Friends of Basketball

Mike Hellenthal

Year Inducted: 2021

Category: Friends of Basketball

Schools / Organizations:
Quincy High School
Galesburg High School
Dixon High School

Biography: Mike Hellenthal joined the Quincy H.S. Boys Basketball Varsity Basketball coaching staff and served as an assistant coach for 14 years.  Mike served under IBCA Co-Founder and Hall of Fame Coach Sherrill Hanks and Jerry Leggett (another IBCA Hall of Fame Coach).  Mike was on the bench with four teams that won state trophies including the 1981 state championship.  Many consider that 1981 team as one of Illinois’s finest teams (33-0) and were mythical National Champions.  During the 14 years Mike was an assistant coach for the Blue Devils, Quincy was 329-77 (81% winning percentage).  With Mike’s contributions the Quincy Basketball program the Blue Devils, won 20 or more games 11 seasons and 30 or more games three times.  Hellenthal helped coach two McDonald’s All-Americans and 12 All-State Players.  Mike also coached basketball teams at Galesburg H.S. (1993-94 & the 1995-96 season) and Dixon H.S. (1996-97 season). Hellenthal spent a great part of his teaching and administrative career around the game, coaching, teaching, talking and supporting the players in the basketball programs he was connected with.  Sadly, Mike died before he could enjoy his induction.