In another of its final tuneups before the postseason, the Galesburg girls basketball team rolled past United Township 64-33 in its final regular-season home game.
The win marked the Silver Streaks’ third consecutive victory by more than 30 points and improved Galesburg to 25-3 overall and 11-2 in the Western Big 6 Conference, one game behind Quincy, which has one conference game remaining against the 4-25 Panthers.
Despite the recent string of blowout wins, Galesburg head coach Lexi Demott said the games have still been valuable.
“I don’t think any game ever hurts us,” she said. “We’ve been playing hard, we’ve been doing good things, and so that’s just what we have to continue to do and stay the course.”
Demott said the Silver Streaks posted a season-high number of assists, a sign of strong ball movement and players finding open teammates.
Galesburg took control early, scoring the first 13 points and building a 23-5 lead after the first quarter. The Silver Streaks were even more dominant in the second quarter, outscoring United Township 21-2. The Panthers made just two field goals in the first half.
The second half was played largely by reserves, allowing United Township to close the margin somewhat.
Among those seeing increased playing time were seniors Olivia Bridges and Sophia Kisler, who may have played their final home game. If Galesburg advances to the sectional round, however, those games would be played at Galesburg.
“We’ve all been friends, all four years that I’ve been on, every team that I’ve been on, everybody’s gotten along,” Bridges said. “When we go out, like when we have team dinners, it’s super fun. And then when we go to tournaments, it’s super fun because we’re just hanging out like the whole time with all your friends.”
“And whether you’re like on the court or not, it’s still fun to be a part of this opportunity and seeing how far a team goes,” Kisler said.
Both players were optimistic about the Silver Streaks’ postseason chances.
“This one feels a little, I don’t know, they’ve all been really good, but I feel like this team’s had a really good bond,” Bridges said. “And I feel like we have a good chance to make it through the postseason.”
Kisler agreed. “This team feels special,” she said. “It feels like we really have every piece that it takes to make it to a state championship.”
Galesburg closes the regular season with a 7 p.m. game at Rock Island (13-13). The Silver Streaks defeated the Rocks 56-36 in Galesburg on Jan. 8.
After that, Galesburg will open IHSA regional play against East Peoria in East Peoria.
“It’s going to be competitive; it’s going to be tough,” Demott said. “We knew that from the jump. It’s unfortunate that there’s so many of the top-ranked teams in one subsectional, but it is what it is. I’m excited to get after it.”
If the Silver Streaks advance, they could face Morton (23-5), which Galesburg narrowly defeated Jan. 28.
Galesburg scoring: Zaniyah Carter 14, Jozalyn Kilgore 13, Ella Herchenroder 11, Eleanor Johnson 4, Grace Herchenroder 4, Keerah Cooper 4, Kalei Rice 3, Taylor Herchenroder 3, Khloe May 2, Izzy Kennedy 2, Lily Furrow 2, Abby Casey 2.
