Season Recap -- 1997-1998

Galesburg climaxed its season for the third straight year at Redbird Arena, extending a string of successes that began building over a decade ago. Galesburg finished 27-6 and have won 20 or more games for 11 straight seasons while claiming four straight super-sectional appearances. The Silver Streaks are coming off third and fourth place finishes in the most recent state tournaments.

"A lot of people probably weren't expecting big things from us," Evan Massey said of his 20th year as Galesburg coach.

Especially after All-State point guard Molly Watson left for DePaul and top returnee Melanie Pendergrass lost her senior season to a knee injury. But a hard-working group of underclassman have produced the fourth-winningest season in school history.

The Streaks were led by junior Sarah Larson, a 5-11 post player who averaged 21 points and 11.5 rebounds. Also providing much of the team's firepower was 5-9 sophomore Megan Pacheco, who can play inside or out, while averaging 16.1 points and 5.4 rebounds. Other starters were 5-9 junior Jenny Zolper, 5-4 sophomores Jaque Howard, and 5-7 guard Michelle Flaar, who all experienced last year's trip to Normal.

Despite their familiarity with Redbird Arena, where they also won the Holiday Classic Tournament this winter, the Streaks are still thrilled with the experience.

"You just want to go back that much more," said Larson, who is here for the third straight year. "Once you get a taste of it, it stays with you forever."

-Mike Trueblood of the Galesburg Register-Mail

97-98 Season File

97-98 Schedule
97-98 Freshman Schedule
Varsity Results and Big Six Standings
Sophomore Results and Big Six Standings
Streaks varsity player.
Streaks sophomore player.
97-98 inside scoop
1997-98 Final Illinois Class AA Girls AP Poll