Game 46: Galesburg @ Metamora (Boy's Basketball)

Game 46
Galesburg @ Metamora (Boy's Basketball)
12/11/10

The talk of the last several days has been an impending blizzard. Throughout Saturday, it looked as though we would get just what was predicted. Snowfall expected between 2-8 inches, 60 mph wind gusts, and bitterly cold wind chills. Fortunately, it was not scheduled to hit the area until after midnight.

Jimmie Carr and I made the trip over to Metamora, in a cold December rain. In fact, my rear view mirror had frozen over from the rain. The roads were clear, and it as a quick trip to Metamora.



Before we left Galesburg, I asked Jimmie if he knew how to get to Metamora, meaning the high school. For some reason, Garmin did not have the high school listed. In fact, many high schools are not listed..not sure why. He assured me he did.

When we pulled into Metamora, Jimmie says; "When I said I knew how to get to Metamora...I just meant the town, not the school."

Troubleshooting Methods in Finding High Schools
1) Stadium lights. I just look out for high school football field lights, and this can work at times.
2) Signs. An obvious answer. Just find a sign on main street pointing you to the school.
3) Follow Heavy Traffic. This only works in small towns, follow a group of two or three or more cars, and chances are they are going to the school.
4) Gas Station. When all else fails...I break down and ask the cashier at a gas station.

Method #2 was used to find Metamora High School. A green sign directing us to turn left, and we arrived at the school in plenty of time.

The main "North" gym would not be the setting for this game, as we would use the "South" gym. Someone at the school mentioned the South gym actually sat 100 more spectators in the newer gym, despite it looking smaller. Also, word was that coach Jim Youngman likes using the older gym because it has spotlights for the player introductions.

Our broadcast setup was right behind the scorer's table and Galesburg bench. Normally, I don't like these setups, but this was great because we were right behind the Silver Streaks bench. Plus, the crowd wasn't that large on our side, so it wasn't too loud.

Galesburg jumped out to a 14-12 lead after the first quarter, but Metamora came charging back in front of a large hometown crowd. The Redbirds led 31-26 at halftime. During our halftime show, Jimmie interviewd Joey Range (recorded the night before), talking about his time with the Silver Streaks, and taking Galesburg to a Class AA state championship in 1998. They also talked about two other guys that Range played against, Quentin Richardson and Corey Maggette.

Early in the 4th quarter, Metamora looked to cruise to a victory. The Redbirds led 48-35. Then...a Galesburg run began, after the Streaks picked up a couple technical fouls in the 3rd quarter. One on head coach Mike Reynolds, the other on Chad Thompson. The Streaks went on a run, and took advantage of Metamora's missed free throws.

During the first three quarters, Metamora was 7-9 from the free throw line. With the game on the line throughout the fourth quarter, the hosts went just 6-14 from the line.

Reserve Chad Johnson, who had come off the bench "cold," hit a huge three-pointer that pulled the Streaks to within five points. With 0:09.2 to play, Johnson fouled Brett McKinney out at halfcourt, sending him to the line shooting two free throws in a tie game, 55-55. McKinney made one of the two free throws, giving Metamora the 56-55 lead. Galesburg's Brandon Thompson went coast-to-coast and layed in a partially tipped basket to give the Streaks the 57-56 lead. Metamora attempted about a 25-foot three-pointer that hit off the rim, securing Galesburg's wild come-from-behind win on the road. Thompson finished with 20 points, and Ryan McElmurry added 12 points. Kyle Heck led Metamora with 14 points and Chris Donner added 12 points for Metamora.

Watch Out For: Tien Chen (6'4" So.). He did not play in the varsity game, but had some impressive skills during the sophomore game. He could become a standout for the Redbirds.

Injury Report: Metamora's Colt Schneider (6'9" Sr.) remains out with an injury, and is still on crutches.

Game 46 Miles: 180

Goal: After 4 weeks, I am at 30.7% of the goal.