By John Ring
Published November 18, 2021 in The Burg
2021 record: 12-6
Coach: Evan Massey, 43rd season. Career record of 943-372. Assistant Coaches are Lexi Daniels, Mike Rux and Josh Biddle.
Roster
Grace Nelson 5’2” Sr
Abby Davidson 6’1” Sr
Kiarra Kilgore 5’8” So
Kaydence Lydic 5’7” Sr
Juniper Schwartzman 5’10” Jr
Capre Ferguson 5’7’ Jr
Abbe Lingafelter 5’9” Sr
Lilly Clark 5’4” Jr
Alexis Ferguson 5’4” So
Kayla Pendergast 5’9” Jr
Antonia Kisler 5’7” So
Syriah Boyd 5’7” So
Addison Peck 5’11” So
Summary: The Streaks bolted off to an 8-0 start in the abbreviated season last spring but then point guard Riley Jenkins was injured and lost for the season. Losing their four-year point guard crippled the team and they finished 4-6 without her. There were no in-season tournaments and no state tournaments. The Streaks played all of their home games at the Fieldhouse. Basically, the season was a washout but they got to play.
Graduation Losses: Galesburg lost Jenkins and Lauren Livingston who combined for about 24 points per game and also Audree Peck, a key inside player and guard Lily Hudgins.
Outlook: The Silver Streaks return two starters in Lydic and Davidson and their first player off the bench last year in Kilgore. Add Lingafelter into the mix and there’s four starters.
Point Guard Question: Nelson and Ferguson both struggled last year after Jenkins went down and they are the prime candidates to fill the job. Nelson has more experience while Ferguson is quicker and more of an athlete. But the Streaks offense struggled and they lost 6 of their last 10 games.
Strengths: The inside play of Davidson and Lingafelter, who is a good-passing post player.
Davidson is a force in the post. Kilgore could emerge as a pretty good player this season; she can play virtually anywhere on the court and got better as the season went on. She’s All-Conference material. Lydic plays good defense and worked on her shot during the off season.
“Kaydence has been a solid performer the last two years,” said Massey. “She often guards the best player on every team and her quickness and grit have allowed her to be a great defender. She’s an improved offensive player and is playing with tremendous confidence.”
More on Kilgore: “She picked up confidence as the season went on last year,” said Coach Massey. “By the end of the season, she became one of our offensive options. She’s versatile and brings toughness to the court and that can make her a great player.”
Concerns: Point guard. Jenkins established herself as one of the best in Silver Streak history and both Nelson and Ferguson struggled. “it was a tough situation for both of them because of the shortened season,” said Massey. “ There wasn’t an opportunity to practice but they showed a real toughness. While it was tough, it will help them this year.”
Summer of ‘21: 15 Silver Streaks regularly participated in the summer basketball program for Coach Massey. “We hope to apply good pressure in both the full and half court and we have a deep group of guards,” said Coach Massey. “This summer, their quickness on defense was able to impact games. They seem to have recognized that this is a strength and are willing to work on the defensive end.”
* * * * * * *
Player to Watch: Davidson. She injured her knee during her freshman season, missed her entire sophomore year and came back as a junior. “She had a good junior season but it was like starting over for her,” said Coach Massey. “This summer, she played with much more energy and confidence. She has spent this Fall in the weight room and is significantly stronger.”
Must-See Games at Thiel Gym: Quincy, because they are Quincy.
Western Big 6 Update: The always-tough Western Big 6 got stronger two years ago with the addition of Geneseo and Sterling. Galesburg has won 13 Big 6 titles (the most of any school) and last won it in 2007 when they were undefeated Big 6 champions.