Quarter century of memories: Medsker’s willingness to play despite days battling flu leads to epic performance

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and since he recently wrapped up his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment:

January 31, 2003 — Quincy 68, United Township 61

QUINCY — Marcus Medsker wasn’t supposed to play much, maybe a few minutes here or there. He didn’t have much energy, having missed most of two days of practice because of the flu. He sounded as downtrodden as he looked.

But he started and played and was still on the court in overtime when his team needed every point he scored.

That’s what warriors do.

Not only did the lanky shooting guard suit up for the Quincy High School boys basketball team on a Western Big 6 Conference Friday night despite being sick, the 6-foot-5 Medsker dazzled and dominated, leading the Blue Devils to a 68-61 overtime victory against United Township at the Panther Den in East Moline on January 31, 2003.

“That’s big time right there,” teammate Bryce Bushmeyer called it that night.

Medsker didn’t think he’d start, let alone play a majority of the minutes.

Had he not, the Blue Devils might not have survived. Trailing 52-51 with 28 seconds remaining in regulation, Medsker caught a lob off an inbounds play and scored to give Quincy the lead. UT forced overtime by making 1 of 2 free throws with five seconds remaining in regulation.

However, Medsker buried a 3-pointer to start the extra period, and Bushmeyer drew a charge on the Panthers’ Branden Hunter with three minutes to go in overtime and the game tied at 56. It sent Hunter, who averaged nearly 15 points per game at the time, to the bench with five fouls.

Medsker responded by scoring seven straight points as Quincy pulled away.

Medsker scored 10 points in overtime and finished with a game-high 32 points, the most he ever scored in a WB6 game. He went 12 of 23 from the field, 6 of 6 from the line and 2 fo 3 from 3-point range. He also grabbed 10 rebounds.

“He took over the game,” said Jose Quintero, the QHS assistant coach who was serving as the interim coach the first 15 games that season. “He took charge.”