Schuckman: Observations as basketball returns to November in Gem City

Monday, life seemed renewed.

At 5:30 a.m., inside a fully lit Blue Devil Gym, the first high school boys basketball practice of the 2021-22 season at Quincy High School took place. It had been two years since the Blue Devils took the floor on a November morning to kickstart a campaign.

For a moment, everything felt right.

Across town, at about 5:45 a.m., the squeak of shoes on the floor at the Pit echoed. Quincy Notre Dame was back in business, ready to take the momentum of ending last season with a victory in the crosstown rivalry and turning it into the boost that makes this group a postseason contender.

There are still reminders of everything high school basketball players endured last winter — stacks of masks ready for use, individual water bottles scattered around, water fountains turned off, coaches yelling through or pulling down masks — but basketball is back on the calendar where it belongs.

With Thanksgiving looming and the sun gone from the horizon before the evening news comes on the television, the gym is where hoops junkies belong.

And the reasons for optimism on both sides of town abound …

Jeremiah Talton looks the part. Sure, the Quincy High School swingman has been a varsity fixture since his freshman season and has enjoyed the skill level to compete with the best in the Western Big 6 Conference. His physical maturity and improved strength has elevated his game. He still shoots it at a high level, but he looks imposing. The 6-foot-5 senior will be the best player on the floor every night.

Jake Wallingford looks the part, too. The Quincy Notre Dame junior forward played football this fall and used his 6-foot-8 frame to his advantage on special teams and as a tight end. Those long, lanky arms disrupted a lot of plays. That length is invaluable on the hardwood, too. His athleticism continues to improve, and he’s stronger and more demanding on the block. Big days are ahead for the Raiders’ big man.

Attention to detail, being in the right place at the right time and the ability to see plays develop a step or two before anyone else is a gift. Reid O’Brien has it. The QHS junior guard, who is a transfer after playing his first two seasons at Troy Triad, gives a youthful backcourt a smart player who won’t be flashy, but will deliver the goods. He’s the perfect balance to Terron Cartmill, the jitterbug-quick point guard who pushes the pace for the Blue Devils.

Length could be an asset for the Blue Devils. Wing players such as Tyler Sprick and Brad Longcor can stretch defenses, but they also can disrupt passing lanes. Sam Mulherin has bounce and the ability to spread his wingspan and take up space. Their quickness should be an asset, too.

Look for the Raiders to shoot it. A deep junior class earned valuable playing time last winter, and all of them can knock down shots. Blake Bozarth is a potential sniper. Jackson Stratton can hit a jumper or burst past a defender. Braden Sheffield puts defenders on their heels. And Jake Hoyt needs to shoot with confidence because his shot can be pure.

The frontcourt could be as big of an asset for the Raiders as the backcourt promises to be. Alex Connoyer knows how to score and go get rebounds. Logan Zanger is tough and relentless. And the Raiders plan to play physical.