Steve Tappa's WB6 Capsules

By Steve Tappa, stappa@qconline.com

The Western Big 6 Conference girls' basketball race hits its last full week before the holidays Thursday night. Alleman still visits Galesburg next week, as both finish their first trip around the league. But otherwise, Big 6 action won't resume until Jan. 5, well after the myriad of holiday tournaments the next two weeks. And, amazingly in a hard-to-handicap race, league-leading Rock Island has an outside shot Thursday night to take a two-game pad into Christmas. — Moline (6-3, 2-1 Big 6) at Rock Island (10-0, 3-0): Having knocked off United Township and Galesburg at home the previous two Thursdays, the preseason co-favorites get another chance to enjoy some home-cooking tonight. But for the Rocks to remain perfect, they'll need to contain the inside-outside game of the four-time defending Big 6 champs. Point guard Kylie Romeo leads Moline in scoring (12.3 ppg). Tiana McCormick reigns inside, averaging 13.7 points and 5.7 rebounds thus far in Big 6 play. The Rocks have played three games since last week's win over Galesburg but thankfully have been able to use their bench at the Abingdon/Knoxville Tournament. Point guard Shavonne Brewer leads Rocky in scoring (11.4 ppg). But McCormick's opposite number in the paint, Sarita Goldsmith, has been the Rocks' leader in conference action (14.0 ppg, 17-for-23 shooting from the field). — United Township (7-3, 1-2) at Galesburg (7-2, 1-2): A pair of expected title contenders are already desperate to keep pace in the league race. Thursday night's loser is left chasing down the stretch, perhaps three games back if Rock Island wins. MiKayla Fallon leads UT in scoring (18.3) and rebounding (6.0) in Big 6 action. Galesburg sharpshooter Jessica Lieber leads the league in scoring (19.6 ppg). Overall, the Streaks have hit 78 triples, including 17 in Big 6 play, so Fallon's Panthers need to be wary of the 3-point stripe. — Quincy (6-4, 0-3) at Alleman (7-4, 2-1): The Blue Devils are bouncing back from a Tuesday road win at Fort Madison. Alleman is well-rested and well-prepared, having last played Saturday in a win over Riverdale. Zoe Kelso is enjoying a breakout campaign inside for the Pioneers, averaging 12.3 overall and 6.3 rebounds in Big 6 play. Cierra Davis adds 10.3 scoring average at the point. The calling card right now for the banged-up Blue Devils is Arai'ya Dade, who scored a game-high 15 points Tuesday and averages 13.7 points. Quincy remains without, most significantly, 6-footer Jordan Fletcher because of a concussion.