That being said, that will be one of the most exciting games of the season.
The Streaks and Rocks have to be the league favorites right now with the rest of the pack more than a step behind. Alleman and Moline lock horns tonight at Don Morris Gym, and that should give fans a pretty good indication of where those middle-of-the-road teams rank. Both have a lot of upside and should build in to solid teams come postseason time, but probably won't contend for the Big 6 title.
Quincy continues to struggle to win conference games. It's been 28 games since the Blue Devils have put a stroke in the "win" column, and this group of seniors want that streak to end. They're playing the Streaks, but it would be one heck of an upset if Quincy comes out of Thiel with a win.
United Township will take their shot at slowing down Rock Island, and will have to continue to get balanced scoring from their lineup while also being able to run the entire 32 minutes.
Game by game breakdown:
United Township (4-3, 1-0 Big 6) at Rock Island (4-1, 1-0): The Rocks are really going to be a beast for the Western Big 6 the first time through. Anyone playing them will have to really protect the ball. After seeing Rocky roll past Alleman, the reserves are tenacious on defense and create trouble. The Panthers have a lot of senior leadership in Jen and Jamie VanWatermuelen, and a sharpshooter in Tayler Dobrinske, but they'll need a whole lot of stamina to keep up with the Rocks.
Despite beating Alleman by 23 points, the Rocks left some unfinished business on the court. "We didn't meet a lot of our goals that game," Rocky coach Thad Hoover said. He was referring to a number of fouls that stopped the clock and gave Alleman the chance to not only catch their breath, but also creep closer. The Rocks are receiving attention at the state level too, getting ranked No. 8 by the Associated Press in the state's first poll of the season.
Alleman (4-2, 0-1) at Moline (1-5, 0-1): The Maroons and Pioneers are both looking for their first Big 6 win of the season. Moline is really trying to get their footing as their lone win came against Normal Community in a drubbing over the long weekend. Alleman, still playing without the services of Cierra Davis and Zoe Kelso, are learning how to play without the two expected stars. Anne Bohnert is averaging nearly 14 points a game, while Erin Morrisey is trying to make up the difference in the paint, scoring 12 points a game. The Pioneers also received some attention in the state polls that were released Wednesday, receiving votes in their first 3A poll after making the jump from 2A. There was only one other time when the Pioneers "played up," and that came in 2007-08 season, the first year of the four-class system. Alleman opened the season ranked No. 10 in the state according to the AP sports writers.
Quincy (3-3, 0-1) at Galesburg (5-1, 1-0): The Blue Devils felt like they "gave one away" last week according to first-year coach Demond Dade, and you know they would love to spoil the party in Galesburg. However, the Streaks have their ship steady as she goes, earning a ranking of No. 5 in the state's 3A top 10 poll released Wednesday.
The system is back at work and mowing down opponents with Jessica Leiber leading the way. The Silver Streak senior already has hit a milestone this year, and did it on a very important night. Last Saturday in the final game of the Galesburg Thanksgiving Tournament, Lieber scored 22 points to lead Galesburg to a 77-40 win over Freeport. With those points, Lieber eclipsed 1,000 for her career, putting her in very select company. Only 13 other Streaks have reached that plateau. Some even more select company was on hand as the 1997 Galesburg girls' basketball team was inducted into the school's Hall of Fame that night. Watching Lieber reach a career goal was the team that went 28-0 in the regular season and finished with a 4th-place state trophy.
Dade is the new kid on the block as far as coaches go, hired nine weeks ago to take over for Greg Altmix,who resigned in September. Dade's daughter, Arai'ya, is a senior on the team and their most explosive player. He has been coaching the girls since they were young, including as an assistant coach the last five years at Quincy.
Contract girls' basketball reporter Dan Tomlin at dtomlin@qconline.com
Top 6 career active scoring leaders
1, Jessica Leiber, Sr., Galesburg, 1,005 points
2, Shavonne Brewer, Sr., Rock Island, 893 points
3, *Zoe Kelso, Sr., Alleman, 625 points
4, *Cierra Davis, Jr., Alleman, 565 points
5, Sharron Diggins, Sr., Galesburg, 554 points
6, Anne Bohnert, Sr., Alleman, 473 points
Argus Preview of This Week: Anticipating Thrills, Matchups, and Standout Moments In the realm of sports and entertainment, anticipation is a powerful force that ignites excitement and fuels the imagination. The Argus Preview of this week provides a glimpse into the upcoming events, matchups, and potential standout moments that will captivate fans and enthusiasts. In this article, we delve into the dynamic world of the Argus Preview, exploring its significance, the highlights it offers, and addressing the frequently asked questions that arise from this exciting endeavor. The Power of Anticipation Anticipation is a universal feeling that transcends boundaries and cultures. It's the flutter of excitement before a big game, the thrill of awaiting a performance, and the curiosity about what the future holds. The Argus Preview harnesses this power, offering a window into the events that will unfold in the week ahead. Navigating the Highlights 1. Upcoming Matchups One of the most enticing aspects of the Argus Preview is the spotlight on upcoming matchups. Whether it's a highly anticipated game between rival teams or a clash of titans in a tournament, the preview provides fans with a taste of the competition and drama that awaits on the field or court. 2. Player Showcases Players who have been making waves or are poised to shine take center stage in the preview. Their performances, skills, and potential impact on the outcome of games are highlighted, adding an extra layer of excitement as fans look forward to witnessing their prowess in action. 3. Potential Records and Milestones The Argus Preview often includes insights into potential records and milestones that could be achieved during the week. Whether it's a player on the verge of setting a new personal best or a team aiming to make history, these moments add an element of suspense and significance to the upcoming events. FAQ's: Demystifying the Argus Preview Q1: What is the Argus Preview? The Argus Preview is a curated preview of the upcoming week's sports and entertainment events. It offers insights into matchups, player performances, and potential highlights, creating anticipation and excitement among fans. Q2: How is the content of the Argus Preview determined? The content of the Argus Preview is determined by a combination of factors, including the significance of upcoming events, the performance and impact of players, and the potential for standout moments that will capture the audience's attention. Q3: How does the Argus Preview benefit fans? The Argus Preview benefits fans by providing them with a comprehensive overview of the week's events. It allows fans to plan their viewing schedule, anticipate exciting matchups, and gain insights into the players and moments that could shape the week's narrative. Q4: How does the Argus Preview contribute to the sports and entertainment landscape? The Argus Preview contributes by generating excitement and buzz around upcoming events. It adds a layer of storytelling and anticipation to the sports and entertainment landscape, enhancing the overall experience for fans and enthusiasts. Q5: Can unexpected events disrupt the content of the Argus Preview? Yes, unexpected events such as last-minute changes in schedules, injuries, or unforeseen circumstances can impact the content of the Argus Preview. However, these changes often add an element of unpredictability and excitement to the week's events. The Magic of Anticipation The Argus Preview of this week captures the magic of anticipation, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the events and moments that will unfold in the days ahead. As fans eagerly await the matchups, performances, and potential records, they are reminded of the profound joy that comes from the anticipation of the unknown. Just as the Argus Preview enriches the sports and entertainment landscape, so too does the power of anticipation enrich our lives with excitement, wonder, and the thrill of what's to come.
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