Opinion: Following ’50 After 50′ was great, but Muddy River Sports forgot 1988-89 Griggsville team

Back row from left, Jason Wilson, Corey Hobson, Darin Workman, Ryan Stauffer, Steve Shaw, Lance Zumwalt, Devin Workman, J.B. Brown, Tyler Stinebaker, Coach Jack Roemer. Front row, manager Bobby Stewart, Jeff Wilson, Scott Woodward, Scott (Nate) Bradshaw, Craig Dunham, Jon Freeman, manager Jamie Smith. | Photo courtesy of Craig Dunham

To the Sportswriters at Muddy River Sports, Over the course of the past three months, I’ve enjoyed following your “50 After 50” feature, in which you listed and published write-ups on teams you believed to be the 50 best west central Illinois Class A basketball teams of the past 50 years in your four-county coverage…

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50 After 50: Pebbles in their socks served as reminder of little things during No. 1 Wildcats’ state championship run

From row from left, manager Brad Heitman, Paul Figge, Casey Shaw, Ryan Jacquot, Bobby Thomas, Randy Crow, Chad Thompson. Back row, assistant coach Kevin Stuckwisch, Dan Buelt, assistant coach Brad Froman, Bill Heisler, Scott Meyer, Bob Manley, Craig Wear, Matt Froman, Aaron Wehner, Mark Quimby, head coach Jeff Dahl, assistant coach Rob Hymes. | Photo courtesy of Warsaw High School

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: A look at the entire series

QUINCY — The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike…

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50 After 50: Beating three undefeated teams ranked among top four in state wraps up No. 2 Vikings’ amazing title run

Front row from left, Kellen Fernetti, Doug Siegfried, Dave Hamma, David Griffiths, Brian Griffiths, Patrick Weaver. Back row, Coach Reno Pinkston, Marshel Stott, Emmett Reidner, Joe Wilson, Kenny Haas, Paul Goetz, Assistant Coach Frank Gayton. | Photo courtesy of Reno Pinkston

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: Remarkable depth helped No. 3 Raiders overwhelm opponents on way to third-place finish

Front row from left: T.J. Kistner, Kyle Bocke, Luke Greenwell, Johnny Bordewick, Jason Green, Adam Terstriep Back (left to right): Eric Doran, Bob Sheffield, Zac Greer, Jay Nuessen, Chris Peters, Ryan Fesler, Shawn Emerick, Brian Morrell, Joe Terwelp, Channing Peters, Lucas Cramsey, Johnny Bocke, Scott Douglas, Ryan Blivens | Photo courtesy of Bob Sheffield

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: No. 4 Saukees combine transfer from Indiana, stifling defense and veteran coach into state championship squad

Front row from left, Jon Borrowman, Mike Capps, Keith Griffeth, Doug Wade, Josh Townley, Brian Feezel, Gregg Scott, Rob Lemons, Ryan Nevius, Jason Thompson and David Ballinger. Back row, Coach Bruce Everetts, Coach Steve Rylander, Jaime Sweeting, David Fox, Tony Baker, David Marable, Troy Taylor, Jason Smithers and Coach Dave Bennett. | Photo courtesy of Dave Bennett

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: No. 5 Wildcats unbeatable during regular season, but IHSA ruling pulled plug on state title hopes

Front row from left, Bobby Thomas, Matt Maag, Doug Buelt, Shawn Bloyd, Greg Buelt, Brandon Gronewald. Back row, manager Tyler Lomax, Louie Zinn, Stu Froman, Devin Hochgraber, Jason Edwin, Matt Froman, Bob Thomas, Ryan Jacquot, Coach Jeff Dahl. | Photo courtesy of Warsaw High School

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: No. 6 Cardinals use run-‘n-gun style to overwhelm opponents on way to third-place finish

Front row from left, Jimmy Harris, Peter Craig, Kirk Mosley, Heath Hall and Rusty Lynch. Back row, Coach Steve Joslyn, Coach Kent Hawley, Joey Wilson, Jason Stotts, Marty Hull, Brock Billings, Ryan Pulliam, Coach Jeff Shireman and Coach Larry Mosley. | Photo courtesy of Kirk Mosley

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: No. 7 Suns win 57 out of 58 games during two-year stretch, bring home first state trophy

Front row, Tesa Buss, Heidi Neill, Julie Ippensen, Kristin Reuschel, Kimberly Tippey, Mandy Homan, Denise Shaffer. Second row, Chad Tanner, Chad Derry, Melissa Passley, Jean Royer, Jennifer Waner, Shelley Busby, Amy Robbins, Shawna Bunnell, Chad Passley, Athletic Director Marcia Bartlow. Third row, Brandon Bartlow, Scott Wagner, Jason Sorrells, Randy Long, Lance Robertson, John Sowder, Corey Winters, Nolan Wartick, Jeff Clampitt. Back row, Coach Mike Fray, Coach Dave Swisegood, Therron Dieckmann, Jason Ippensen, Aaron Bartlow, Brian Hamilton, Jason Marlow, Brad Gooding, Coach Todd Fox, Coach Keith Bangert. | Photo courtesy of Todd Fox

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: Deep, quick, bruising No. 8 Cardinals excel in close games on way to third-place finish

Front row from left, Stacey Garrett, Andra Moore, Kori Symonds, Vicky Markley, Laura McMillen, Kelly Johnson, Keeli Stineman. Middle row, Coach Pete Hopf, Coach Bill “Red” Rogers, Coach Brian Stilwell, Coach Steve Sergesketter. Back row, Jason Carol, Ryan Wright, Darren Monroe, John Holcomb, Ryan Lemon, Todd Brownlee, Jason Havens, Kurt Meister, Shawn Stevenson, Jeff Dougherty, Scott Lippe, Brandon Fenton, Brian Stormer, Nathan Bousselot, Brian Horras. | Photo courtesy of Kurt Meister

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: Proving success was no fluke, No. 9 Eagles produce magical postseason run in ’81

The 1980-81 Liberty boys basketball team finished fourth at the Class A state tournament. Submitted photo

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: No. 10 Hornets nearly knock out powerful QND, then tragic injury leads to ‘deflating moment’

Front row from left, David Koch, Perry Wilkerson, Brad Zimmerman, Mark Wagner, Adam Llewellyn, Alex Ebbing, Cody Llewellyn. Back row, Coach Van Wilson, Anthony Logsdon, Josh Babb, Brian McNeff, David Brink, Evan Busen, Drew Wilson, Brett Ufkes, Coach Ron Kassing. | Photo courtesy of Van Wilson

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: After getting pushed around as overmatched freshmen, No. 11 Raiders muscle up as seniors

From row from left, Robert Gallaher, Macker Little, Reed Hyer, Alex Kinsel, Troy Potts, Nick Schwartz, Aaron Smith, Sam Tuley. Back row, Clay Venvertloh, Johnny Ray, Tommy Ray, Justin Bottorff, Jacob Mayfield, Nathan Hoebing, Wade Willer, Carter Cramsey. | Photo courtesy of Bob Sheffield

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: Facing lofty expectations and high state ranking, No. 12 Saukees accomplish list of goals

Front row left to right, Robert Guthrie, John Tanner, Buck Lyons, Scott Shelton, Tommy Hobbs, and Darren Smith. Back row left to right, Coach Len Onken, Layne Bennett, Jeff Hayden, Tim Fischer, Mike Miller, Frank McCartney, Phil Hoover, Paul Petty and Coach Dave Bennett. Submitted photo

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: With state tournament in their sights, No. 13 Raiders’ season ends with wild, chaotic loss at sectional

Front row from left, Curt Reno, Roger Kroner, Jeff Wellman, Mark Goodwin, Dirk Killen, Matt Leahy, Bob Daly, Matt Longo. Back row, Tim Meckes, Don Miller, Seth Schelich, Warren Ancell, Jeff Rakers, Jody Shoop, Mike Schwartz, Dan Miller, Jeff Hogge. | Photo courtesy of Matt Longo

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: After rare regional loss, No. 15 Saukees return to Champaign and put pieces in place for state championship

Front row from left, Josh Townley, Doug Wade, Shane Norton, Greg Scott, David Bess, Brian Feezel, David Marable. Back row, Joe Jennings, Trent Fischer, John Leithoff, Tony Baker, Troy Taylor, David Fox, Coach Dave Bennett. | Photo courtesy of Dave Bennett

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: No. 16 Cardinals dominate during regular season, but perfect season ends on overtime buzzer beater

Front row from left, manager Mike Brosi, Brad Richardson, Bryan Buckert, Jack Powell, Todd Lowry, Derek Hammel, Kevin Fleck, manager Steve Fisher. Back row: Coach Gary Belger, Willie Miler, Bart Rogers, Mark Robertson, Paul Meinhardt, Mike Kayvan, Coach John Goetz, manager Jeff Edwards. | Photo courtesy of Hamilton High School

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: Triple-overtime thriller and back-to-back buzzer beaters define No. 17 Saukees’ run to state

Front row left to right, Seth Petty, Daniel Grote, Taylor Kattelman, Steve Rylander, Brad Tomhave, Ben O'Brien, Jimmy Sanderson, Corey Roseberry, Austin Barton and Brad Hamilton. Back row left to right, Austin McCartney, Dylan Woodward, Kennedy Kattelman, Dylan Reel, Kyle Boshardy, Jarret Smith, Aaron Borrowman, Dalton Hoover, Wayde Smith and Ethan Borrowman. Submitted photo

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: No. 18 Eagles reset mindset after late-season setbacks, make run to history

Front row, from left to right, manager Joe Dietrich, Blake Geren, Logan Graham, Zach Barker, Dalton Lentz, Levi Obert, Eric Doane and manager Ethan Wolf. Back row, from left to right, assistant coach Jeffrey Obert, assistant coach Dan Sparrow, Reed Wolfmeyer, Evan Graham, Daniel Mast, Cole Wellman, Tayton Roe and coach Greg Altmix. Submitted photo

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: After winning first 27 games, No. 19 Indians ran into ‘Goliath’ Havana in sectional final

Front row from left, manager Jim Shephard, Rodney Roberts, Paul Maple, Brent Speckhart, Steve Mixer, Chuck McNett, manager Jerry Dennis. Back row: Coach Rod Walton, Brint Brinkman, Mike Benjamin, Jeff Barker, Roger Wittland, Brian Koontz, Steve Epperson, Ed Banta, Scott Kaiser, Ed Terstriep, Rodney Lewis, Curt Mumpower, Coach Curtis Veach, Coach Charles Hall | Photo courtesy of Rodney Roberts

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: No. 20 Raiders avenge two losses each to Warsaw, Pittsfield on way to best finish in school history

Front row from left, Nick Fleer, Marty McGee, Kyle Venvertloh, Jason Volm, Adam Peters, Scott Brennan, Scott Ireland, Chris Fitch, Brian Elston. Back row, Coach Scott Douglas, Aaron Meyer, Sam Stroot, Kyle Frericks, Casey Tushaus, Brian McNeil, Eric Terwelp, Mark Kamphaus, Robbie Gully, Assistant Coach Bob Sheffield | Photo courtesy of Bob Sheffield

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: No. 21 Mustangs use their ‘Towers of Power’ to make everyone say ’30 and Oh, Baby’

Front row from left, Louis Klement, Craig Burwinkel, Trevor Hull, Gary Ellerman, Coach Van Wilson, Richard Klusmeyer, Rob Kuhn, Chris Peter, Sam Knox. Back row, Coach Gary Brickman, Craig Cramm, Chad Maynard, Ross Schulte, Don Robbins, Frank Mayfield, Rick Voss, Coach Dean Woodruff. Submitted photo

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: No. 22 Titans look part of state contender, nearly reach ultimate destination

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: No. 23 Raiders come oh-so-close to claiming first Class A state championship

Front row from left, Greg Gagnon, Gene Sparrow, Dan McLaughlin, Jim Lowe, Pat Costigan, Rick O’Donnell, Don Bruemmer. Back row, Mike Stark, Steve Siebers, Gene Stuckman, Dan Pieper, Tony Siebers, Jack Klues, Jim Bockenfeld, Chuck Otte. | Photo courtesy of Steve Siebers

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: All-Stater for No. 24 Saukees nearly didn’t play so he could raise his infant daughter

Front row: Rhett Phillips, Casey Krusemark, Kory McAllister, Bryan Evans, Matt Guthrie, Ryan Lowe, Willie Freesen, Kurt McAllister, Jonas Petty. Back row: Jess Smithers, Mike Walston, Rodney Guthrie, Mike Smith, Jamie Reel, Steve Shireman, Jason Pressey, Jason Rinehart. | Photo courtesy of Dave Bennett

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: No. 25 Suns survive brutal regional in Hancock County before running into Havana

Front row, statisticians Donna Melvin and Becky Hamilton; managers Jeff Bove, Jon Myers, Tim Myers, Brent Holst, Kent Buckert; back row, Donnie Fray, Tim VanBrooker, Steve Myers, Bob Rankin, John Launer, Paul Myers, Rod Bruenger, Eric Kirbach, Mark Allen, Kelly Cookson, Craig Cheney, Herb Winters. | Photo courtesy of Rod Bruenger

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: New beginning, tough ending in sectional for No. 26 Raiders

Front row, from left to right, Jeff McCaughey, Bill Schlegl, Tim Hellhake, Greg Deters, Nick Terwelp, Steve Grawe, Tony Reis and Joe Scholz. Back row, from left to right, trainer Tim Baker, Kevin Meyer, John Altgilbers, Mark Wiemelt, Dan McCaughey, Mike Siebers, Paul Schelich, Tim Bichsel, Victor Welper and coach Bob Kies. Submitted photo

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: No. 27 Raiders recover from coaching upheaval, sluggish season to finish fourth at state

From left, front row, statistician Paul Terwelp, Mike Hummert, Ted Awerkamp, Tim Koetters, Ted Wolf, Gary Barry, Marc Miller, assistant athletic trainer Rick Flinn; back row, Mark Dietrich, Greg Fischer, Chuck Grawe, Rod Bockenfeld, Mike Real, Jay Frericks, Chris Curran, Chuck Rose and Jack Terwelp. | Photo courtesy of Quincy Notre Dame Hall of Fame

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: No. 28 Mustangs ‘didn’t dream high enough,’ fall short in super-sectional

Front row from left, Ken Ellerbrock, Coach Dick Spohr; middle row, Coach Dean Woodruff, Greg Campbell, Gary Shupe, Steve Turner, Gene Hendrickson, Grant Campbell, Greg Frazier; top row, manager Chuck Miller, Dave Parker, Merle Kenady, Danny Nichols, Bernie Woodworth, manager Doug Seeger | Photo courtesy of Unity High School

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: No. 29 Mustangs became epitome of sharing glory and banding together to make history

Front row, from left to right, Seth Bruenger, Dylan Shaffer, Will Klusmeyer, Alex Blickhan, Mark Jansen, Dawson Moore, Cory Miller, Clayton Thompson. Back row, from left to right, manager Jordan Fuller, assistant coach Richard Klusmeyer, head coach Keith Carothers, Adam Donley, Nick Dorethy, Lane Davis, Thomas Fielding, Brennan Begeman, assistant coach Greg Hildenbrand, assistant coach Ken Gray, manager Aspen Justice. Submitted photo

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: Pain of loss in super-sectional still something No. 30 Wildcats cannot shake

Front row from left, Scott Lucey, Ross McMillen, Bill Reynolds, Brad Lucey, Scott Mudd, Jeff Hauk. Back row, manager Paul Cassidy, Mark Gooding, Brian Froman, Steve Rothert, Sean Young, Todd Hardy, manager Richie Rudd.

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: After failing to get out of regional with one-loss team, No. 31 Bulldogs follow up with undefeated regular season

Front row from left, John Ellison, Andy Newberry, Brent Boyer, Brad Serangeli, Andy Johnson, Marty Huffman, Rod Shipman. Back row: Scott Kerr, Doug Atkins, Doug Hubbs, Gail Markey, Tim Logan, Doug Walker, Rick Sartorious, Tim Nixon. | Photo courtesy of Mark Branscum

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: After rare sub.-500 season, No. 32 Suns rebound with long winning streak

From left, Brandon Bartlow, John Mark Sowder, Brad Gooding, Aaron Bartlow, Andy Bartlow, Brian Hamilton, Justin Elbe, Josh Elbe, Jason Ippensen, Therron Dieckman, Randy Long, Jason Marlow, Darin Barr, Tim Kerr. | Photo courtesy of Southeastern High School

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: New coach, new style lead to repeat of postseason success for No. 33 Cardinals

Front row from left, Megan Sergesketter, Rebekah Renard, Amy Shroff, Vicky Markley, Laura McMillen, Kelly Johnson, Becky Leenerts, Julie Meredith. Middle row, Ryan Wright, Sara Guedesse, Heather Reneau, Liz Abraham, Alex Beagles, Darren Monroe, Jason Helenthal, Nathan Bousselot, Shanna Baker, Kim Lowe, Darrell Beeler. Back row, Coach Shannon Stewart, Coach Pete Hopf, official scorer Bill “Red” Rogers, Chris Noe, Jeff Dougherty, Todd Brownlee, Kurt Meister, Jerome Lee, Scott Lippe, Charlie Casley, Mark Ruark, Coach Clay Vass, Coach Steve Sergesketter. | Photo courtesy of Kurt Meister

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: After new coach arrives, No. 34 Saukees become first of many sectional champions

Front row: manager Rich Ruble, Bill Stone, Steve Adams, Rick Frazier, Rich Ellis, Danne Durall, Tracy Shelton, Joe Petty, manager Tom Craft and manager Todd Halpin. Back row: Coach Dave Bennett, Bill McCartney, Jeff Stauffer, Doug Newman, Don Newman, Chuck Baker, Grant Smith, Scot Wade, Pat McCulloch, Terry Leahr, Coach Jim Shields. | Photo courtesy of Dave Bennett

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: Gutted by graduation on third-place team, No. 35 Raiders bounce back to statewide prominence

Front row from left, Coach Scott Douglas, manager Danny Looten, Coach Bob Sheffield. Back row, Brian P. Doellman, Devin Frericks, Tim Bearden, Kyle Bocke, Zac Greer, James Nuessen, Nathan Kuhl, Lucas Cramsey, Brian Morrell, Shawn Emerick, Marcus Welding, Trevor Frericks, Greg Hellhake, Jason Green, Kevin Doellman, Rodney Craven. | Photo courtesy of Lisa Bearden

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: No. 37 Cardinals help bring communities together after historic flood during summer of 1993

Front row, Coach Steve Joslyn, Heath Hall, Joey Wilson, Peter Craig, Eric Lundberg, Jamie Wilson, Mike Stout, Kirk Mosley, Coach Larry Mosley. Back row, Marty Hull, T.J. Williams, Jason Stotts, Brian Hannel, Brock Billings, Gave Wheelan. | Photo courtesy of Kirk Mosley

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: Summer league battles prepare No. 38 Raiders for run at regional crown

Front row, Neil Mayfield, Tim Hellhake, Dave McCaughey, Tim Whittaker, Bill Schlegl, Jeff McCaughey, Joe Scholz, Greg Nutt. Back row, manager Scott Hummel, Todd Bastean, Tim Bichsel, Mark Wiemelt, Dan McCaughey, Kevin Meyer, Steve Bichsel, Greg Reis, Coach Bob Kies. Submitted photo

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: No. 39 Eagles wonder what could have been if not for QND roadblock

The 1983 Liberty boys basketball team featured, front left to right in the front row, Kevin Kill, Bruce Taube, Greg Thompson, John Fessler and Devin Neisen. In the back row, left to right, are Todd Fox, John Leapley, Terry Newell, Dennis Klingele, Mike Owen, Ron Gilbert, Buddy Swartzenberg, Todd Jansen, Dewayne Klingele, Kevin Blewett and Merle Simon (team manager). Submitted photo

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: Court injunction after regional, ‘chaos’ at sectional doesn’t stop No. 40 Cardinals

Front Row: Randy Horras, Dan Coulter, Perry Suter, Scott Hall, Hal Hall, Doug Monroe. Back row: John Sullivan, Bob Harmon, Brad Rodgers, Ken Bricker, Kris Wegehenkel, Jeff Ketcham. | Photo courtesy of Hamilton High School

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: Upset in season opener, No. 41 Eagles use motivation to return to super-sectionals

The 2005-06 Liberty boys basketball team finished 26-6. Photo courtesy Jeff Kasparie

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: No. 42 Indians set stage for program to enjoy consistent run of high-level success

Front Row: Dalton Edwards, JD Church, Joey Blickhan, Jake Voss, Daulton Speckhart, Jacob Farr, Carter Epperson, Austin Coultas Back Row: Nick Koetters, Lance Buhlig, Brett Loos, Frank Holtschlag, Gage Klitz, Cameron Brink, Hunter Flesner, Cody Hildebrand, Coach Brian Rea Photo courtesy Brian Rea

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: Physical play, difficult schedule helped No. 43 Raiders reach super-sectional for third time in four years

Front row from left, Chuck Grawe, Mike Real, Gary Dreyer, Jim Kasparie; middle row, Mark Longo, Dave Hummel, Ted Awerkamp, Coach Phil Conover, Steve Schutte, Tim Powers, Mike Hummert. On ladder from left, Jim Miller, Jack Terwelp, Jay Frericks, Tim Koetters, Mike Schuering, Curt Hogge, Kevin Hess. | Photo courtesy of Quincy Notre Dame

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: Before becoming one of Illinois’ most successful prep coaches, Bennett says injured foot was costly for No. 44 Saukees

Front row: Chris Miller, Marcus Zumwalt, Steve Personett, Todd Cawthon, Louis Koncor, John Hill, Bo Baer, Craig Riley, Steve Whewell, David Bess. Back row: Coach Bruce Everetts, Coach Jerry O’Brien, manager Bobby Scranton, Jeff Rupert, Troy Fischer, Brian Daniel, David McCartney, Lee Bennett, Jerome Heavner, Scot Moore, Brandon Moore, Coach Dave Bennett. | Photo courtesy of Dave Bennett

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: After more than a decade of lackluster seasons in Warsaw, No. 45 Wildcats finally provide hope

Front row: Brad Althide, Ross McMillen, Brad Lucey, Kevin Haner, Troy Schafer, Steve Harness. Back row: Billy Reynolds, Gerald Hackemack, Brian Froman, Steve Rothert, Jeff Lowman, Jay Koeber, Todd Hardy. | Photo courtesy of Dan Lucey

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: No. 46 Hornets flew under radar during super-sectional run, but elbow to eye proved costly

Front Row: Mark Wagner, Alex Ebbing, Adam Llywellyn, Michael Geisler, Perry Wilkerson, Ben Tracy and Eric Wagner. Back row: Coach Ron Kassing, Anthony Logsdon, Thomas Chaney, Evan Busen, Drew Yingling, A.J. Kassing, Brett Ufkes and Coach Van Wilson. | Photo courtesy of Van Wilson

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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50 After 50: Tall, talented senior class carries No. 47 Raiders to super-sectional

Left row going up the stairs, Bill Siebers, Brian Dreier, Shawn Schneider, Kevin Meyer, Mike Ridder, John Frankenhoff. Right row, Chad Sohn, Lance Frericks, Troy Willer, Tom Strieker, Bruce Alford, Greg Frese. Front row from left, manager Gary Gallaher, Coach Lonny Lemon, Coach Bob Kies. | Photo courtesy of Kevin Meyer

No. 47 — 1988-89 Quincy Notre Dame The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best…

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50 After 50: After breaking school record for victories, No. 48 Indians derailed by mysterious illness

Front Row: Josiah Hull, Tyler Barker, Aidan Perry, Grayson Tedrow, Bryan Dieker, Eric Grace Back Row: Coach Brian Rea, Wyatt Elliott, Trey Johnson, Logan Sparks, Cole Schwartz, Connor Ehrhardt, Lucas Loos, Hayden Hildebrand, Riker Triplett, Ben Perrine, Coach Klayton Conrad, Coach Timothy Southers | Photo courtesy of Brian Rea

No. 48 — 2019-20 Payson Seymour The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams…

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50 After 50: Depth, press wore out opponents, but half-court shot crushed No. 49 Bulldogs’ postseason dreams

Front Row: Shane Van Fleet, Kurt Hickenbotton, John Rowley, Coach Mark Branscum, Rick Grelk, Mike Markey, Bob Purvis. Back Row: Pat McCarty, Lonnie Brent, John Molter, Chris Herriman, Ted Logan, Corrie Muller, Karl Thompson, Darren McDowell, Rod Brent | Photo courtesy of John Rowley

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

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Schuckman: ’50 Teams After 50 Years’ will celebrate 50th anniversary of start of two-class system for Illinois basketball

For the better part of six decades, small-school boys basketball teams from West Central Illinois had their state tournament aspirations hit an inevitable roadblock. They simply couldn’t circumvent the city schools. Whether that foe came from Quincy, Galesburg or Springfield, there was a program with a larger enrollment, more resources and a history of postseason…

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50 After 50: No. 50 Wolves gave state champs toughest postseason test

Front row: Matt Helms, Richie Wagy, Derek Scranton, Tom Hart Back row: Gordon Sansom, Chris Shotts, Coach Harry Wagy, Matt Mooney, Jason Taliaferro, Steve Helms, Alex Ott, Phil Hooper, Coach Kent Jahn. | Photo courtesy of Harry Wagy

The Illinois High School Association created a second class for boys basketball for the 1971-72 school year. The 2020-21 season would have been the 50th year of the boys basketball small-school tournament. Muddy River Sports is celebrating 50 years of small-school boys basketball by ranking the 50 best teams in Adams, Brown, Pike and Hancock…

Read More