Argus-Dipatch Preview of WB6 Games

By Dan Tomlin, dtomlin@qconline.com

As we enter the post-holiday tournament portion of the girls' basketball season, the Western Big 6 Conference race should really heat up. With four teams within one game of first place, and a sleeping dragon in United Township, tonight's midway games have great importance. Despite not being through the midway point in the conference season, we are on the backside of the schedule, and looking ahead to the post-season will becoming increasingly significant in the coming weeks. The league is as balanced as it has been in a long time, and even at 0-4 in the conference, Quincy could very well be a stumbling block for one of the other five teams looking to secure the conference crown, as the Blue Devils have a winning record in January for the first time in some time. - United Township (12-4, 1-3 WB6) at Moline (12-7, 3-1):The Panthers finally should be playing with some confidence after taking home the Dixon Holiday Tournament trophy. They were one of the preseason's Big 6 picks but limped into Christmas with just one win in conference. In like a lamb, tonight will show if they plan on going out like a lion in the Western Big 6. … The Maroons have struggled with consistency, but when they are on, look out. With Kylie Romeo setting the tone and Jordan de Los Reyes and Tiana McCormick complementing her, the Maroons again control their own destiny as they march toward the conference crown. … Tonight is a chance for the Panthers to step back into a conference race that could be won with three losses. … It would take nearly perfect play, but with a veteran group of seniors highlighted by MiKayla Fallon, taking it one game at a time should come easy. - Galesburg (13-2, 3-2) at Alleman (13-6, 3-2): You would be hard-pressed to find a game anywhere tonight with as many wins between two coaches. Alleman coach Jay Hatch will be honored before the game for picking up his 400th career victory. On the other bench will be GHS coach Evan Massey, who picked up his 750th win during the holiday tournament. … Both of these clubs are flying high right now, with the Streaks having won the Charleston tournament, and the Pioneers coming off their trophy finish at State Farm. … GHS guard Jessica Lieber was named MVP at Charleston, and AHS forward Zoe Kelso made the SFC All-Tournament team. - Rock Island (13-4, 3-1) at Quincy (8-5, 0-4): This is a very interesting game, despite the discrepancy in the records. … Quincy has a very nice team and, as all WB6 teams know, the drive to Quincy can do strange things to how teams play. … The Rocks played well at the State Farm Classic, holding serve and finishing in sixth, where they were seeded. ... Solid play from Sarita Goldsmith and Shavonne Brewer have keyed the Rocks. ... The Blue Devils welcomed back Jordan Fletcher from a concussion that sidelined her for a majority of the early season. … Quincy had the opportunity to get back in action already this month, winning Tuesday night.