone jack at the gym. Always nice seeing familiar faces when going back to Macomb.

My broadcast partner, Jimmie Carr, beat me to the gym. He is also an early arriver at games like myself. He also gets the primo parking spaces, too. "Front row Jimmie". Also had talks with WJEQ Macomb Bomber broadcaster Kipp Jones, and WIU Men's Soccer coach Eric Johnson. My former K100 morning show partner Chris Smith also came up to chat. "Smitty" is the new Macomb Junior High wrestling coach, and he filled me in on their successful meet at Jacksonville.

With the throng of media from both Galesburg and Macomb, MHS athletic director Dave Bartlett stopped by and put another table next to ours for Galesburg Register-Mail sports writer Zach Creglow.

I was a little behind and did not have my scorebook filled out, so I quickly put the names into the book, so I could get my interviews in. Went down to talk with Macomb coach Danny Watson just before halftime of the JV game. The big question is how the Bombers will defend Victor Davis. "Grab him, hold him, no..." Watson joked about the game plan against the Silver Streaks big man.

After my chat with Danny, I returned back to the booth where WGIL's Jim Lee was talking with Jimmie. Despite being a competing station, Jim has always been a pleasure to work alongside. We both went down around the same time to talk with Galesburg coach Mike Reynolds. Jim was slightly quicker than me. While he was conducting the interview, I talked with assistant coach Steve Cheesman, and got his thoughts on the Charleston Holiday Tournament. The coaching staff seemed happy with their first year at Charleston, and thought highly of going back (not completely sure, but believe Galesburg has just a one-year contract at the tournament).

Near the end of halftime, I conducted my pregame with coach Reynolds. One of the talking points was about the addition of a big man at Macomb, Alex Heille. Coach Reynolds remarked he wasn't happy to learn that Heille's dad works in Galesburg, as they moved to Illinois from Texas. Reynolds also remarked about how he has faced a Danny Watson-coached team, when Reynolds was at Bismarck-Henning and played Macomb in the Riverton Shootout (a game I broadcasted a couple years ago).

The game started out a battle, with both teams trading baskets. Macomb jumped out to a two-point lead after one quarter (11-9). The Silver Streaks knocked down three, three-pointers in the second quarter. Garret Williams, Chad Thompson, and Victor Davis all hit three's. Galesburg led 24-21 at the break.

The Streaks outscored the Bombers 17-13 in the third quarter and led 41-34. Galesburg was able to sustain their lead, and down the hosts 56-45. Victor Davis scored 16 points, Brandon Thompson added 15 points, and Chad Thompson added 11 points. The Bombers got 16 points from Seth Wickert. Macomb had 17 turnovers, while the Streaks had 14 turnovers. Galesburg went (13-18) from the free throw line.

After the game, instead of updating the IHSSN scoreboard, I needed a break. I headed up to Buffalo Wild Wings for an unhealthy dinner to cap off my unhealthy day of eating. Here is the typical day for a 14-hour work day that consists of travel and five broadcasts.

The Road Warrior's Three-Unsquare Meal Day
Breakfast
Little Debbie Apple Pie & Coffee

Lunch
Andy Capp's White Cheddar Fries, Gummy Sharks, & Lemon-Lime Gatorade

Mid-Day Snack
Teriyaki Beef Jerky & Water

Dinner
Dozen Asian Zing wings (Buffalo Wild Wings) & a couple adult beverages

*And this is why my blood pressure rises in the winter months!

The Quest File Notes
Game 56
Date: 1/9/10
Result: Galesburg plays Macomb's style of game, wins 56-45
Miles: 3