Game 138: Galesburg vs. Sterling (Girl's Basketball)

Class 3A Regional Championship @ Geneseo

Game 138
Galesburg vs. Sterling (Girl's Basketball)
Class 3A Regional Championship (@ Geneseo)
(2/17/11)

A regional championship is on the line at Geneseo, pitting the Galesburg Silver Streaks and Sterling Golden Warriors.  It was a good day away from the office, allowing me to catch up on some things at home.  I also made the decision in the afternoon to save some miles and stay in Annawan after the game, instead of driving all the way back to Macomb, and then back up north on Friday morning.



I received an email from Greg Smith, saying that I had given him the wrong title in the previous blog this week.  He is not the technology coordinator, but the press box manager. 

Before going to Geneseo High School, I made a stop at the radio station to pick up the equipment and get some last minute notes printed for the broadcast.  As I pulled up to the school, I noticed Jimmie Carr's vehicle was already parked.  He beat me to to the gym.  Jimmie and I joke about parking spots, as you will see his car parked closer than anyone.  Even though he beat me tonight, I had the last laugh, finding a spot right outside the front door. 

He was sitting in the gym when I arrived, and no one else was around.  There were a couple people milling around the building, but not much action.  Jimmie said that there was nobody there when he arrived. 

We were located on the opposite side of the press box for this game, next to stats keeper Seth Peachey and filmer Anna Barshinger.  Sterling had a radio station on the other side, with the WGIL broadcasters.  I noticed that we had a special spot.  For those that know "Mr. Geneseo" Jesse Dobbels, he has his own reserved seat at the gym.

Jesse Dobbels' spot at Geneseo High School

Once I finished filling out the score book, I talked with Sterling head coach Julie Schroeder.  I was able to see the Golden Warriors twice at their tournament right before Christmas.  It is a great tournament and have attended the past two seasons, and will continue to mark it on my calendar.  The tournament consists of the hosts, Montini, Richwoods, Moline, Freeport, and Hononegah. 

Schroeder said she would be playing an eight-girl rotation. 

Sterling Starting Lineup
Nicole Renner (5'4" Sr. Guard)
Aleena Hammelman (5'8" Jr. Guard)
Lauren Hernandez (5'8" Sr. Guard)
Angie Minnick (5'8" Sr. Forward)
Steph Echebarria (5'8" Sr. Forward)

In looking for coach Massey, I sat with Pete Thierry and Ray Pickrel.  Pete is known for delivering candy to the players.  He called over manager Sarah Main to deliver candy to players.  He gave a box of Mike & Ike's to Sadee Hamilton and gum for the rest of the players.  Sarah said the girls were looking for gum earlier. 

Massey was in the opposite corner of the gym, so I walked over and conducted the pregame interview. 

Galesburg Starting Lineup
Tai Peachey (5'6" Sr. Guard)
Jessica Howard (5'7" Sr. Guard)
Megan Young (5'6" Sr. Guard)
Mickey Rodriguez (5'6" Sr. Guard)
Jamie Johnson (5'9" Sr. Forward)

Sophomore Allison Mangieri advanced in the three-point shootout for the Silver Streaks, the only Galesburg player that moved on from the first round.  She knocked down eight, most of the field, and advances to the Metamora Sectional to shoot.

The Silver Streaks jumped out to a big lead, 20-12 after the first quarter.  Jamie Johnson had nine points in the first eight minutes.  Galesburg continued the hot shooting offense and led Sterling 43-28 at halftime.  Johnson had 15 points at the break. 

The shots went cold in the 3rd quarter, and the Golden Warriors were able to out-rebound Galesburg.  The Streaks only scored 8 points in the 3rd quarter, and 6 of those points came on back-to-back posessions.  Galesburg picked up four offensive rebounds, which led to a Jessica Lieber three-pointer.  On the ensuing in-bound, Tai Peachey came up with a steal.  The Streaks had another offensive rebound, and it led to a Peachey three.  Sterling kept fighting, and it was 51-46 in favor of the Streaks heading into the 4th quarter.

In the final frame, Sterling was able to pull within one point in the final seconds, 53-52.  The Golden Warriors had the basketball down one, but a Lauren Hernandez three-pointer rimmed out.  Jessica Howard got the rebound and was fouled, making both free throws.  The Silver Streaks escaped with a 55-52 win, and won their first Regional championship since the 2006-07 season.

Johnson finished with a game-high 17 points, and Jessica Lieber added 10 points.  Sterling's Sloane Wolfe scored a team-high 12 points, while Aleena Hammelman added 10 points.  Sterling shot just 5-13 from the free throw line, while Galesburg went 10-14.  The Silver Streaks had 13 turnovers, and forced 20 turnovers.

Jimmie Carr & Jamie Johnson

Jimmie Carr & Jessica Howard

After the game, Jimmie Carr spoke with seniors Jamie Johnson and Jessica Howard. 

After packing up, I headed to Annawan to stay at Mom & Dad's Bed & Breakfast. 

Game 138 Miles:  113