The Inside Scoop

February 12, 2001

The last conference game between Quincy and East Moline was cancelled due to poor weather. According to Western Big 6 conference rules, each team is assessed a 1/2 win and 1/2 loss, however the outcome had no effect on the conference standings.

February 9, 2001

In one of the weirdest situations of the year thus far, the game between Galesburg and Moline was moved from Wharton Fieldhouse to United Township High School in East Moline due to several leaks in the Wharton Feildhouse roof. 5 1/2 minutes into the sophomore contest play was halted and deemed as an unplayable surface. The sophomore game was moved to Moline High School while the varsity was moved to East Moline.

Shhhhhhh. It's a secret. The GHS sophomores are Western Big 6 champions once again. The sophomores finish in a tie with Alleman, and Moline for the conference title this year. Galesburg's title was its first since the 1996-97 season when they won the conference title last and its fourth title since 1990 (winning titles in 1993, 1994, and 1997). The sophomore game last night started in Wharton Feildhouse but was moved to Moline High School due to a leaky roof at Wharton. The hand check laced game was about as inconsistently officiated last night as the sophomore results have been reported by some of the local media all year. Strange but true. Indifference, ignorance, or incompetence? Compared to other sophomore teams and many of the freshman and junior high teams, the coverage of the sophomore girls basketball by some of the media outlets during the year has been inconsistent despite results being provided to them in a timely fashion and reporters from the local media being there to cover the game. Congratulations girls but, Shhhhhhhh. It's a secret.

IHSA tournament action begins Monday as Galesburg takes on Princeton in Galesburg in the opening round of the regional tournament. Game time is 7:30pm.

February 4, 2001

Galesburg finished off its home portion of the regular season by beating Burlington, IA who are ranked #18 in Iowa's Class 4A (largest schools) 59-41. Galesburg moves to 24-6 on the year with one game left, Thursday at Moline.

The GHS sophomores also won Saturday improving to 18-3 on the year. Galesburg showed great balance in the scoring column again by having five players score 8 points or more.

February 2, 2001

Galesburg's win over #3 (Class A) ranked Rock Island Alleman in Rock Island last night gave the Streaks the Western Big 6 championship outright. Galesburg placed 4 players in double figures in the 13 point win.

The GHS sophomores clinched at least a share of the Western Big 6 conference title avenging a five point double overtime loss (78-73) earlier in the year to Alleman. Neither team led by more than 6 points in the contest as Galesburg used a stingy defense by giving up only 9 points in the second half and holding Alleman to 24% shooting on the night.

January 26, 2001

Galesburg clinched at least a share of the Western Big 6 Conference championship with its win over East Moline last night. With two league games to go and both of them on the road, the win was a significant one to get. Galesburg's remaining conference games are at Alleman and at Moline.

January 23, 2001

This Thursday, GHS plans to honor its seniors by celebrating Senior Night in a Western Big 6 confrence game vs. East Moline. Seniors Nikki Berry, Rachel Bicego, Shanell Jackson, Morgan McCune, Sarah Pacheco, and Ashley Shepherd will all be recognized prior to game time. Thank you seniors for all your hard work and leadership.

January 19, 2001

Galesburg moved into sole possession of first place in the Western Big 6 conference race with their win last night over Rock Island and Alleman's win last night over East Moline. Galesburg can clinch at least a tie for the conference title with a win over East Moline next Thursday in Galesburg.

The GHS sophomores kept pace with Alleman for the league lead with its win over Rock Island last night. Galesburg's Brittany Stephan and Allison Bauchman both posted double double's for the Streaks while Jenna Bicego just missed on her double double by tallying 9 points and 10 assists.

Galesburg returns to action Saturday, traveling to Sterling for a makeup game from December. Game time is 1:00 pm.

January 16, 2001

Galesburg claimed the title in its own Martin Luther King Tournament by going 5-0 during tournament play. The following teams finished with the following records:

Galesburg 5-0
Limestone 4-1
Geneseo 3-2
Peoria Notre Dame 2-3
Freeport 1-4
Dunlap 0-5

The following players were selected to the all-tournament team:

Erin Bicker, Freeport
Chelsie Johnson, Dunlap
Emily Markovich, Peoria Notre Dame
Sarah Pacheco, Galesburg
Angela Vollmer, Limestone
Shannon Williams, Galesburg
Shannon Winne, Peoria Notre Dame
Amber Wisdom, Geneseo

The GHS sophomores, although going 3-0 during the Macomb Sophomore Tournament, did not come away with the tournament title. Quincy Notre Dame, (3-0), was named tournament champion based on fewest points given up during the tournament.

Freshman Jenna Bicego has become the sophomore season leader in assists. The GHS freshman dished out 6 assists in a win over Limestone Monday morning and then passed for 9 more in a hard fought win over Rock Island Monday afternoon. Bicego has a total of 101 assists on the year and is currently 4th on the list of all-time assist leaders. She needs 77 more assists to become the all-time leader at the sophomore level.

The Streaks return to action Thursday to take on the Rock Island Rocks in Rock Island.

January 14, 2001

At the Macomb Sophomore Tournament, freshman Jenna Bicego was just one assist off the sophomore record of 12 assists in a game, a record held by Maggie Johnson and Susie Glasgow, recording 11 vs. Macomb. In her young career, the freshman already has 86 assists on the season, only ten off the sophomore career mark of 96 held by Glasgow set in the 1992-3 season.

January 11, 2001

Pending approval of the IHSA, the Dixon Sectional was seeded as the following:

1. Galesburg 15-5
2. Moline 17-4
3. East Moline 14-4
4. Sterling 15-3
5. Geneseo 12-5
6. Rochelle 10-5
7. LaSalle-Peru 8-6
8. DeKalb 8-8
9. Ottawa
10. Rock Island
11. Sycamore
12. Kaneland
13. Dixon
14. Freeport
15. Streator
16. Princeton

If the seeding holds true, Galesburg will play Princeton on Monday, February 12, 2001 at Thiel Gym.

The Streaks travel to Quincy tonight to face the Blue Devils.

January 9, 2001

The GHS sophomores have played just once since December 19, 2000, a span of 25 days, but will return to action this Thursday when both the sophomores and varsity travel to Quincy to take on the Blue Devils. Game time is currently scheduled for 6:00 pm.

The schedule for the Macomb Sophomore Tournament has been released. Galesburg will play Canton at 9:30 am and Macomb at 12:30 pm on Saturday, January 13, 2001. Galesburg will also play Rock Island at 3:30 pm on Monday, January 15, 2001.

Due to the cancellation of the sophomore game with Freeport on Saturday, January 13, 2001, Galesburg will play the Limestone sophomore team on Monday, January 15, 2001 at 10:00 am in Thiel gym prior to the Monday sesson of the Galesburg Martin Luther King Tournament.

Former Silver Streak Stefanie Mitchell made an appearnce yesterday at the Streaks' practice. Stef reports that she is finished with her degree at the Univeristy of Missouri and will be playing on the Futures Tour beginning in March. She is continuing her pursuit of a career on the LPGA golf tour. Good Luck Stef!

January 8, 2001

Saturday's sophomore game with Freeport was cancelled due to a miscommunication about the contract set for this weekend. No date was set to reschedule at this time.

January 5, 2001

Galesburg improved to 13-5 and took sole possession of first place in the Western Big 6 conference with a 13 point win over 12th ranked Moline Thursday night. The win was important not only for the conference standings but should help improve Galesburg's seeding in the Dixon sectional complex which will be seeded Wednesday, January 10 at Dixon High School.

The GHS sophomores beat previously unbeaten Moline in the sophomore contest improving their record to 8-2 and moved them in to a first place tie with Moline and Alleman in the conference standings (4-1). Galesburg built a 10 point lead in the 4th quarter only to see Moline charge back but miss a final attempt at the buzzer to send the game to overtime. The win marked the first time since a 54-43 win on December 12, 1996, that the Streaks have posted a win over the Moline sophomores.

Galesburg returns to action Saturday playing sectional opponents Freeport (12:00) and Geneseo (7:30) as part of the Martin Luther King tournament.

The sophomores also play Saturday vs. Freeport (2:30) in Wicall Gym.

December 31, 2000

After going 3-2 at the State Farm Holiday Classic, Galesburg ends the 2000 portion of its season at 12-5. Galesburg had a promising start to the Classic posting big wins over Rantoul, and Chatham-Glenwood, and then beat a tough Geneseo team by three. Galesburg then gave a game away to Urbana. After leading by 19 points in the third quarter, Galesburg made several unforced errors to hand Urbana the win. In the final game vs. Rochester, Galesburg playing without Sarah Pacheco, overcame a slow start but weren't able to finish and lost by 5.

The tournament proved costly for the Streaks as senior Sarah Pacheco was injured during tournament play. Pacheco is diagnosed with a deep bruise to her right hip and will be sidelined for some time. At this time, it is undetermined as to when Pacheco will return.

Sarah Pacheco was named to the State Farm Holiday Classic All-Tournament team. Congratulations Sarah!

Galesburg returns to action Thursday, January 4, 2001 vs. Moline at Galesburg.

December 19, 2000

Saturday's postponement of the Sterling game has been rescheduled for Saturday January 20, 2001 at Sterling.

As of late last week, due to a scheduling conflict, WGIL's Tom Meridith will miss tonight's game with Peoria Manual. Former Streak play by play man Neil Myer was scheduled to fill in for the missing Meridith tonight. Tune in.

Tonight's game will be the last until December 27, when the Streaks take on Rantoul at the State Farm Holiday Classic.

December 15, 2000

Moline's overtime win over East Moline creates a three way tie for the conference lead between Moline, East Moline, and Galesburg.

The sophomores lost a double overtime game to Alleman. The hot shooting contest had both teams shooting over 50% from the field.

Saturday's scheduled game at Sterling features a red hot Sterling team that has yet to lose a game (8-0). Game time is 12:00.

December 10, 2000

The seedings for the State Farm Holiday Classic were released this morning and Galesburg received the #2 seed and will play #15 Rantoul on December 27, 2000, at 7:30 pm in Redbird Arena. For more information on the tournament as well as other pairings go to the State Farm Holiday Classic.

December 3, 2000

Friday's trip to see the Bulls and Knicks offered the three Streaks' captains an opportunity to get on the floor at the United Center. Sarah Pacheco, Rachel Bicego and Shanell Jackson were all selected to compete in a (giant inflated ball) shooting contest vs. three other men spectators during a second quarter time-out. Not only did the girls win (7-3), but according to the Bulls announcer, Ray Clay, they scored more points in the competition than any other group ever had (7)

The girls' appearence on the United Center floor marks the third time Streaks players have been invited down to the court. Jenny Zolper (Dec. 1996) participated in a spin and win contest and won, and Molly Watson (Jan. 14, 1997), along with two other girls, participated in a three point shooting contest and won. Pacheco, Bicego, and Jackson's victory not only marks the third time Streaks' players have been invited on to the court, but also marks the third victory in time-out/halftime contest competition. Maybe Jerry Krause should contact Evan Massey and ask what the secret is.

As enjoyable as the Bulls game was, the weekend was not as successful as hoped. The Bulls lost by 5, the sophomores lost by 5, and the varsity lost by 5.

December 1, 2000

Galesburg placed five players in double figures in the win over Rock Island. Three were starters and two were reserves.

November 28, 2000

Tickets are still available to see the Chicago Bulls play the New York Knicks on Friday, December 1, 2000. For information, call Evan Massey at 342-8270, or the GHS Athletic office at 343-9830. The tickets are part of the Streaks first road trip of the year playing at Maine South on Saturday, December 2, 2000.

November 26, 2000

The following players were selected to the Streaks Classic all-tournament team:

Jessica Cook-Rockridge
Brittney Daugherty-Peoria (HS)
Molly Hardesty-Peoria (Richwoods)
Valerie Huls-Carthage
Brittney Jordan-Peoria (HS)
Megan McCracken-Rock Island (Alleman)
Sarah Pacheco-Galesburg
Ashley Shepherd-Galesburg

Congratulations to all players.

Congratulations also go out to Coach Evan Massey, as he was selected to the GHS Athletic Hall of Fame Saturday evening; and congratulations to former Silver Streak Ann Henderson who was also elected to the GHS Athletic Hall of Fame making her the youngest member inducted to the Hall of Fame.

Several former Streaks were in attendence over the holiday weekend, including: Ann Henderson, Jen Wright, Megan Pacheco, Jenny Zolper, Sarah Larson, Katie McGunnigal, Jaque Howard, Teresa Powell, Ami Pendry, Sara Wood, and Michelle Mundy to name a few.

November 20, 2000

The following article appeared in Jay Redfern's insider column on Saturday, November 18, 2000.

By JAY REDFERN Register-Mail Assistant Sports Editor

It’s more than the 30-win seasons and conference championships. Sure, the trips to state are nice, but being a Galesburg Silver Streaks girls basketball player is much more than being able wear a state medal, or two, or three around your neck.
Ask most — not all — ex-Streaks, and they’ll tell you being a GHS girls basketball player is an experience they’ll never forget. Ask their parents, and they’ll tell you the same thing.
So just as Bonny Apsey, Sara Wood, Molly Watson, Sarah Larson, Jaque Howard and dozens of other former players miss being a part of Streaks girls basketball, so do their parents. And just like many of those former players stay close to the program, so do their parents.
It’s probably not unique to girls basketball, but you sure do see a lot of ex-Streaks’ parents coming back to GHS girls basketball games, don’t you?
“Once you’re a part of it for four years, you just keep on going,” said Rudy Aten, father of ex-Streak Heather Aten (1990-93). “You can go to games, and parents of girls who played 10 years ago are there.
“Personally, my daughter got so much out of the program, and I know I’m not alone in that situation.”
Peggy Watson has watched her daughter Molly (1993-97) earn a full-ride scholarship to the University of DePaul and play a key role for one of the most respected collegiate women’s programs in the Midwest.
“But her days at GHS were just a wonderful experience,” she said. “There’s such wonderful team chemistry that it’s like a family situation.
“I don’t think the girls realize it until they get away. Molly has had a great time at DePaul, but it’s hard to recapture what she had with Coach (Evan) Massey at Galesburg. It’s just not the same after you leave high school. I knew it was special when Molly was there, but I probably appreciate it even more, now.”
Don’t think Massey doesn’t see the parents of ex-players in the stands.
“The bottom line is that I think most of them just want to help make it as positive of an experience as they can for all the girls,” said Massey. “I think some of the parents are just appreciative of how other adults supported their daughters, and they want to give the same thing back to the girls who are playing now.”
One of the many positive influences in the Streaks program is assistant coach Steve Peachey.
“There’s a lot of emotion in our program, and it’s easy to fall in love and get close to what’s going on,” said Peachey. “I think the parents feel like they’re part of the program, too.”
The parents of ex-Streaks Bonny Apsey (1992-95) and Sara Wood (1992-96) follow the Streaks home and away.
“First, the style the girls play reminds me a lot of the style I grew up watching the boys play around Galesburg,” said Steve Apsey, Bonny’s father. “It’s fun to watch.
“But then, having watched Bonny go through it, you see the total team effort and sacrifice the players and coaches give. I don’t think the average fan understands the commitment.”
Sharon Apsey, Bonny’s mother, came up with the idea of putting two signs around town, serving as a countdown to the start of each GHS girls basketball season.
“We wanted to get the girls some publicity when Bonny was playing, and it’s just turned into an every year thing,” Steve Apsey said of the signs located at EconoFoods on East Main St., and at the corner of Linwood Road and Losey.
Massey noted parents of several ex-Streaks, including the Apseys, have also remained silent contributors to the program. Some donate money to put up state banners in Thiel Gym and help fund overnight trips to Chicago, and others help organize fan buses to road games.
“A lot of people help behind the scenes,” said Steve Apsey. “To us, it’s just a way to give back to the program which has given so much to our family.”
Dave and Sandy Wood had never been to a GHS girls game until Sara joined the Streaks her freshman year. “We had never even thought about going,” said Dave Wood. “But you sort of build a relationship with the team and the coaches. “And let’s face it, everybody likes to watch a winner. It’s good basketball.”
What a refreshing break from the negative letters to the editor, unfavorable comments on sports radio talk shows, and public character bashing that goes on in all sports, including GHS girls basketball.
“Obviously, not every girl who plays for us has a great experience, but more often than not, they do,” said Peachey. “And what’s great about the parents who come back, even after their daughters graduate, is there are no strings attached. It’s supportive parents doing it the right way, saying we believe in you.”

November 13, 2000

The following article appeared in Jay Redfern's insider column on Saturday, November 11, 2000.

By JAY REDFERN of The Register-Mail
GALESBURG — Whitney Snyder stands by her decision to not play college basketball. But that hasn’t stopped the former Silver Streaks standout from being part of a college basketball team. And, now she even gets paid to be around the sport she loves.
A freshman at the University of Iowa, Snyder landed what she claims is the perfect campus job — team manager for the Hawkeyes women’s basketball program.
“I absolutely love it,” said the 2000 GHS grad who was back in Thiel Gym last week to watch her former team in their Meet the Streaks scrimmage. “It kind of fills the whole basketball void. It’s kind of like a profession, and that’s cool.
“It’s a job, but a job that I love. I get paid to do what I love, and that’s to be on a basketball team.”
Some people might wonder about the transition of going from the celebrity status granted to Streaks girls basketball players to the relatively anonymous role of team manger.
“People ask me all the time if it’s hard on my pride going from player to manager,” said Snyder, a four-year varsity performer whose name is dotted throughout the Streaks girls record book. “And I really don’t know how to explain it, but the answer is no. I’ve just moved to the next level and I have a different role.
“But it’s definitely different, because I’m used to being in the spotlight in Galesburg. Now, I have an unnoticed role on the team, and that’s fine, because I knew once my playing days were over, that’s the way it would be.”
As a team manager, Snyder handles many of the duties one would associate with the position. All four team managers also get to travel with the Hawkeyes for road games.
“During practice, we do things like run the clock, get balls for drills and even step in and help in some drills. We also help with office work like mailing out recruit letters.”
But she quickly pointed out, “We don’t do water and we don’t do laundry, that’s up to the trainers and the equipment managers.”
Sndyer admits her basketball background helps with her managerial duties. “A lot of times we’re asked to step in on drills, and at least I know what they’re doing,” she said.
Which leads to the obvious question: Does Sndyer think she could play at the college level? “You can’t help but wonder if you can play at this level,” she said. “And I’ve played against girls the caliber they have at Iowa, but now, they’re all on the same team. This is a totally different level of basketball.”
Snyder said she had Thursday’s Meet the Streaks scrimmage marked on her calendar for some time. Even if it meant a lengthy drive from Iowa City on a school night.
“With our schedule at Iowa, I knew I wouldn't be able to get to a Galesburg game before January, and that kills me,” she said. “So I thought I better at least come to Meet the Streaks.”

Sitting in the bleachers watching many of the girls she played with just several months ago, it was obvious Snyder was having a tough time watching instead of playing.
“I was in the lockerroom talking to the girls before the scrimmage, but I had to get out of there,” she said. “I couldn’t stand it. It’s just hard not being apart of it anymore.
“I miss it so much, I really do. But I’m glad I made the decision I did. I wanted to go to college to be a student, and not an athlete.” And how about a prediction for the 2000-2001 Silver Streaks? “Every year, you never count the Streaks out,” said Snyder. “It’s a dynasty, and I’m proud to have been a part of it. This year’s team isn’t about to give up on what we and the girls before us built.
“We’re always going to be Galesburg, and opposing teams always have to beat Galesburg.”

November 4, 2000

Meet the Streaks is scheduled for Thursday, November 9, 2000. Freshman begin at 6:00, with the sophomores taking the floor at approximately 6:45 and the varsity going at 7:45.

October 31, 2000

Coach Evan Massey welcomed 16 varsity candidates to yesterday's early morning opening practice. The following article appeared in yesterday's Register-Mail.

By TOM LOEWY of The Register-Mail
GALESBURG — While many college basketball programs opened the first practice of the season with a Midnight Madness celebration, the Galesburg girls team gathered Monday to experienced a dose of what could be called Sunrise Psychosis.
The Silver Streaks season officially started at 6:30 a.m., on the first day schools in the Illinois High School Association are allowed to practice.
Galesburg opens its season Friday, Nov. 17 against Peoria Richwoods in John Thiel Gymnasium.
“We started morning practices six or seven years ago,” said Galesburg coach Evan Massey. “We have morning practices today and tomorrow (Tuesday) and then we’re done with the morning schedule.”
The focus of the morning sessions is on skill development. “In the morning, we do a lot of skill things, like shooting,” Massey said. “In the afternoon, we have a regular practice. We don’t do a lot of conditioning in terms of setting aside time at the end of practice. “They get the conditioning they need in the drill work and the practice. We kind of phase into that (conditioning).”
Though Massey and assistant Steve Peachey were up early, the duo still had a sense of humor.
“I come for the doughnuts,” Peachey cracked.
“Actually, its a challenge just to get Peachey up this early two days in a row,” Massey said.
Galesburg senior Rachel Bicego, a member of last season’s 34-4 team, claimed she didn’t sleep well knowing the first practice was on the morning’s horizon.
“I set my alarm for 5:15 a.m., but I was up by 5 a.m.,” Bicego said. “I didn’t sleep well at all. I was really excited for this practice ... I was ready to get going.
“This practice tells us that it is time to get ready. This is an instant wake-up call.”
Bicego’s attitude, if not in-born, has certainly been instilled by the Streaks’ success. Galesburg finished fourth in the state last March and have a string of five-straight state appearances.
“This (morning practices) are another way of trying to send the players the message that winning isn’t easy,” Massey said. “To be successful, you have to be willing to give a little extra.”

The sophomores and freshmen welcomed 14 and 16 candidates to their respective opening camps.

October 5, 2000

Welcome back! Check out the updated schedules, media guide, and your opportunity to vote for what you think is the greatest Streaks' game ever. We'd love to hear from you! Opening Day is October 30th!