Illinois
July 1, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
ROMEOVILLE, Ill. — You can get exposure or you can get exposed. That was Brown County boys basketball coach Jeff Bottorff’s message to his team ahead of their trip to Romeoville on June 28 and 29 for a live event featuring more than 100 teams and several college coaches in attendance. Bottorff saw much more…
Read Full Article June 26, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
QUINCY — Players do not wear pads. There are no offensive lineman. There is no tackling. But as coaches can attest, that does not mean 7-on-7 camps are just free-for-alls. “Get reps and coach on the fly,” Hannibal coach Jeff Gschwender said. “That’s how we do it.” Hannibal was one of six teams — Quincy…
Read Full Article June 26, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
QUINCY — In the first Illinois vs. Missouri all-star softball showcase played in Quincy in a decade, the Show-Me State reestablished bragging rights by beating the Prairie State 11-3 and 11-5, respectively, in Wednesday’s doubleheader at the John Wood Community College field. Trail Blazers coach Kelsey Thompson resurrected the game after a 10-year hiatus. The…
Read Full Article June 26, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
Click here to purchase digital images of Muddy River Sports photos QUINCY — The area’s top senior softball players earned their opportunity to take center stage Wednesday night in the Illinois vs. Missouri all-star doubleheader played at John Wood Community College. The Missouri squad swept Illinois 11-5 and 11-3 in the first softball all-star event…
Read Full Article June 24, 2025 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — After a 10-year absence, the opportunity for high school softball players to engage in a cross-river rivalry exists again. Kelsey Thompson made certain of it. The John Wood Community College softball coach introduced the idea of resurrecting the Illinois vs. Missouri all-star game back in March, and her plan comes to fruition Wednesday…
Read Full Article June 24, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
QUINCY — The preparation for the high school football season doesn’t wait until August to begin. Monday night at Flinn Stadium, several area football teams participated in a 7-on-7 event hosted by Quincy High School. Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey ventured out in the 90-degree heat to capture some images from the competition:
Read Full Article June 24, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
CARTHAGE, Ill. — Memorial Hospital FOCUS Fitness has announced the addition of indoor pickleball to its lineup of health and wellness offerings. Pickleball sessions are open now and available by reservation only with a link that can be found on the FOCUS Fitness webpage. One-hour time slots are available on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings…
Read Full Article June 22, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
QUINCY — The Missouri boys were a half away from the Show-Me State’s first win in the short history of the Muddy River Showcase, but a third-quarter surge from Illinois and a defensive stand down the stretch Saturday netted an 89-82 for the Prairie State at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. Missouri led…
Read Full Article June 22, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
QUINCY — The Missouri girls provided the stiffest test to the Illinois side in terms of final score since the first Muddy River Showcase in 2022, but the Illinois girls prevailed 88-65 on Saturday at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center in the fourth iteration of the game. Here are some takeaways from the…
Read Full Article June 22, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
Click here to purchase digital images from the Muddy River Sports SmugMug page QUINCY — It came down to the wire. The Illinois boys all-stars outscored Missouri 7-2 in the closing minutes to secure an 89-82 victory in the fourth annual Muddy River Showcase at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. Muddy River News…
Read Full Article June 22, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
Click here to purchase digital images from the Muddy River Sports SmugMug site QUINCY — The competitive fire burned bright for both the Illinois and Missouri girls all-star teams during the fourth annual Muddy River Showcase on Saturday at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. Illinois won 88-65. Muddy River News Editor David Adam…
Read Full Article June 21, 2025 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — The fourth annual Muddy River Showcase takes place Saturday. Here is everything you need to know, the rosters for this year’s event and a look at the history of the event. What: Illinois vs. Missouri all-star basketball event. When: Girls game tips at 2 p.m., boys game to follow at approximately 4 p.m.…
Read Full Article June 20, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
The fourth annual Muddy River Showcase takes place June 21 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game will tip at 2 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 4 p.m. General admission is $10. PITTSFIELD, Ill. — For Lila Simon, it all came down to perspective. Prior to her junior…
Read Full Article June 20, 2025 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
The fourth annual Muddy River Showcase takes place June 21 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game will tip at 2 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 4 p.m. General admission is $10. MACOMB, Ill. — Kylie Robinson picked up some sage advice from her older sister, Kaitlyn, while…
Read Full Article June 20, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
The fourth annual Muddy River Showcase takes place June 21 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game will tip at 2 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 4 p.m. General admission is $10. CAMP POINT, Ill. — It would be wise not to challenge Karly Peters on the pickleball…
Read Full Article June 19, 2025 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
The fourth annual Muddy River Showcase takes place June 21 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game will tip at 2 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 4 p.m. General admission is $10. QUINCY — When Sage Stratton packed her belongings to move to the Drury University campus, she…
Read Full Article June 19, 2025 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
The fourth annual Muddy River Showcase takes place June 21 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game will tip at 2 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 4 p.m. General admission is $10. QUINCY — Since Lauren Hummel was raised in a family that bleeds black and gold, one…
Read Full Article June 19, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
QUINCY — Nolan Murphy’s opportunity to finish alone atop the boys 14-15 division of the Pepsi Little People’s Golf Championships was derailed before it ever got started. Mother Nature has a way of making that happen. Heavy rains overnight and in the early hours Wednesday forced the organizers of the 52nd annual junior golf event…
Read Full Article June 19, 2025 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
The fourth annual Muddy River Showcase takes place June 21 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game will tip at 2 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 4 p.m. General admission is $10. MACOMB, Ill. — Braden Holthaus figured basketball was his future. Then college football coaches came calling.…
Read Full Article June 17, 2025 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Abram Wiewel’s Tuesday couldn’t have gone much better. Not only did the recent Quincy Notre Dame graduate catch a foul ball while attending a game at the College World Series in Omaha, Neb., but he became the third QND baseball player in the past four years named to the Illinois High School Baseball…
Read Full Article June 16, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
The fourth annual Muddy River Showcase takes place June 21 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game will tip at 2 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 4 p.m. General admission is $10. HAMILTON, Ill. — DeeDee Church aims to provide John Wood Community College basketball fans with plenty…
Read Full Article June 15, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
QUINCY — The confidence the Club Four Volleyball Club’s 14 Boost players gained from a successful showing at the 2024 USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship at the 13U level has helped them earn to a return trip to nationals this year. All but one of the players on this year’s roster was on the…
Read Full Article June 13, 2025 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
The fourth annual Muddy River Showcase takes place June 21 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game will tip at 2 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 4 p.m. General admission is $10. WARSAW, Ill. — The serenity of sitting in a boat on a lake waiting for the…
Read Full Article June 12, 2025 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
QUINCY — Camp Point Central senior second baseman Karly Peters made it nearly impossible for opposing pitchers to keep her off the basepaths. Meanwhile, Pleasant Hill senior Ava Wombles didn’t allow her full-time move to the pitcher’s circle impact her offensive numbers in any way. It’s how the two area softball standouts ended up earning…
Read Full Article June 11, 2025 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
The fourth annual Muddy River Showcase takes place June 21 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game will tip at 2 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 4 p.m. General admission is $10. CAMP POINT, Ill. — Mason Miller’s decision to attend the U.S. Military Academy at West Point…
Read Full Article June 11, 2025 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
The fourth annual Muddy River Showcase takes place June 21 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game will tip at 2 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 4 p.m. General admission is $10. CAMP POINT, Ill. — Elijah Genenbacher has an exhausting day planned. The Camp Point Central multi-sport…
Read Full Article June 8, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
QUINCY — Brown County girls basketball coach Dave Phelps sometimes has to give his two-time all-state scoring sensation Kenzie Kassing a friendly reminder during summer games. “She wants to win, win, win all the time, and keeping her from getting frustrated with herself in the summer is important because this is her opportunity to be…
Read Full Article June 8, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
The fourth annual Muddy River Showcase takes place June 21 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game will tip at 2 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 4 p.m. General admission is $10. PAYSON, Ill. — Like most children, Ella Archer had visions of grandeur. Now, those lofty dreams…
Read Full Article June 6, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
The fourth annual Muddy River Showcase takes place June 21 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game will tip at 2 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 4 p.m. General admission is $10. BARRY, Ill. — Casen Tobias is not fond of sitting in a classroom or an office.…
Read Full Article June 5, 2025 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
The fourth annual Muddy River Showcase takes place June 21 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game will tip at 2 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 4 p.m. General admission is $10. QUINCY — Alex Dance understands the commitment, work ethic and time management it takes to succeed…
Read Full Article June 5, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
The fourth annual Muddy River Showcase takes place June 21 at John WoodCommunity College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game will tip at 2 p.m.with the boys game to follow at 4 p.m. General admission is $10. MENDON, Ill. — Less than a year ago, Chloe Shaffer had no intention of playing a college sport.…
Read Full Article June 3, 2025 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
WARSAW, Ill. — What transpired on the water in Mississippi River Pool 13 the day before the Illinois bass fishing sectional didn’t leave either Gavin Grothaus or Jess Scott very confident. Getting skunked will do that. “We didn’t catch a single fish,” Grothaus said. “We were going into the tournament like, ‘Oh, boy, this is…
Read Full Article June 3, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
The fourth annual Muddy River Showcase takes place June 21 at John WoodCommunity College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game will tip at 2 p.m.with the boys game to follow at 4 p.m. General admission is $10. HAMILTON, Ill. — Lewis Siegfried and Gavin Grothaus’ fishing trips won’t have to stop now. This fall, the…
Read Full Article June 3, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
The fourth annual Muddy River Showcase takes place June 21 at John WoodCommunity College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game will tip at 2 p.m.with the boys game to follow at 4 p.m. General admission is $10. PAYSON, Ill. — Blake Schwartz’s accomplishments on the basketball court could have pushed him to follow his hoops…
Read Full Article May 31, 2025 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor
The fourth annual Muddy River Showcase takes place June 21 at John WoodCommunity College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game will tip at 2 p.m.with the boys game to follow at 4 p.m. General admission is $10. CARTHAGE, Ill. — Reagan Reed had her college plans set. Then came a curveball. John Wood Community College…
Read Full Article May 31, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
CHARLESTON, Ill. — Three area athletes enjoyed solid finishes at the Class 1A boys track and field state championships after qualifying for Saturday’s finals. West Hancock senior Nolan Gooding wrapped up his high school career with his second state medal, finishing 10th in the triple jump. Gooding posted a jump of 13.05 meters (42 feet,…
Read Full Article May 31, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
CONCORD, Ill. — Chandler John did not let one inning define the Liberty softball team’s season. Instead, John and the Eagles intend to use it as fuel for an even deeper postseason run in 2026. Liberty led Havana 5-1 entering the bottom of the fifth inning of Friday’s Class 1A Triopia Sectional championship game before…
Read Full Article May 31, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
CONCORD, Ill. — The Liberty softball team’s season came to an end with a 7-5 loss to Havana in Friday’s Class 1A Triopia Sectional championship game. The Eagles led 5-1 entering the bottom of the fifth inning, but the Ducks rallied for six runs in that frame to take the lead and held on to…
Read Full Article May 30, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
CHARLESTON, Ill. — A trio of area athletes qualified for the finals of the Class 1A boys state track and field championships at O’Brien Stadium on the Eastern Illinois University campus. West Hancock senior Nolan Gooding took sixth in the preliminaries of the triple jump with a leap of 13.05 meters (42 feet, 9.75 inches).…
Read Full Article May 30, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
CARTHAGE, Ill. — Memorial Medical Clinics will host a series of walk-in sports physical clinics throughout the summer to help student-athletes prepare for the upcoming school year. Physicals will be available for just $10, and all proceeds will be donated back to the athletic department of the student’s school. These walk-in clinics are designed to…
Read Full Article May 28, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
GREENVILLE, Ill. — For how much beating Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin means to the Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer team, look no further than Sierra and Alena Thomas’ thoughts on that subject. “Sometimes I feel like our team wants to beat them more than we want to beat (Quincy High School), honestly,” said Sierra Thomas, a…
Read Full Article May 27, 2025 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
CONCORD, Ill. — It was fitting that the last ball put into play during Tuesday’s Class 1A sectional semifinal softball game was handled flawlessly by Liberty shortstop Ava Heming. Every time a big play was needed, Heming came through. Heming flawlessly fielded two grounders in the seventh, helped turn a double play in the fifth…
Read Full Article May 27, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
BURLINGTON, Iowa — The Quincy Doggy Paddlers took an early lead in their first game in franchise history but couldn’t hold it. The Doggy Paddlers scored two runs in the top of the second inning to take a 2-0 lead, but the Burlington Bees scored in each of the next six innings to pull away…
Read Full Article May 27, 2025 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
A 4-3 victory over Delavan in the semifinals of the Class 1A Concord (Triopia) Sectional on Tuesday night gave the Liberty softball team its 24th victory this season, breaking a school record for victories in a season. The Eagles will play for their first sectional championship since 2005 at 4 p.m. Friday when they meet…
Read Full Article May 27, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
GREENVILLE, Ill. — Sierra Thomas’ goal in the 12th minute stood up as the only goal in the Raiders’ 1-0 victory over Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin in Tuesday’s Class 1A Greenville Sectional championship game. This was the Raiders’ first victory over the Cyclones since beating them 3-2 in the 2022 sectional title game on their way…
Read Full Article May 24, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
CHARLESTON, Ill. — All Saylor Barry wanted to see was the white flag raised. After scratching on her final two attempts Friday in the preliminaries of the long jump at the Class 1A girls state track and field championships, the Mendon Unity junior didn’t want to endure the added pressure of scratching on any of…
Read Full Article May 24, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
MENDON, Ill. — Jacksonville Routt baseball coach Ryan Turner admitted the father in him came out as his son, Routt junior left-hander Brady Turner, put the finishing touches on a complete game to help the Rockets beat Brown County 7-1 on Saturday and capture their third straight Class 1A regional title. “I’m his biggest fan,”…
Read Full Article May 24, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
CONCORD, Ill. — Abby Hagerbaumer and a late rally gave the Payson Seymour softball team a puncher’s chance, but Triopia’s Mylee Tracy had other plans. The two pitchers combined to give up just four hits in Saturday’s Class 1A Triopia Regional championship game, and Tracy escaped a seventh-inning jam to seal a 1-0 victory. Lucie…
Read Full Article May 24, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
RIVERTON, Ill. — The Pittsfield baseball team couldn’t figure out how to make Pleasant Plains pitcher Seth Lowder regret making a mistake. Truth be told, Lowder rarely made a miscue. The senior right-hander handcuffed the Saukees throughout Saturday’s Class 2A Riverton Sectional championship, tossing a three-hit shutout as the Cardinals won 4-0 to repeat as…
Read Full Article May 24, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
MACOMB, Ill. — The home-field advantage didn’t help the Macomb baseball team against the top-seeded team in the sub-sectional. Eureka scored five runs in the first inning Saturday and used a solid pitching effort from Cohen Alstat to beat the Bombers 7-2 in the championship game of the Class 2A Macomb Regional at Phil Bradley…
Read Full Article Photo Gallery: Raiders can't get runner past first base, strike out 10 times as season ends at 19-11
May 24, 2025 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
Sacred Heart-Griffin’s Nick Antonacci tossed a no-hitter and struck out 10 batters in Saturday’s Class 2A regional championship game against Quincy Notre Dame on Saturday in Quincy. He issued three walks and hit a batter, but he didn’t allow a runner to advance beyond first base. The closest QND came to a hit was in…
Read Full Article May 24, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
MENDON, Ill. — The Jacksonville Routt baseball team won its third straight regional championship by beating Brown County 7-1 in Saturday’s Class 1A Mendon Unity Regional title game. Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey captured these images from Unity High School.
Read Full Article May 24, 2025 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
BARRY, Ill. — Years from now, when people talk about Friday night’s Class 1A softball regional championship game, most will remember Camdyn Ormond’s sixth-inning single through the right side of the infield that brought home the winning runs for Liberty in a 3-1 victory on Friday night at Western High School. Pleasant Hill coach Ryan…
Read Full Article May 24, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
GREENVILLE, Ill. — Abby Miller’s reaction was equal parts shock and excitement. Given just a handful of minutes in the second half of Friday’s Class 1A Greenville Sectional semifinal game, the Quincy Notre Dame freshman forward made the most of her opportunity in the 51st minute. With QND and Alton Marquette tied at one, Miller…
Read Full Article May 24, 2025 | By Steve Eighinger
QUINCY — The momentum swing was quick and quite obvious. Right after Quincy Notre Dame softball pitcher Caitlin Bunte worked out of a bases-loaded situation in the top of the first inning, she led off for the Raiders in their first at-bat. One swing later, Bunte’s left-handed stroke sent a pitch from Tri-City’s Lily Woodworth…
Read Full Article May 24, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
CARTHAGE, Ill. — The West Hancock softball team couldn’t figure out a way to generate any offense against Williamsville pitcher Izzy Nowack during Friday’s Class 2A Illini West Regional championship. Nowack struck out seven, walked one and allowed just three hits in the Bullets’ 3-0 victory. West Hancock’s Lakin Larson led off the fourth inning…
Read Full Article May 24, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
CAMP POINT, Ill. — Havana pitcher Maddie Howerter made life difficult for the Camp Point Central softball team. Howerter allowed just four singles, struck out eight and shut out the Panthers as the Ducks won the Class 1A Camp Point Regional championship with a 5-0 victory Friday. Howerter impressively wriggled out of a jam in…
Read Full Article May 24, 2025 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
Liberty’s Chandler John allowed just three hits and one walk in a complete game effort in a 3-1 victory over Pleasant Hill in the Class 1A softball regional on Friday night at Western High School in Barry. Pleasant Hill’s Ava Wombles also turned in a solid game in the circle, allowing five hits and walking…
Read Full Article May 24, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
IllinoisGirls SoccerClass 1A sectional at GreenvilleFriday, May 23Quincy Notre Dame 3, Alton Marquette 1 Saturday, May 24Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin vs. Litchfield, 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 27Quincy Notre Dame vs Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin/Litchfield winner, 4:30 p.m. SoftballClass 1A Concord (Triopia) RegionalSaturday, May 24Triopia vs. Payson Seymour, 10 a.m. Class 1A Camp Point Central RegionalFriday, May 23Havana…
Read Full Article May 23, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
CHARLESTON, Ill. — Saylor Barry’s defense of her state long jump championship is right on track. The Mendon Unity junior topped the field in Thursday’s preliminary round with a leap of 5.50 meters (18 feet, .5 inches) at the Class 1A state track and field championships at O’Brien Stadium on the Eastern Illinois University campus.…
Read Full Article May 23, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
WINCHESTER, Ill. — A career day dashed the Liberty baseball team’s dreams of playing for a regional title, and it came courtesy of a familiar foe. Rushville-Industry senior right-hander Macon Kessler struck out a career-high 16 batters and tossed a complete-game shutout as the sixth-seeded Rockets ended the fourth-seeded Eagles’ season with an 8-0 victory…
Read Full Article May 23, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
WINCHESTER, Ill. — Liberty senior right-hander Jack Sparrow held Rushville-Industry scoreless for the first four innings and struck out 15 batters, but Rockets senior Macon Kessler tossed a three-hit shutout and struck out a career-high 16 batters in the Rockets’ 8-0 victory in the Class 1A Bluffs Regional semifinals. Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey…
Read Full Article May 22, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
QUINCY — Carlos Fernandez scored a hole in one Thursday at Westview Golf Course in Quincy. Fernandez used a 5 wood to record his ace on the 95-yard fourth hole. Dave Boster witnessed the shot.
Read Full Article May 22, 2025 | By Muddy River News
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Illinois turkey hunters harvested a preliminary record total of 18,189 wild turkeys during the 2025 spring turkey season. This year’s total is nearly 1,000 more than the previous record total of 17,208 turkeys harvested in 2024. The top five counties for harvest in 2025 were Jo Daviess, 628; Jefferson, 518; Pike, 468;…
Read Full Article 'That was freaking awesome': Buss delivers game-winning single in bottom of seventh for Brown County
May 22, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
MENDON, Ill. — Good luck wiping the smile off of Jack Buss’ face any time soon. Buss, Brown County’s senior catcher, delivered a walk-off base hit in the bottom of the seventh inning of a 3-2 victory in Wednesday’s Class 1A Mendon Unity Regional semifinal game against Unity. “That was freaking awesome,” Buss said. After…
Read Full Article May 22, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
MENDON, Ill. — The Jacksonville Routt baseball team’s death-by-a-thousand-cuts strategy paid off in the form of a trip to the Class 1A Mendon Unity Regional championship game. The No. 2 seed Rockets rattled out 12 hits — 10 of them singles — on a blustery day in Mendon and scored in all but one of…
Read Full Article May 21, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
PLEASANT PLAINS, Ill. — The Pittsfield boys track and field team puts its speed on display Wednesday at the Class 1A Pleasant Plains Sectional, while Brown County showcased its strength. The Saukees qualified for the state meet in two individual sprint events and two relays, while a pair of Hornets won the shot put and…
Read Full Article May 21, 2025 | By Steve Eighinger
CAMP POINT, Ill. — Realistically, Brey Genenbacher said her Camp Point Central softball team was approaching Wednesday’s game as more of a workshop. The Panthers were an overwhelming favorite in their Class 1A regional semifinal matchup with Augusta Southeastern and proved why in a 15-0 victory, a game shortened to 3 1/2 innings by the…
Read Full Article May 21, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
RIVERTON, Ill. — Clayton Reinhardt gave the Pittsfield baseball team’s regional title hopes a jolt. It was more like a lightning bolt to right field. Reinhardt helped erase a three-run deficit with a five-run rally in the fifth inning, capped by his go-ahead, three-run home run as fourth-seeded Pittsfield beat seventh-seeded Williamsville 7-5 in Wednesday’s…
Read Full Article May 21, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
MACOMB, Ill. — The Macomb baseball team figured out how to wriggle out of a pair late-inning jams to maintain its lead and keep its season alive with a 5-2 victory over Illini West in the Wednesday’s semifinals of the Class 2A Macomb Regional at Phil Bradley Field. The fifth-seeded Bombers will face top-seeded Eureka…
Read Full Article May 21, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
MONMOUTH, Ill. — The Macomb girls soccer team made history Wednesday night in dramatic fashion. Kate Stortzum scored off Kylie Robinson’s assist with eight minutes remaining in regulation to lift third-seeded Macomb to a 2-1 victory over seventh-seeded Beardstown in the championship game of the Class 1A Monmouth Regional at Pattee Field. It is the…
Read Full Article May 21, 2025 | By MIKE PRITCHARD
Central sent 25 batters to the plate in the first two innings, receiving 11 walks and six hit batters to score 15 times to win 15-0 over Augusta Southeastern in the Class 1A regional softball semifinals on Wednesday afternoon in Camp Point. Havana (22-3-1), which routed Mendon Unity 13-0 in the other regional semifinal earlier this…
Read Full Article May 21, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
MENDON, Ill. — Brown County right-hander Myer Maxwell tossed 6 ⅓ innings while giving up two runs and belted his first home run of the season in the bottom of the sixth inning, tying the game and setting the stage for Jack Buss’ walk-off single in the seventh as the Hornets beat Mendon Unity 3-2…
Read Full Article May 21, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
BARRY, Ill. — Liberty softball coach BJ Fessler remained optimistic while also addressing the elephant in the room in the postgame huddle following a 14-7 victory over Griggsville-Perry in Tuesday’s Class 1A Barry Western Regional semifinal game. The No. 2 seed Eagles did not perform up to their standard. “I wasn’t hard on the girls,”…
Read Full Article May 20, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
Missouri BaseballClass 1 district at LaPlataTuesday, May 20Brashear/Novinger 8, North Shelby 4Atlanta 11, LaPlata 1 Wednesday, May 21Brashear/Novinger vs. Atlanta, 6 p.m. Class 2 district at LancasterTuesday, May 20Scotland County 5, Putnam County 0Schuyler County 3, Canton 1 Wednesday, May 21Scotland County vs. Schuyler County, 6 p.m. Class 3 district at MaconTuesday, May 19Macon 5,…
Read Full Article May 20, 2025 | By David Adam, MRN Editor
Addie Flesch and Makayla Patton both scored three goals in Quincy Notre Dame’s 9-0 victory over Hillsboro in the Class 1A regional championship game on Tuesday afternoon at Advance Physical Therapy Field. QND advances to face Alton Marquette – a 6-0 winner Tuesday over Carlinville – at 4:30 p.m. Friday in the semifinals of the…
Read Full Article May 20, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
BARRY, Ill. — The Liberty softball team scored four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning to pull away from Griggsville-Perry to win Tuesday’s Class 1A Barry Western Regional semifinal game 14-7. The Eagles (22-5) will play for the regional championship on Friday against the winner between No. 3 seed Pleasant Hill and fifth-seeded…
Read Full Article May 20, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
QUINCY — The fourth annual Muddy River Showcase on Saturday, June 21, will pit the top seniors from Illinois and Missouri in a basketball all-star setting. The girls game begins at 2 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 4 p.m. at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. Illinois Boys West Hancock and…
Read Full Article May 20, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
Missouri BaseballClass 1 district at LaPlataTuesday, May 20North Shelby vs. Brashear/Novinger, 2 p.m.Atlanta vs. LaPlata, 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 21Championship game, 6 p.m. Class 2 district at LancasterTuesday, May 20Scotland County vs. Putnam County, 5 p.m.Canton vs. Schuyler County, 6;30 p.m. Wednesday, May 21Championship game, 6 p.m. Class 3 district at MaconTuesday, May 19Palmyra vs.…
Read Full Article May 18, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
Missouri BaseballClass 1 district at LaPlataMonday, May 19North Shelby vs. Brashear/Novinger, 4:30 p.m.Atlanta vs. LaPlata, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 20Championship game, 6 p.m. Class 2 district at LancasterMonday, May 19Scotland County vs. Putnam County, 5 p.m.Canton vs. Schuyler County, 6;30 p.m. Wednesday, May 21Championship game, 6 p.m. Class 3 district at MaconTuesday, May 19Palmyra vs.…
Read Full Article May 17, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
LIBERTY, Ill. — Ally Lefringhouse would rather stay out of the spotlight, but her softball talents make it difficult for her to avoid it. Lefringhouse, a senior catcher for Liberty, has been a consistent force over the last four seasons. She has played at least 25 games each season, made just five errors behind the…
Read Full Article May 17, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
QUINCY — For the third straight year, Adam Pfieffer will have to go toe-to-toe with the man who has denied him of that elusive, record-setting ninth Quincy men’s city golf championship. In his fifth attempt at breaking a tie with Mike O’Connell for most city tournament crowns, Pfeiffer enters the second and final round in…
Read Full Article May 17, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
QUINCY — On Friday, redemption was spelled “Q-N-D.” Ten days after losing to Quincy High School 10-0, the Quincy Notre Dame baseball team exacted crosstown revenge by beating the Blue Devils 9-6 on Friday. “We really needed this,” QND junior catcher and right-handed pitcher Oliver Triplett said. Triplett’s tightrope act in the bottom of the…
Read Full Article May 17, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
CAMP POINT, Ill. — Dakota Neisen is no stranger to high expectations, which gives promise to the belief that his transition into his first full-time head coaching job will be a seamless one. Neisen, a Liberty High School graduate, has spent the last five seasons as an assistant for Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of…
Read Full Article May 16, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
MT. STERLING, Ill. — An 11-run inning put the Brown County baseball team in control of Friday’s game, but the Hornets had to survive a late Rushville-Industry rally to post a 17-13 victory and end a three-game skid. The Hornets led 17-11 heading to the seventh inning when the Rockets put together a pair of…
Read Full Article May 16, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
CONCORD, Ill. — The Pittsfield baseball team wasn’t going to be denied its 20th victory. Trailing Triopia 2-1 entering the fourth inning, the Saukees took the lead with a four-run frame and then cemented their 14-3 victory with a nine-run outburst in the fifth inning. The victory improved the Saukees to 20-10, marking their fourth…
Read Full Article May 16, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
QUINCY — Quincy Notre Dame freshman infielder Kaden Marth hit the first home run of his high school career in the seventh inning of a 9-6 victory over Quincy High School on Friday. Oliver Triplett escaped a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the seventh by striking out Jacob Salisbury to end the game. Muddy…
Read Full Article May 16, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
Here is the area scoreboard for Friday, May 16: Prep baseball Prep softball Girls soccer
Read Full Article May 16, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
LIBERTY, Ill. — Ally Lefringhouse’s home run sparked the Liberty softball team’s comeback, Chandler John’s homer completed it, and Claire Obert’s slam put an exclamation point on it. Lefringhouse got the Eagles within a run with a solo blast in the bottom of the third inning, John gave the Eagles a one-run lead with her…
Read Full Article May 15, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
CARTHAGE, Ill. — The Illini West baseball team is getting used to battling until the end. Thursday’s 6-5 victory in 11 innings over Jacksonville Routt at Jake Burling Field marked the second straight day the Chargers won a game in their last at-bat and the second time this week they’ve played extra innings. This time,…
Read Full Article May 15, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
MENDON, Ill. — The Mendon Unity baseball team didn’t let Thursday’s game come down to one play The Mustangs scored six runs in the second inning and five more in the third to pull away for a 13-1 victory in five innings over Camp Point Central. Unity snapped a four-game losing streak in which it…
Read Full Article May 15, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
LIBERTY, Ill. — The Liberty softball team belted three home runs, including a grand slam by sophomore first baseman Claire Obert in the sixth inning, in a 12-7 victory over Pittsfield on Thursday. Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey captured these images from the Liberty softball field.
Read Full Article May 15, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
BARRY, Ill. — The Lauren Stevenson show took center stage at the Western softball field on Thursday. Stevenson, a freshman right-handed pitcher, belted two home runs, drove in all of West Hancock’s runs and tossed a complete-game one-hit shutout in the Titans’ 4-0 victory. Her first home run, a solo shot to center field in…
Read Full Article May 15, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
Here is the area scoreboard for Thursday, May 15: Prep baseball Prep softball
Read Full Article May 15, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
RUSHVILLE, Ill. — Central-Southeastern track coach Brad Dixon is about to have a busy week, but he doesn’t mind. “It’s going to be a heck of a lot of fun next week,” Dixon said. Dixon can have fun because at Wednesday’s Class 1A Rushville-Industry Sectional, the Panthers captured their first sectional title since 2005 and…
Read Full Article May 15, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
Here is the area scoreboard for Wednesday, May 14: Prep baseball Illini West 8, Orion 7 Liberty 15, Pleasant Hill/Western 0 Macomb 5, Beardstown 3 Winchester West Central 1, Mendon Unity 0 Kirksville 10, Palmyra 0 Rock Island Alleman 4, Quincy High School 2 Prep softball Quincy Notre Dame 10, Camp Point Central 8 Quincy…
Read Full Article May 14, 2025 | By Steve Eighinger
CAMP POINT, Ill. — Whew! That major exhale heard shortly before dusk Wednesday four miles northeast of Camp Point was compliments of Quincy Notre Dame softball coach Eric Orne. QND extended its win streak to 10 games but not before dodging several sizable upset-minded bullets from longtime rival Central on a breezy, 83-degree sun-swept afternoon…
Read Full Article May 14, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
WINCHESTER, Ill. — The ultimate pitchers’ duel ended in an opportunistic way. After Mendon Unity right-hander Skylar Goudschaal and Winchester West Central right-hander Cameron Sievers matched each other by posting zeroes through 7½ innings, the Cougars took advantage of an error in the bottom of the eighth inning to plate the winning run in a…
Read Full Article May 14, 2025 | By Muddy River Sports
CAMP POINT, Ill. — Quincy Notre Dame’s 10-8, nine-inning victory on Wednesday over Central featured the two schools combining for eight runs in the ninth inning. The teams combined for 18 runs, 22 hits, eight walks and numerous wild pitches and passed balls. Fifteen players were credited with hits. QND’s victory was the 650th in…
Read Full Article May 14, 2025 | By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer
Several area athletes earned berths to the Class 1A state track and field championships at Wednesday’s Rushville-Industry Sectional. Here is a list of state qualifiers from that meet: 100 meters 200 meters 400 meters 800 meters 1600 meters 3200 meters 100-meter hurdles 300-meter hurdles 4×100-meter relay 4×200-meter relay 4×400-meter relay 4×800-meter relay Shot Put Discus…
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