Chance to make Shootout statement slips away from top-ranked Blue Devils in loss to Knights

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | January 26, 2025
Quincy High School senior point guard Kamren Wires stares down Bishop O'Connell guard Darius Bivins during the second half of Saturday night's game in the Quincy Shootout at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — This one stings, not because of the outcome but more so because of the preparation. When you’re the No. 1-ranked boys basketball team in the Illinois Class 4A state poll and you’re asked to defend your home court in a spotlight matchup in a ballyhooed event, you can’t coast through the week. It’s…

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Crim: Wootten carves own niche at Bishop O’Connell while following in legendary father’s footsteps

By Don Crim, Senior Columnist | January 22, 2025
Bishop O'Connell boys basketball coach Joe Wootten, right, has won more than 500 games in his career and will be bringing his team to the seventh Quincy Shootout this weekend. | Photo courtesy Bishop O'Connell High School

QUINCY. — Joe Wootten returned the phone call from his car four hours before his Bishop O’Connell High School boys basketball team was scheduled to play Fairfax (Va.) Christian in a Monday afternoon matinee. The severe winter storm that descended upon the Washington, D.C. area earlier this month forced teams to postpone and reschedule games.…

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