Schwartz’s clutch trey enables Indians to outlast Mustangs in overtime, win MVIT championship

The Payson Seymour boys basketball team and coaching staff react to Blake Schwartz hitting a game-tying 3-pointer the regulation buzzer Monday night in the championship game of the MVIT in Mendon, Ill. | Addi Zanger photo

MENDON, Ill. — Everyone in the gymnasium knew sharp-shooter Blake Schwartz was going to take the shot with the Payson Seymour boys basketball team down three points in the final seconds of regulation, but it was up to his teammate, Nick Boone, to get him the ball. “Boone did a great job of being there…

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Pyatt’s suffocating defense helps QND boys pull away in fourth quarter from pesky Payson Seymour

Quincy Notre Dame's Jackson Pyatt, right, hounds Payson Seymour's Blake Schwartz during Friday night's prep boys basketball game at The Pit. | David Adam

QUINCY —Jackson Pyatt didn’t flinch when his number was called. After watching Blake Schwartz, Payson Seymour’s top player, torch the Quincy Notre Dame defense for 18 points through the first three quarters, Pyatt had one job in the final eight minutes. “The goal was just make sure (Schwartz) doesn’t score,” Pyatt said. Consider it mission…

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‘That hoop looks like an ocean to him’: Liberty’s Sparrow drains seven treys in victory over Payson

Liberty sophomore forward Reed Sparrow, left, gets a 3-point attempt up while being guarded by Payson Seymour senior guard Blake Schwartz during Monday night's opening game of the Pittsfield Thanksgiving Tournament at Voshall Gym in Pittsfield, Ill. | Shane Hulsey photo

PITTSFIELD, Ill. — When Reed Sparrow finds his groove, there is no telling where he will shoot from next. “You kind of question it a little bit with him being so far away, but you also have to give him the green light because sometimes that hoop looks like an ocean to him,” Liberty boys…

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