Blue Devils take care of business against Pioneers, set up showdowns with Maroons, Rocks to finish WB6 play

Quincy High School senior guard Bradley Longcor III scored 15 points in Tuesday night's 76-33 victory over Alleman at Don Morris Gym in Rock Island, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — For a moment Tuesday night, however brief it was, the Rock Island Alleman boys basketball team led state-ranked Quincy High School. Then the Blue Devils took possession of the ball, the lead and the game. Alleman sophomore guard Jack Wendt scored on a drive down the left side of the lane…

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Monroe City’s hot 3-point shooting in first quarter sparks 24-point victory over Palmyra in CCC play

Monroe City junior guard Quincy Mayfield shoots a 3-pointer over Palmyra's Ryan McKinney during Tuesday's Clarence Cannon Conference game in Monroe City, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Monroe City boys basketball coach Brock Edris joked with his team after the fact, but there was no joke about the effort his players put forth against Palmyra on Tuesday. Following a five-game stretch in which it went 3-2 with wins by a combined seven points against teams with a collective…

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Area scoreboard for Tuesday, February 11

QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Tuesday, February 11: Boys basketball Quincy High School 76, Alleman 33 Quincy Notre Dame 80, Mendon Unity 39 Winchester West Central 69, Payson Seymour 63 Illini West 42, Camp Point Central 23 Brown County 55, Western 37 Beardstown 54, Pittsfield 43 Monroe City 68, Palmyra 44 South…

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Muddy Night Hoops’ Starry Star of the Week

QUINCY — Each week during Muddy Night Hoops powered by Farm & Home Supply — a 90-minute talk show centered on prep basketball — the Starry Star of the Week will be presented to one area student-athlete. Sponsored by Refreshment Services Pepsi, the Starry Star of the Week looks to highlight someone who did something…

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Balanced offensive attack, stout defensive effort contribute to Titans blowing out Eagles

West Hancock senior guard Gavin Grothaus turns to shoot a jumper while being guarded by Liberty's Vince Cramsy during Monday's West Central Conference game in Liberty, Ill. | Shane Hulsey photo

LIBERTY, Ill. — Balanced and connected. When the West Hancock boys basketball team is both of those things — like it was on Monday — Titans senior guard Lewis Siegfried would hate to play against them. “It’s scary just thinking about it,” Siegfried said. The Titans put four players in double figures and clamped down…

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Three area eighth grade boys basketball teams qualify for state tourney in respective classes

QUINCY — The Quincy Junior High School eighth grade boys basketball team is headed to the Illinois Elementary School Association state tournament. Camp Point Central and Augusta Southeastern are, too. The three squads won sectional championships in their respective classes Monday night, advancing to the state quarterfinals on Saturday. Quincy defeated Mt. Zion 32-23 at…

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Area scoreboard for Monday, February 10

QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard from Monday, Feb. 10: Boys basketball West Hancock 64, Liberty 35 Payson Seymour 58, Beardstown 52 (OT) North Mac 49, Pittsfield 40 Southeastern 67, Pleasant Hill 53 Girls basketball Brown County 72, Mendon Unity 57 Pittsfield 65, Greenfield/Northwestern 36 Macomb 68, Illini West 49 Men’s basketball Clarke University…

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Friday night’s sluggish start becomes distant memory as Blue Devils race to 35-9 lead in rout

Quincy High School senior guard Kamren Wires gets fouled on a drive to the basket during Saturday night's game against Batavia at Blue Devil Gym. | Samantha Carmean photo

QUINCY — It wasn’t going to be a repeat performance. One night after being held to a lone field goal in the first quarter and to just 13 points in the opening half against United Township, the Quincy High School boys basketball team made sure there would be no need for any second-half heroics. Beginning…

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Mexico’s blistering shooting continues, while turnovers continue to plague QND

Mexico's Holden Aulbur tries to trach down a ball near midcourt while guarded by Quincy Notre Dame's Jackson Connoyer during Saturday night's game at The Pit. | David Adam photo

QUINCY — Darren Pappas has seen this act before.  The coach of the Mexico (Mo.) boys basketball team has had a front row seat to the Bulldogs’ perimeter prowess. “When we get our feet set, I like our chances,” Pappas said with a grin. Mexico made eight of its first nine shots, had seven first…

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Smith’s putback dunk adds exclamation point to Palmyra’s overtime victory over Routt

Palmyra's Ryan McKinney looks for space to dribble inside the Jacksonville Routt defense during Saturday's game in the KHQA/American Family Insurance Superfan Shootout. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Hudson Bock’s surprise turned to delight in a blink. With the Palmyra boys basketball team leading Jacksonville Routt 58-57 in overtime, Bock turned a steal into a fastbreak which he figured he’d finish with a left-handed layup. The ball had other ideas, rolling off the right side of the rim. “I saw it…

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Smyser’s trey gives Monroe City boost in finishing off Liberty in final minutes of regulation

Monroe City's Trey Smyser, left, pressures Liberty's Reed Sparrow during Saturday's game in the KHQA/American Family Insurance Superfan Shootout at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — As his teammates moved the ball up the floor, Trey Smyser gravitated to one of his favorite spots on the floor. “I like shooting on the wing,” he said. Apparently so. The Monroe City senior guard buried a 3-pointer from the right wing in front of the Panthers’ bench with 49.1 seconds remaining…

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Seniors in West Hancock backcourt lead charge as Titans use tide-turning run to hold off Hawks

West Hancock senior guard Lewis Siegfried directs traffic during the first half of Saturday's game against Clopton (Mo.) in the KHQA/American Family Insurance Superfan Shootout at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Lewis Siegfried, Gavin Grothaus and the West Hancock boys basketball team went on the attack. Trailing Clopton (Mo.) 13-12 with less than two minutes remaining in the first quarter Saturday in the KHQA/American Family Insurance Superfan Shootout, the Titans went on a 15-0 run while holding the Hawks without a field goal for…

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Blue Devils battle back from first-half effort deemed ‘worst of all time’ to fend off Panthers

Quincy High School forward Keshaun Thomas looks to kick the ball out of the post as United Township's Tucker Speckman, left, reaches in to knock the ball away during Friday night's game at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — It is not an exaggeration to say the Quincy High School boys basketball team played its worst 16 minutes of the season Friday night. It’s not hyperbole either to suggest it was the worst half of the Blue Devils’ careers. They freely admitted it was a struggle beyond measure. “Worst of all time,”…

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Helias capitalizes on swing moment in fourth quarter, fends off QND’s comeback

Quincy Notre Dame's Jackson Connoyer looks to pass while defended by Jefferson City Helias' Alex Wood, left, and Jordan Sykes during Friday night's game in the KHQA/American Family Insurance Superfan Shootout at The Pit. | David Adam photo

QUINCY — The pass was perfect and the shot was open.  “Everything was right there,” Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball coach Greg Altmix said. Everything except the tide-turning moment it was set up to be. The Raiders had cut an 18-point, second-half deficit to seven in the early stages of the fourth quarter of Friday’s…

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Photo gallery: QHS avoids WB6 upset by going on 30-3 run to erase forgettable first half

Quincy High School guard Bradley Longcor III pressures United Township's Tyler Horvath in the backcourt during Friday night's Western Big 6 Conference game at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys basketball team scored just three points in the first quarter Friday night against United Township and trailed 22-5 with three minutes to go in the first half, but the Blue Devils went on a 30-3 run to take control and post a 53-43 Western Big 6 Conference victory…

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Area scoreboard for Friday, February 7

QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Friday, Feb. 7: Boys basketball Quincy High School 53, United Township 43 Jefferson City Helias 57, Quincy Notre Dame 45 Liberty 49, Payson Seymour 42 Camp Point Central 56, Rushville-Industry 36 Mendon Unity 76, Southeastern 62 Macomb 67, South Fulton 42 Brown County 69, Pittsfield 36 Pawnee…

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Hall of Fame QHS basketball player Gary Phillips passes away at age of 85

Gary Phillips, a charter member of the Quincy Blue Devil Sports Hall of Fame, passed away recently in Austin, Texas. He was 85. | Photo courtesy Quincy Blue Devil Sports Hall of Fame

QUINCY — Gary Phillips didn’t return to his roots often, but when he did, the Quincy High School Hall of Fame basketball player was treated with legendary status. Even if he shied away from it. A star for the Blue Devils in the 1950s who became an All-American at the University of Houston and played…

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Illinois boys basketball state rankings: Blue Devils slip to No. 3, Titans on edge of Class 2A top 10

Senior forward Keshaun Thomas, left, and senior guard Bradley Longcor III have led the Blue Devils to a 22-2 record and a No. 3 ranking in this week's Associated Press Class 4A state poll. | Matt Schuckman photo

CHICAGO — Here are the latest Illinois Associated Press boys basketball state rankings, as voted on by a statewide panel of sportswriters and sportscasters. First-place votes in parenthesis: Class 4A School Record Total Points Previous 1. Kenwood (11) 23-1 119 1 2. Homewood-Flossmoor 23-2 106 3 3. Quincy (1) 22-2 103 2 4. Bolingbrook (1)…

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Knowles’ triple-double helps Titans grind out overtime victory over Bloodhounds

West Hancock junior center Cooper Knowles scored 16 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and blocked 12 shots in Tuesday night's victory over Fort Madison (Iowa) in overtime in Hamilton, Ill. | Shane Hulsey photo

HAMILTON, Ill. — West Hancock boys basketball coach Jeff Dahl tried his best to wrap his arms around what had just transpired. “This … was a grinder,” he said. West Hancock survived an overtime struggle with Fort Madison (Iowa), winning 74-67 Tuesday night to extend its win streak to nine in front of a crowd…

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Area scoreboard for Tuesday, February 4

QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Tuesday, Feb. 4: Boys basketball West Hancock 74, Fort Madison (Iowa) 67 Liberty 59, Western 51 Payson Seymour 66, Pittsfield 50 Brown County 57, Southeastern 40 Monroe City 57, South Shelby 55 Canton 69, Putnam County 50 Moberly 66, Hannibal 42 Girls basketball Quincy Notre Dame 66,…

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Muddy Night Hoops Episode 6

QUINCY — Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman is joined in the Refreshment Services Pepsi Studio by Quincy High School coach Brad Dance and KHQA Sports Director Chris Duerr and on the Hess Auto Hotline by Brown County coach Dave Phelps and Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey to break down the prep basketball scene…

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Area scoreboard for Monday, Feb. 3

QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Monday, Feb. 3: Boys basketball Liberty 65, West Prairie 47 North Callaway 64, Highland 41 Wright City 61, Mark Twain 37 Marion County 51, Knox County 39 Girls basketball Central-Southeastern 60, Pittsfield 37 Brown County 52, Macomb 48 Highland 62, North Callaway 36 Canton 78, Atlanta 31…

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Schuckman: Milestone moments continue to pile up for QHS senior class

Quincy High School senior guard Bradley Longcor III moved into second place on the QHS career scoring charts, passing Jack Kramer with Saturday's 20-point effort against Chaminade at the Midwest Crossroads Shootout at Normal West High School in Normal, Ill. Longocr currently has 1,773 career points. | Samantha Carmean photo

QUINCY — Crunching some numbers as the Quincy High School boys basketball players continue to reach milestones … • When Bradley Longcor III passed Jeff Klingler for third place on the program’s all-time scoring list, someone noticed and asked about Jack Kramer’s point total at No. 2. There was a discrepancy between Kramer’s Hall of…

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Efficient effort offensively, toughness defensively carry Blue Devils to Shootout victory over Red Devils

Quincy High School junior guard Milton Whitfield claps as the Blue Devils walk off the floor following their 49-44 victory over St. Louis Chaminade in the Midwest Crossroads Shootout on Saturday at Normal West High School in Normal, Ill. | Samantha Carmean photo

NORMAL, Ill. — The efficiency with which the Quincy High School boys basketball team runs its offense typically means a shot is going up after one, two or at most three passes. “Normally, We don’t normally get a reversal,” Blue Devils coach Andy Douglas said.  The patience with which the Blue Devils played Saturday night…

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‘They just kept battling and battling’: Raiders dig out of 13-point hole, rally to beat state-ranked Panthers

Quincy Notre Dame senior guard Alex Dance, foreground, celebrates with his teammates after QND's 66-57 victory over Monroe City on Saturday in Monroe City, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — When their team allows the first 13 points of a game, a basketball coach may be inclined to make significant adjustments. But even when the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team fell behind by a baker’s dozen in the first 4:45 against Monroe City on Saturday, Raiders coach Greg Altmix did…

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Photo gallery: QHS boys basketball team never relinquishes lead in second half against Chaminade

Quincy High School's Keshaun Thomas, left, and Dom Clay, right, help teammate Bradley Longcor III to his feet after he was fouled during Saturday's game against Chaminade in the Midwest Crossroads Shootout at Normal West High School in Normal, Ill. | Samantha Carmean photo

NORMAL, Ill. — The Quincy High School boys basketball team led by as many as eight points in the second half of Saturday’s game at the Midwest Crossroads Shootout and never gave up the lead despite St. Louis Chaminade whittling the deficit to as little as two points. The Blue Devils held on for a…

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Photo gallery: QND boys and girls sweep hoops doubleheader from Monroe City

Quincy Notre Dame senior guard Sage Stratton applies defensive pressure to Monroe City's Myra Jones during Saturday's game in Monroe City, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team held up its end of the bargain this time. For the second time this season, the QND boys and girls basketball teams played a twinbill against a Clarence Cannon Conference team. In December, the Raiders split with Palmyra. Saturday night, it was a showdown…

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Area scoreboard for Saturday, February 1

QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Saturday, Feb. 1: Boys basketball Quincy High School 49, Chaminade 44 Quincy Notre Dame 66, Monroe City 57 Illini West 50, Abingdon-Avon 42 Hale Bosworth 63, North Shelby 42 Girls basketball Sterling 42, Quincy High School 40 Quincy Notre Dame 57, Monroe City 27 Central-Southeastern 63, Cissna…

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Douglas reminds Blue Devils to stay grounded after blowing out another WB6 opponent

Sterling guard Xavian Prather tries to split the defense of Quincy High School's Kamren Wires, left, and Dom Clay, right, during the first quarter of Friday night's Western Big 6 Confernce game at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Every contender wants a shot at the title. So as both the reigning Western Big 6 Conference champion and the No. 2-ranked team in the state in Class 4A, the Quincy High School boys basketball squad has to be prepared to make sure a prize fight doesn’t turn into a back-alley brawl. “Everybody…

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Photo gallery: Blue Devils stay undefeated in WB6 play with victory over Golden Warriors

Quincy High School assistant coach Bruce Bonness talks with, from left, seniors Dom Clay, Kamren Wires and Bradley Longcor III near the end of Friday night's game against Sterling at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys basketball team improved to 10-0 in the Western Big 6 Conference with Friday night’s 84-45 victory over Sterling at Blue Devil Gym, giving the Blue Devils a two-game lead in the league standings. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman sat courtside and put together this photo gallery:

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Cardinals employ new defense while hitting their groove offensively in rolling to CCC victory

South Shelby senior forward Noah Wilt shoots a jumper over Highland's Lane Hinton, left, and Briscoe Post during Friday's Clarence Cannon Conference game in Lewistown, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

LEWISTOWN, Mo. — It took a little more than a quarter for the South Shelby boys basketball team to find its rhythm. Once the Cardinals did, it was smooth sailing. South Shelby led 14-12 after the first quarter against Highland on Friday, but the Cardinals stretched that lead to as large as 15 in the…

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Photo gallery: Highland, South Shelby split Clarence Cannon Conference twinbill

Highland junior guard Addy Abell brings the ball up the floor during Friday's Clarence Cannon Conference game against South Shelby in Lewistown, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

LEWISTOWN, Mo. — The Highland girls basketball team scored a significant victory with its 38-36 triumph over South Shelby in Clarence Cannon Conference play Friday night, while the South Shelby boys rolled to a 72-44 victory over Highland in the nightcap of the twinbill. Muddy Rivr Sports Writer Shane Hulsey was at Highland and put…

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Area scoreboard for Friday, January 31

QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Friday, January 31: Boys basketball Quincy High School 84, Sterling 45 West Hancock 61, Camp Point Central 31 Liberty 63, Brown County 51 Payson Seymour 66, Southeastern 57 (OT) Macomb 56, Havana 22 South Shelby 72, Highland 44 Palmyra 64, Macon 45 Kirksville 43, Hannibal 31 Monroe…

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Illinois boys basketball state rankings: Blue Devils fall to No. 2 in Class 4A following Shootout loss

The Quincy High School boys basketball team fell to No. 2 in the Class 4A state rankings following its loss to Bishop O'Connell of Arlington, Va., in last weekend's Quincy Shootout. | Matt Schuckman photo

CHICAGO — Here are this week’s Illinois Associated Press boys basketball state rankings, as compiled by a statewide panel of sportswriters and sportscasters. First-place votes in parenthesis: Class 4A School Record Total Points Previous 1. Kenwood (11) 22-1 135 2 2. Quincy (2) 20-2 118 1 3. Homewood-Flossmoor (1) 22-2 108 7 4. Bolingbrook 22-3…

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‘What did I just watch?’ Knowles’ reverse slam, Titans’ first quarter blitz highlight blowout of Chiefs

West Hancock senior point guard Gavin Grothaus drives to the basket during the Titans' 74-28 victory over Keokuk on Tuesday in Warsaw, Ill. | Shane Hulsey photo

WARSAW, Ill. — Hunter Froman did a double take from the bench. Gavin Grothaus ran back on defense with his hands on his head and mouth wide open in disbelief. They were in awe of what Cooper Knowles had just done. It was just the cherry on top of a dominant sundae whipped up by…

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Raiders slam door shut on Chargers’ rally by holding them scoreless over final three minutes

Quincy Notre Dame junior guard Beau Eftink drives to the basket during Tuesday night's game against Illini West at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — With a chance to leave zero doubt, the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team instead gave its opponent a slither of hope. It nearly erased the best stretch of basketball the Raiders had played in quite some time.  “We got complacent,” Raiders junior forward Jackson Connoyer said. “Took our foot off the gas.”…

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Blue Devils follow through on promise to practice better in order to play better, hammer Silver Streaks

Quincy High School senior guard Bradley Longcor III scored 20 points Tuesday night to lead the Blue Devils to a 90-35 Western Big 6 Conference victory over Galesburg at John Thiel Gym in Galesburg, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

GALESBURG, Ill. — The Quincy High School boys basketball players’ action spoke just as loud as their words following Saturday’s loss — just the No. 1-ranked Blue Devils’ second loss of the season and first at home in nearly two years. They said a more focused attitude at practice would lead to better on-court results.…

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Photo gallery: Strong start pushes QND boys basketball team past Illini West

Quincy Notre Dame senior Joe Warning, who is the Raider mascot, runs down the sideline during a timeout during Tuesday night's boys basketball game against Illini West at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team scored eight of the game’s first 10 points Tuesday night and never trailed in a 61-48 victory over Illini West at The Pit. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman sat courtside and put together this photo gallery:

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Area scoreboard for Tuesday, Jan. 28

QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard from Tuesday, Jan. 28: Boys basketball Quincy High School 90, Galesburg 35 Quincy Notre Dame 61, Illini West 48 West Hancock 72, Keokuk (Iowa) 28 Brown County 65, Payson Seymour 58 Pittsfield 40, Camp Point Central 37 Jacksonville Routt 62, Liberty 49 Macomb 55, Bushnell-Prairie City 29 Monroe…

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Muddy Night Hoops Episode 5

QUINCY — Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman is joined in the Refreshment Services Pepsi Studio by Quincy Notre Dame guard Alex Dance and on the Hess Auto Hotline by Quincy High School coach Andy Douglas, Central Illinois Sports’ Brian Shoemaker and Highland guard Addy Abell to break down the prep basketball scene for the…

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‘I wouldn’t want to guard him’: Length, skill and humble work ethic make Canton’s Brewer tough to defend

Canton senior forward Preston Brewer is averaging more than 24 points and 10 rebounds per game this season. | Shane Hulsey photo

CANTON, Mo. — A humble beast. Kaden Oliver, a junior guard on the Canton boys basketball team, gave that moniker to Preston Brewer, the Tigers’ 6-foot-8 senior forward and a friend of Oliver’s for 10 years. “He’s probably the most humble guy I’ve ever met in my life,” Oliver said. “He’s very hard-working, takes criticism…

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Schuckman: Underwood’s appearance, Wentura’s birthday, Stratman’s effort make Quincy Shootout memorable

University of Illinois men's basketball coach Geoff Alexander, left, and Illini head coach Brad Underwood watch the action Saturday afternoon during the Quincy Shootout at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School administration obliged. So did Brad Underwood. That turned the Quincy Shootout into a memorable moment for a vast number of fans. At some point early Saturday afternoon, Quincy boys basketball coach Andy Douglas learned Underwood, the head coach of the University of Illinois men’s basketball program, and Illini assistant…

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Photo gallery: Quincy Shootout provides memorable moments, high-level competition

Link Academy forward Chris Cenac, a University of Houston signee, was one of the most impressive players to participate in the seventh Quincy Shootout at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The seventh Quincy Shootout is in the books. What will we remember from it? Brad Underwood’s appearance, Oak Park’s impressive play, Chris Cenac’s name, Blue Devil Gym packed to the rafters and so much more. A basketball junkie’s dream weekend was undoubtedly successful yet again. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent Saturday…

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Quincy Shootout schedule and scores

The Shawnee Mission (Kan.) Northwest bench celebrates a basket during the fourth quarter of their 76-69 win over St. Louis Chaminade in the Quincy Shootout on Friday at The Pit. | Shane Hulsey photo

QUINCY — The seventh Quincy Shootout is taking place this weekend at Blue Devil Gym and The Pit. All games are being streamed on the Central Illinois Sports channel on YouTube. Here is the schedule: Friday’s games At Blue Devil Gym Sunrise Christian 76, Father Tolton 40 MVP — Sunrise Christian guard Jacob Walker, who…

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

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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Photo gallery: QHS boys suffer setback in marquee game of Quincy Shootout

Quincy High School's Dom Clay, top, battles for a loose ball on the floor with Bishop O'Connell's Shane Lincoln during Saturday night's game in the Quincy Shootout at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The top-ranked Quincy High School boys basketball team suffered its second loss of the season, falling 53-46 to Bishop O’Connell of Arlington, Va., in the marquee game of the seventh Quincy Shootout on Saturday night at Blue Devil Gym. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman sat courtside and put together this photo gallery:

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‘We have to come with energy’: Blue Devils prep for showdown with Knights by dispatching Maple Leafs

Quincy High School's Dom Clay, left, and Kamren Wires trap Geneseo's Kwin Vankerreebroeck near midcourt during Friday night's Western Big 6 Conference game at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys basketball team wasn’t going to disrespect the opponent, the event or the sport with a nonchalant effort. There’s too much riding on this weekend to be anything less than focused. So despite knowing what the outcome of Friday night’s Western Big 6 Conference matchup with Geneseo could have…

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Schuckman: Blue Devils’ camaraderie and love for each other brings proper perspective to milestone moments

Quincy High School senior guard Bradley Longcor III, left, and coach Andy Douglas celebrate a milestone moment after Longcor's broke the program's all-time 3-point record with his 230th made trey, which came during Friday night's game against Geneseo at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Andy Douglas called timeout as soon as the ball tickled the twine. He wasn’t letting this moment pass by. With less than four minutes remaining in the first quarter of Friday night’s Western Big 6 Conference matchup with Geneseo, Quincy High School senior guard Bradley Longcor III buried a 3-pointer from the left…

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Photo gallery: Quincy Shootout kicks off with spirited play at Blue Devil Gym

Brewster Academy's Sebastian Wilkins, right, celebrates with his teammates after hitting a game-winning 3-pointer with 1.9 seconds remaining in a 49-47 victory over Link Academy on Friday night in the Quincy Shootout at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The first night of the seventh Quincy Shootout produced what basketball fans have come to expect from the marquee event of the winter — high-level teams competing with energy and enthusiasm, college-level talent playing above the rim and games decided in the waning seconds. More of the same is expected Saturday, when nine…

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‘We were kind of shocked’: Simeon’s blitz puts QND on its heels, leads to lopsided loss for Raiders

Quincy Notre Dame junior forward Jace Allensworth begins his drive to the basket during Friday's game against Chicago Simeon in the Quincy Shootout at The Pit. | Shane Hulsey photo

QUINCY — The first six minutes the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team played against Chicago Simeon in the Quincy Shootout on Friday were as close to as perfect as Raiders coach Greg Altmix could have asked for. “If we can do that for 32 minutes, there’s no team in Class 2A we can’t play…

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From A to Z: Deep dive reveals incredible talent coming to Quincy Shootout once again

Blue Devil Gym, the iconic home of the Quincy High School boys basketball program, will be the site of the seventh Quincy Shootout. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy Shootout returns Friday with four games being played at both Blue Devil Gym and The Pit on Friday night and nine games taking place Saturday at Blue Devil Gym. Here’s an A-to-Z look at what to expect and what to be on the lookout for this weekend: A is for attendance,…

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Monroe City’s cushion withstands Canton’s late barrage with spot in Lenzini Tournament title game at stake

Monroe City boys basketball coach Brock Edris, right, and the Panthers will face rival Palmyra in the championship of the 82nd Tony Lenzini Tournament on Saturday in Palmyra, Mo. | Matt Schuckman photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — Canton boys basketball coach Dalton Armontrout looked at the post-game numbers and shrugged his shoulders. “Too little, too late, I guess,” he said, trying to analyze what had just unfolded in the semifinals of the 82nd Tony Lenzini Tournament at Palmyra High School. No argument with that assessment. Monroe City held off…

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Old-school look leads to old-school ways as Palmyra rolls into tournament title game

Palmyra's Ryan McKinney scored 12 points in Wednesday night's 69-39 victory over Van-Far in the semifinals of the Tony Lenzini Tournament in Palmyra, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — Brian Rea opted for a little back to the future to serve as inspiration for the Palmyra boys basketball team. The Panthers’ fourth-year coach wanted to revisit the past in an imaginative way in an effort to simultaneously light a late-season fire under his club and have some fun as the season’s…

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Area scoreboard for Wednesday, Jan. 22

QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Wednesday, Jan. 22: Boys basketball Greenfield-Northwestern 56, Pittsfield 39 Tony Lenzini Invitational Palmyra 69, Van-Far 39 Highland 55, Hannibal 45 North Shelby Tournament North Shelby 70, Schuyler County 68 (OT) Marion County 67, Knox County 50 Girls basketball Mendon Unity 51, Liberty 41 Tony Lenzini Invitational Hannibal…

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Illinois boys basketball state rankings: Blue Devils stay No. 1 ahead of Quincy Shootout showdown

The Quincy High School boys basketball team remains No. 1 in the Associated Press Class 4A state poll. | Matt Schuckman photo

CHICAGO — Here are the latest Illinois Associated Press boys basketball state rankings, as compiled by a panel of sportswriters and sportscasters from across the state. First-place votes are in parenthesis: Class 4A School Record Total Points Previous 1. Quincy (8) 18-1 142 1 2. Kenwood (2) 20-1 126 2 3. Bolingbrook (3) 20-2 122…

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

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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Area scoreboard for Tuesday, Jan. 21

QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Tuesday, Jan. 21: Boys basketball Payson Seymour 45, Camp Point Central 34 Illini West 60, Liberty 47 Jacksonville Routt 50, Griggsville-Perry 36 Tony Lenzini Invitational Canton 69, Brookfield 47 Monroe City 54, Clark County 33 North Shelby Tournament South Shelby 71, la Plata 51 Scotland County 89,…

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Muddy Night Hoops Episode 4

QUINCY — Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman is joined on the Hess Auto Hotline by Quincy Notre Dame coach Eric Orne, Payson Seymour coach Tyler Duschinsky, Moline coach Sean Taylor and West Hancock point guard Gavin Grothaus to break down the prep basketball scene for the latest episode of Muddy Night Hoops powered by…

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Longcor outscores Lincoln by himself as No. 1 Quincy caps perfect week with lopsided victory

Quincy High School senior guard Bradley Longcor III looks to run the offense during the second half of Saturday night's game against Lincoln at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Bradley Longcor III doesn’t glance at the scoreboard often during a game other than to check the time remaining and occasionally see what the score might be. “Just the time really,” he said. “To be honest, that’s it.” And he ignores the individual numbers shared on the big scoreboard on the south wall…

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Photo gallery: QHS completes three-game sweep of tradition-rich programs by beating Lincoln

The Quincy High School boys basketball team's starters spend the final few minutes of Saturday night's 51-21 victory over Lincoln on the bench in Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — First, down went Moline. Then Rock Island. And lastly Lincoln. The No. 1-ranked Quincy High School boys basketball team swept three tradition-rich foes this week, completing the trifecta Saturday night with a 51-21 victory over Lincoln at Blue Devil Gym. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman sat courtside and put together this photo…

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Area scoreboard for Saturday, Jan. 18

QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Saturday, Jan. 18: Boys basketball Quincy High School 44, Lincoln 21 Tolono Unity 57, Quincy Notre Dame 54 Macomb 50, Monmouth-Roseville 33 Hancock County Tournament West Hancock 47, Illini West 39 Southeastern 63, West Prairie 53 Winchester Invitational Consolation Championship Payson Seymour 58, North Greene 55 Fifth-place…

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Clamping down defensively allows top-ranked Blue Devils to crumble Rocks in WB6 showdown

Quincy High School senior guard Dom Clay dives to save the ball and make a steal in the second half of Friday night's 56-44 victory over Rock Island in Western Big 6 Conference play at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The challengers continue to line up to take a crack at knocking the Quincy High School boys basketball team from its best-team-in-the-state perch. They keep failing for one very significant reason. The Blue Devils adjust, anchor down and get aggressive defensively. “I like our odds against anybody as long as we do what…

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Smith, Bock provide punch as Palmyra takes momentum into own tourney after CCC victory

Palmyra's Pierce White drives to the basket during Friday night's Clarence Cannon Conference game against Centralia in Palmyra, Mo. | Photo courtesy Alicia Deming

PALMYRA. Mo. — Mason Smith and Hudson Bock are becoming a formidable one-two scoring punch. The guards combined to score 31 points in the first half and 53 overall Friday night to help carry the Palmyra boys basketball team to a 72-58 victory over Centralia in the Clarence Cannon Conference opener for both teams. Smith’s…

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Siegfried’s blistering shooting part of Titans’ overwhelming effort in Hancock County tourney

West Hancock senior guard Lewis Siegfried scored 21 points in Friday night's victory over Southeastern in the Hancock County Tournament in Warsaw, Ill. | Shane Hulsey photo

WARSAW, Ill. — Lewis Siegfried’s body language is obvious, and the confidence practically oozes from his fingertips with each release beyond the 3-point arc.  “I can just feel it,” Siegfried said. “I know when I’m on.” The long-range senior assassin was certainly on Friday night. Siegfried poured through a game-best 21 points, including five 3-point…

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Chargers earn chance to defend Hancock County Tournament title after dispatching Mustangs

Illini West junior forward Wesley Robertson scored 21 points in his return to the lineup Friday night against Mendon Unity in the Hancock County Tournament in Warsaw, Ill. | Shane Hulsey photo

WARSAW, Ill. — Nothing has changed in the past week. Saturday night’s matchup between the Illini West and West Hancock boys basketball teams will decide the championship of the 104th Hancock County Invitational Tournament at Warsaw High School. From the start, that was the most anticipated pairing of the week-long, round-robin event. Both schools won…

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Photo gallery: Top-ranked Blue Devils win WB6 showdown with ninth-ranked Rocks

A young fan cheers as the Quincy High School boys basketball team warms up prior to Friday night's game against Rock Island at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A second-quarter surge carried the top-ranked Quincy High School boys basketball team to a 56-44 victory over ninth-ranked Rock Island in Friday night’s Western Big 6 Conference showdown at Blue Devil Gym. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman sat courtside and put together this photo gallery:

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Area scoreboard for Friday, Jan. 17

QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Friday, Jan. 17: Boys basketball Quincy High School 56, Rock Island 44 Palmyra 72, Centralia 58 Canton 56, North Shelby 49 Wellsville-Middletown 53, Mark Twain 41 Hancock County Tournament West Hancock 96, Southeastern 40 Illini West 65, Mendon Unity 63 Winchester Invitational Brown County 54, Liberty 47…

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Area scoreboard for Thursday, Jan. 16

QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Thursday, Jan. 16: Boys basketball Marion County 75, Madison 16 South Shelby 64, Louisiana 49 Bowling Green 74, Mark Twain 24 Winchester Invitational Payson Seymour 59, Carrollton 48 North Greene 65, Griggsville-Perry 62 Girls basketball Quincy Notre Dame 66, Rochester 31 Rock Island 45, Quincy High School…

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Home, sweet home: Raiders return to The Pit for first time in nearly four weeks, steamroll Saukees

Quincy Notre Dame junior forward Robbie Reed drives the baseline looking to score during Wednesday night's game against Pittsfield at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The fact the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team hadn’t played on its home floor in nearly a month wasn’t lost on the Raiders. “It’s been a while,” QND senior guard Alex Dance said.  It had been 26 days as a matter of fact. “Felt good to be back,” Dance said. Playing at…

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Photo gallery: QND plays with high level of energy in comfy confines of its home court

Quincy Notre Dame senior guard Alex Dance gets fouled on a drive to the basket during Wednesday night's game against Pittsfield at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Playing at home for the first time since Dec. 20, the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team looked comfortable in familiar surroundings, running away from Pittsfield in a 69-40 victory Wednesday night at The Pit. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman was courtside and put together this photo gallery.

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Illinois boys basketball state rankings: Blue Devils remain No. 1 in Class 4A

The Quincy High School boys basketball team remained the No. 1-ranked team in Class 4A after winning three games in five days. | Matt Schuckman photo

CHICAGO — Here are this week’s Illinois Associated Press boys basketball state rankings as voted on by a statewide panel of sportswriters and sportscasters. First-place votes in parenthesis: Class 4A School Record Total Points Previous 1. Quincy (4) 16-1 80 1 2. Kenwood (2) 17-1 75 T2 3. Rich Township (2) 12-4 74 T2 4.…

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Blue Devils put end to Wharton jinx, take down Maroons on road for first time since 2017

Quincy High School boys basketball coach Andy Douglas talks to his team at a break between quarters during Tuesday night's 71-56 victory over Moline at Wharton Field House in Moline, Ill. | Submitted photo

MOLINE, Ill. — Dom Clay didn’t try to hide what this one meant. As the final seconds ticked away on Tuesday night’s 71-56 Western Big 6 Conference victory over the Moline boys basketball team at Wharton Field House, the Quincy High School senior guard stood near midcourt pumping his right arm in celebration. “​​It was…

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Mayfield, DeGrave help Panthers knock off rust from lenghty layoff, pull away from Pirates

Monroe City junior guard Quincy Mayfield drives to the basket during Tuesday's game against Hannibal in Monroe City, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Quincy Mayfield took matters into his own hands, and the Monroe City boys basketball team fed off of his assertiveness. With Monroe City leading Hannibal 12-10 and 30 seconds to go in the first quarter of Tuesday’s game at the Monroe City High School gym, Mayfield turned a steal into a…

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Titans’ offense stampedes Mustangs, scoring 35 points in second quarter of tournament rout

WARSAW, Ill. — Mendon Unity boys basketball coach Keith Carothers was brutally honest Tuesday night when he was breaking down his club’s 91-42 loss to West Hancock. “They could have scored 120,” Carothers said. He meant the observation as both a compliment of West Hancock’s performance, which was accented by repeated end-to-end mercurial runs by…

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Area scoreboard for Tuesday, Jan. 14

QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Tuesday, Jan. 14: Boys basketball Quincy High School 71, Moline 56 Monroe City 66, Hannibal 49 Palmyra 70, Kirksville 65 Canton 67, Highland 43 South Shelby 66, Van-Far 34 Marion County 80, Bucklin/Macon County 46 North Shelby 60, Schuyler County 44 Hancock County Tournament Illini West 61,…

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Muddy Night Hoops, Episode 3

QUINCY — Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman is joined in the Refreshment Services Pepsi studio by Quincy High School all-state guard Bradley Longcor III as well as on the Hess Auto Hotline by Palmyra senior forward Sydney Compton, Illini West boys basketball coach Blaize Kimmell and Canton boys basketball coach Dalton Armontrout to break…

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Area scoreboard for Monday, Jan. 13

QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Monday, Jan. 13: Boys basketball Marion County 67, Wellsville 37 Hancock County Tournament Mendon Unity 70, Southeastern 56 West Hancock 74, West Prairie 25 Girls basketball Quincy Notre Dame 54, Pittsfield 49 Central-Southeastern 72, Payson Seymour 21 Brown County 61, South Fulton 27 Macomb 56, North Fulton…

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Thomas, top-ranked Blue Devils refuse to coast, keep energy high throughout victory over Senators

Quincy High School forward Keshaun Thomas pulls a rebound away from a pair of Springfield players during Saturday night's game at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Keshaun Thomas despises the idea of coasting into halftime. “Everybody has to go out there and hustle their hardest, no matter how much we’re up,” said Thomas, the 6-foot-6 senior forward with a relentless motor who has helped the Quincy High School boys basketball rise to No. 1 in the Class 4A state…

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Battle of big men tips in Keokuk’s favor as supporting cast helps Chiefs win tourney title

Canton senior forward Preston Brewer works his way to the basket during Saturday's Highland Tournament championship game against Keokuk in Lewistown, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

LEWISTOWN, Mo. — Jaxon Clark and Preston Brewer were the marquee names heading into the finals of the 53rd Highland boys basketball tournament. And neither disappointed. Clark, however, benefitted from a deeper supporting cast in helping Keokuk (Iowa) turn back Canton 59-52 before a crowd of about 575 Saturday afternoon patrons. Clark, a 6-foot-10 junior…

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Photo gallery: No. 1-ranked Blue Devils complete weekend sweep by beating Senators

Quincy High School senior guard Dom Clay smiles as he puts up a free throw during the second half of Saturday night's 80-56 victory over Springfield in Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The No. 1-ranked team in the state isn’t showing any signs of taking it easy on anyone. The Quincy High School boys basketball team — No. 1 in Class 4A — built a 22-point lead by halftime Saturday night and cruised to an 80-56 victory over Springfield at Blue Devil Gym. Quincy improved…

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Photo gallery: Keokuk sweeps championships of 53rd Highland Tournament

Palmyra senior guard Clare Williams executes a crossover dribble during Saturday's Highland Tournament championship game against Keokuk in Lewistown, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

LEWISTOWN, Mo. — The championships of the 53rd Highland Tournament are heading north of the state line. The Keokuk (Iowa) boys and girls basketball teams swept Saturday’s title games, beating Palmyra 65-62 in the girls matchup and knocking off Canton 59-52 to win the boys title. Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey was courtside for…

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Area scoreboard for Saturday, Jan. 11

QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Saturday, Jan. 11: Boys basketball Quincy High School 80, Springfield 56 Hancock County Tournament Illini West 54, Southeastern 46 Mendon Unity 80, West Prairie 72 (OT) Winchester Invitational Jacksonville Routt 42, Griggsville-Perry 35 Triopia 60, Western 26 Calhoun 62, Carlinville 46 Petersburg PORTA 45, North Greene 23…

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‘We were locked in’: Blue Devils respond to loss with gusto, dispatch Pioneers in WB6 play

Quincy High School senior guard Bradley Longcor III rises for a layup during the Blue Devils' 90-34 Western Big 6 Conference victory over Rock Island Alleman on Friday at Blue Devil Gym. | Shane Hulsey photo

QUINCY — In the locker room after the Quincy High School boys basketball team’s 59-56 loss to Vashon on Jan. 4 — the Blue Devils’ first setback of the season — the attention turned to how to move forward. Four seniors — Dom Clay, Bradley Longcor III, Kamren Wires, and Keshaun Thomas — stood up…

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Photo gallery: No. 1-ranked QHS overwhelms Alleman with array of offensive weapons

Quincy High School junior Trace Routh puts up a 3-pointer from the corner in front of the QHS bench during the second half of Friday's 90-34 victory over Rock Island Alleman in Western Big 6 Conference play at Blue Devil Gym. | Shane Hulsey photo

QUINCY — The top-ranked Quincy High School boys basketball team scored the first 10 points Friday night and never let up in a 90-34 victory over Rock Island Alleman in Western Big 6 Conference play at Blue Devil Gym. Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey was courtside and put together this photo gallery:

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Area scoreboard for Friday, Jan. 10

QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Friday, Jan. 10: Boys basketball Quincy High School 90, Rock Island Alleman 34 Payson Seymour 56, Illini West 55 Williamsville 68, West Hancock 60 Rushville-Industry 61, Southeastern 43 Highland Tournament Third-place game Palmyra 62, Kirksville 57 Girls basketball Highland Tournament Third-place game Highland 31, Canton 29

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Technically speaking, Tigers take advantage of jumpstart to earn spot in Highland tourney title tilt

Canton's Preston Brewer, center, goes up to block a shot by Palmyra's Ryan McKinney, right, during Thursday's semifinal of the 53rd Highland Tournament in Lewistown, Mo. | Photo courtesy Alicia Deming

LEWISTOWN, Mo. — Canton’s Preston Brewer walked calmly to the free-throw line and swished four foul shots. Before the game had even started. The Canton boys basketball team had been awarded the four free throws for technical fouls assessed to Palmyra for pregame dunking, which is forbidden in high school games in most states. Those…

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Area scoreboard for Thursday, Jan. 9

QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Thursday, Jan. 9: Boys basketball Brown County 63, Rushville-Industry 58 Triopia 75, Pleasant Hill 71 Calhoun 59, Payson Seymour 42 Cairo 59, South Shelby 56 Highland Tournament Canton 66, Palmyra 52 Girls basketball Quincy Notre Dame 73, Beardstown 11 Quincy High School 61, Moline 58 Pittsfield 69,…

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Schuckman: No. 1 ranking is sign of respect, but doesn’t change Blue Devils’ approach to improving

Quincy High School senior guard Bradley Longcor III, left, and the Blue Devils will continue facing pressure as the No. 1 team in the Associated Press Class 4A state poll. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

QUINCY — Andy Douglas’ one-word response to learning the Quincy High School boys basketball team is the No. 1-ranked squad in the Associated Press state poll for the first time in more than four decades told a small part of the story. His reaction to what it means moving forward illustrated the bigger part. The…

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Titans use third-quarter blitz to bury Golden Eagles, gain momentum for matchup with Bullets

West Hancock forward Nolan Gooding puts up a shot over a Mercer County defender during Wednesday night's game at Red Rogers Gymnasium in Hamilton, Ill. | Shane Hulsey photo

HAMILTON, Ill. — The West Hancock boys basketball team’s second-half plan was quite simple — put Mercer County away. The Titans went on a 9-2 run in the first three minutes of the second half and outscored the Golden Eagles 26-11 in the third quarter to run away with a 69-31 victory Wednesday night at…

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Area scoreboard for Wednesday, Jan. 8

QUINCY — Here is the area scoreboard for Wednesday, Jan. 8: Boys basketball West Hancock 69, Mercer County 31 Liberty 78, Mendon Unity 76 Griggsville-Perry 39, North Greene 31 Girls basketball Illini West 47, Mendon Unity 40 South Shelby 78, Meadville 22 Highland Tournament Palmyra 54, Canton 34 Keokuk 54, Highland 44 Men’s basketball Central…

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