Game 42: Galesburg @ United Township (Girl's Basketball)

Game 42
Galesburg @ United Township (Girl's Basketball)
12/9/10

Back pain, back pain, back pain. For some reason, some (at times) unbearable back pain took over throughout the day. Most of the day it was uncomfortable, but once I would get out of my chair, I almost fell to the floor with weakness in my right leg. It all began yesterday with some back discomfort, and morphed into some super pain today. The extent of my physical labor on an average day consists of carrying a duffle bag filled with headsets and broadcast equipment, though it can get pretty hairy at the fax machine sometimes.



Tonight's game means a lot in the Western Big 6 race. After seeing five of the six conference teams, United Township and Galesburg are certainly two of the top teams in the league. Rock Island is also in that mix. I hate putting Moline 4th in the league, but that could potentially be where they fall. Surely, the Maroons will make a fool out of this prediction!

Funniest Sign Sighting: Outside of a tavern in Viola, a sign (written in pretty horrible hand writing) read; "Dysfunkional Christmas Party."

My arrival at the gym came a few minutes before 5:00, and took my place at the far end of the auxilary gym at United Township High School in East Moline. The main scoreboard (with the personal fouls) is right above this location, but it is a better spot than the other location. Across the gym, where the WGIL broadcast will be, has to deal with a lot of foot traffic walking into the gym (it is right next to the doors), PLUS the UTHS band performs nearest that location, which is the opposite corner as our location. On top of that, the scoreboard situation isn't bad, because we can still look up and behind us, seeing the foul situation.

I conducted both pregame interviews during the sophomore game. First, I spoke with UTHS coach Justin Shiltz, then Galesburg coach Evan Massey. Massey and I also discussed our blogs, and the days of higher traffic. He mentioned that he gets the most views on the pages of his interviews with the players.

It was a different look offense for the Silver Streaks, attempting only three, three-pointers in the entire first half. Usually, Galesburg has attempted three three-pointers in the first posession. The team finished 3-17 from outside the arc.

Galesburg jumped out to a 21-18 lead after the first quarter, and trailed 43-42 at halftime. The Panthers got into foul trouble in the first half, picking up 11 fouls. UTHS coach Justin Shiltz also picked up a technical foul in the first half.

It was an entirely different second half, as UTHS outscored the Streaks 20-15 in the 3rd quarter, and the teams each scored 13 points in the 4th quarter. Galesburg made a nice run late in the game, but fell short, losing 76-71.

With the loss, coupled with Rock Island's 53-44 win over Moline, there is a four-way tie atop the Western Big 6 standings. Galesburg, Moline, Rock Island, and United Township are each 2-1 in the league.

Van-What??? The Panthers have some names that certainly have a way off the tongue. My favorite name to say has been junior guard, Abby Vandeventer. Not Van-duh-venter, as it looks. It rolls off your tongue like this: Van-dee-ven-der. How about the sophomores, Jen and Jamie VanWatermeulen.

Mikayla Fallon scored a game-high 21 points for UTHS, while Kiana Brady added 16 points. Jessica Howard led Galesburg with 17 points, and Jamie Johnson added 15 points.

Game 42 Miles: 166