Boys basketball Archives - Muddy River Sports

Photo gallery: Scenes from Saturday’s Superfan Shootout at The Pit

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | February 6, 2023 |

South Shelby coach Luke O'Laughlin implores his defense to challenge Quincy Notre Dame guard Abbey Schreacke during the second half of Saturday's game in the KHQA-American Family Insurance Superfan Shootout at The Pit in Quincy. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent Saturday inside Quincy Notre Dame’s The Pit watching the KHQA-American Family Insurance Superfan Shootout unfold. Here are some of the images he captured throughout the day:

Inside, outside, upside, down: Ability to run offense through Connoyer in paint allows Raiders to roll Bearcats in Shootout finale

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | February 5, 2023 |

Quincy Notre Dame senior forward Alex Connoyer, center, scored 18 points in leading the Raiders to a 67-40 victory over Cairo (Mo.) Northeast on Saturday night at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Alex Connoyer established a trend the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team needs to follow if its season is going to last another five weeks. Starting with the first time he touched the ball Saturday night through his final offensive possession in the 67-40 victory over Cairo (Mo.) Northeast at The Pit, the…

Stephens’ complete effort in Shootout allows Suns to pull away in fourth quarter

By Steve Eighinger | February 5, 2023 |

Southeastern senior forward Danny Stephens scored 31 points Saturday in the Suns' 56-41 victory over Steelville in the KHQA-American Family Insurance Superfan Shootout at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Just give Danny the ball. “That’s pretty much what we did,” Southeastern boys basketball coach Brett Ufkes said. “He usually makes me look good.” Sure, Ufkes was having a little bit of postgame fun Saturday when discussing senior Danny Stephens’ performance in the KHQA-American Family Insurance Superfan Shootout at Quincy Notre Dame’s The…

Tuning it out, dialing it in: Moline ignores Blue Devil Gym’s fervor, uses defense to silence QHS in battle at top of WB6

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | February 4, 2023 |

Quincy High School guard Bradley Longcor III, left, looks to make a move around Moline's Brock Harding during Friday night's Western Big 6 Conference game at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Dominique Clay’s fist-pumping reaction to Tyler Sprick’s 3-pointer drove the decibel level inside Blue Devil Gym to arguably its peak Friday night. The Moline boys basketball players simply ignored it. “That’s because we have a bunch of seniors,” Maroons coach Sean Taylor said. Their response screamed of experience. Despite falling behind by as…

Photo gallery: Quincy, Moline battle for first in WB6 at Blue Devil Gym

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | February 4, 2023 |

Quincy High School's Bradley Longcor III sets himself for a sideline inbounds play while being guarded by Moline's Jasper Ogburn during Friday night's Western Big 6 Conference game at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Western Big 6 Conference championship likely won’t stay in Quincy for another year. The Moline boys basketball team’s 57-46 victory Friday night at Blue Devil Gym means Quincy High School — the reigning WB6 champion — is now two games behind the Maroons in the league standings with three games to play.…

Wallingford’s return helps Raiders kickstart Shootout weekend with victory over Indians

By Steve Eighinger | February 4, 2023 |

Quincy Notre Dame's Jake Wallingford, left, and Braden Sheffield line up to rebound on a free throw during Friday night's game against Payson Seymour in the KHQA-American Family Insurance Superfan Shootout at The Pit. | Ron Kinscherf photo

QUINCY — The gentle giant is back. Jake Wallingford, the soft-spoken big man with an even softer jump shot, is once again an integral part of the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team. The 6-foot-8 senior made his season debut Friday night, helping QND to a 70-42 victory over Payson Seymour in the KHQA-American Family…

Grothaus gives West Hancock huge lift off bench as Titans reach 20-victory plateau

By Steve Eighinger | February 4, 2023 |

QUINCY — Gavin Grothaus has gladly accepted his role as the West Hancock boys basketball team’s sixth man. In fact, the sophomore guard relishes the role of being first player off the bench. “I’ve been the sixth man all year,” Grothaus said. “I like it because it gives me a little time to watch and…

WB6 title hopes at stake when Blue Devils, Maroons square off at Blue Devil Gym

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | February 3, 2023 |

Quincy High School's Tyler Sprick, left, pressure Moline's Brock Harding during their Western Big 6 Conference matchup at Wharton Field House in Moline, Ill., on December 16. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Sitting in the bleachers of what at that moment was a relatively empty Blue Devil Gym, Camden Brown gazed around as he envisioned what Friday night’s crowd might be like. “Hopefully it’s sold out,” he said. It should be. The Quincy High School boys basketball team puts its Western Big 6 Conference title…

Brown County, Griggsville-Perry win eighth grade boys basketball regional titles

By Muddy River Sports | February 2, 2023 |

QUINCY — A pair of area eighth grade boys basketball teams won Illinois Elementary School Association regional championships Thursday night. Brown County captured a Class 2A regional crown with a 47-34 victory over Liberty at Mendon. The Hornets (26-1) advance to Monday’s sectional against Colchester West Prairie (21-5) in Colchester. Griggsville-Perry won a Class 1A…

Illinois boys basketball state rankings: Quincy sits No. 8 in Class 4A ahead of showdown with Moline

By Muddy River Sports | February 2, 2023 |

Tyler Sprick and the Quincy High School boys basketball team is ranked No. 8 in Class 4A and will face No. 2 Moline on Friday night in Western Big 6 Conference play at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

Here are the Illinois boys prep basketball polls with rank, team, first-place votes, record, total points and previous ranking. Class 4A School W-L Pts Prv 1. Lisle (Benet Academy) (11) 24-1 110 1 2. Moline 22-3 97 2 3. Joliet West 20-5 83 3 4. Kenwood 19-5 74 4 5. Brother Rice 23-3 64 6…

After rallying to win, Palmyra boys search for ways to improve first-half effort

By Steve Eighinger | February 1, 2023 |

PALMYRA, Mo. — Palmyra boys basketball coach Brian Rea is contemplating a change in the Panthers’ late-season practice regimen. Shortly following Palmyra’s 48-42 come-from-behind victory Tuesday night over Clark County in Clarence Cannon Conference play, Rea was looking for a solution to why his club appeared to sleepwalk through much of the first two quarters.…

Short stay on bench reinvigorates Genenbacher as he carries Panthers past Titans for third time

By Steve Eighinger | January 28, 2023 |

Central senior forward Isaac Genenbacher powers his way to the basket during Friday night's game against West Hancock in Camp Point, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — Central boys basketball coach James Barnett had a difficult decision to make. With his team obviously laboring in the midst of a third-quarter meltdown, Barnett opted to pull senior Isaac Genenbacher from the lineup. Often the heart and soul of the Panthers at both ends of the floor, Genenbacher was struggling…

Thomas, Blue Devils power way through second half to set up showdown with Maroons

By Muddy River Sports | January 28, 2023 |

Quincy High School sophomore forward Keshaun Thomas scored 18 points in the second half Friday night, guiding the Blue Devils to a 57-45 victory over Sterling in Western Big 6 Conference action. | File photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

STERLING, Ill. — Saddled to the bench for the duration of the second quarter Friday night, Keshaun Thomas bottled his frustration and was anxious to unleash it. The Sterling boys basketball team felt the brunt of that. Thomas, Quincy High School’s 6-foot-6 sophomore forward, scored 11 of the Blue Devils’ 14 points in the third…

Photo gallery: Girls win, boys stumble as Hannibal celebrated homecoming court

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | January 28, 2023 |

The players on the Hannibal girls basketball team's bench cheer during Friday night's victory over Kirksville at Korf Gym in Hannibal, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal girls basketball team set the right mood for a homecoming celebration, scoring the first 15 points of Friday night’s 49-31 North Central Missouri Conference victory over Kirksville at Korf Gym. The Hannibal boys weren’t able to seize on the momentum the girls created, falling 60-45 to the Tigers. Zaria Reese,…

Photo gallery: Central boys basketball team beats West Hancock for third time

By Muddy River Sports | January 28, 2023 |

The Central boys basketball players celebrate their 61-48 victory over West Hancock on Friday night in Camp Point, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — The Central boys basketball team used a fourth-quarter run to pull ahead and stay ahead in a 61-48 victory Friday night over West Hancock. It’s the third time this season the Panthers have beaten the Titans. Freelance photographer Mike Pritchard shared action photos from Friday’s game. Here is a gallery of…

The Scoreboard: Friday, January 27

By Muddy River Sports | January 28, 2023 |

Boys basketball Quincy High School 57, Sterling 45 Central 61, West Hancock 48 Southeastern 60, Payson Seymour 51 Brown County 56, Liberty 40 Macomb 59, Havana 24 Griggsville-Perry 54, Beardstown 39 Pleasant Hill 60, Western 39 Kirksville 60, Hannibal 45 Macon 65, Palmyra 54 Mark Twain 60, Marion County 41 Girls basketball Hannibal 49, Kirksville…

Illinois boys state basketball rankings: Quincy holds at No. 8 in C lass 4A

By Muddy River Sports | January 26, 2023 |

The Quincy High School boys basketball team is ranked No. 8 in the latest Associated Press Class 4A state poll. | Matt Schuckman photo

Here are the boys prep basketball polls with rank, team, first-place votes, record, total points and previous ranking. Class 4A School W-L Pts Prv 1. Lisle (Benet Academy) (12) 22-1 120 3 2. Moline 20-3 94 4 3. Joliet West 18-5 84 T8 4. Kenwood 17-5 83 1 5. Whitney Young 18-5 79 2 6.…

MUDDY RIVER BREAKDOWN: Quincy Shootout postmortem and play-by-play guys

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | January 25, 2023 |

Matt Schuckman and Ben Marth look back at the Quincy Shootout and talk about their favorite sports play-by-play guys.

Surging at right time gives Raiders momentum with plenty of practice on horizon

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | January 25, 2023 |

Quincy Notre Dame senior guard Charlie Lavery applies defensive pressure during Tuesday night's game against Illini West at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The stage at which the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team found itself — both in Tuesday night’s game and its season — screamed of a need for momentum. Charlie Lavery provided it. With QND leading Illini West 24-23 with 2 minutes, 10 seconds remaining in the first half at The Pit, the…

Blue Devils keep effort clean, head into matchup with Golden Warriors after dispatching Pioneers

By Muddy River Sports | January 25, 2023 |

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — Andy Douglas didn’t want to take the air out of the ball entirely. The Quincy High School boys basketball coach wasn’t going to play his starters longer than necessary either. The 80-35 victory over Rock Island Alleman on Tuesday night at Don Morris Gym proved to be a study in how…

The Scoreboard: Tuesday, January 24

By Muddy River Sports | January 25, 2023 |

Boys basketball Quincy High School 80, Rock Island Alleman 35 Quincy Notre Dame 58, Illini West 44 Brown County 65, Payson Seymour 64 (OT) Central 48, Pittsfield 29 Macomb 71, Bushnell-Prairie City 41 Jacksonville Routt 49, Liberty 18 Palmyra 65, Brookfield 28 Highland 57, Monroe City 51 Canton 68, Mark Twain 66 Atlanta 69, Marion…

Coaches offer thoughts on high-level play, incredible atmosphere of Quincy Shootout

By Muddy River Sports | January 23, 2023 |

Fans filled Blue Devil Gym for the Quincy Shootout, which brought together a bally-hooed collection of high school basketball talent from across the nation. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman had the opportunity throughout the two-day Quincy Shootout to visit with prep basketball coaches from teams across the country who have made Blue Devil Gym a January destination. Their overwhelming sentiment? The Shootout is a you-must-experience-this event. Here’s what they had to say:

Photo gallery: Scenes from 2023 Quincy Shootout at Blue Devil Gym

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | January 23, 2023 |

The Vashon boys basketball team celebrates its victory over Modesto Christian on Saturday night in the Quincy Shootout at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The fifth Quincy Shootout featured incredible basketball and incredible community support with fans filling the Blue Devil Gym stands throughout Friday and Saturday’s action. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured some of the atmosphere in this photo gallery:

Age of awareness: Falcons use maturity, physicality to hand Blue Devils first home loss

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | January 22, 2023 |

Kansas City Staley's Larry Parker, left, leaps to impede Quincy High School guard Bradley Longcor III's path to the basket during Saturday's game in the Quincy Shootout at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The difference between seniors and sophomores is so much more than two years of age. “I think our guys are starting to understand that,” Quincy High School boys basketball coach Andy Douglas said. How can he be sure? He listened to several of the Blue Devils, including sophomore guard Bradley Longcor III and…

Suns rise to occasion in second half as Fry’s treys provide needed boost in Quincy Shootout victory

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | January 22, 2023 |

Southeastern's Danny Stephens, right, gets inside rebounding position against Elsberry's Kyle Turnbull during Saturday's game in the Quincy Shootout at Blue Devil Gym.

QUINCY — Caleb Johnson listened to what others were saying. The Elsberry boys basketball coach wasn’t going to allow Southeastern all-stater Danny Stephens to alone beat the Indians. “I talked to coaches around the area and they said if you can contain him and make others beat you then you have a chance,” Johnson said. …

Quincy Shootout: Mosser’s sizzling shooting carries Millard North past Father Tolton

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | January 22, 2023 |

Father Tolton's Evens Appolon, right, looks to make a move toward the basket against Millard North's Derek Rollins during Saturday's game in the Quincy Shootout at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Millard North boys basketball players didn’t overcomplicate things. When Neal Mosser got in a groove, they fed him the ball. The junior shooting guard knocked down five of the Mustangs’ eight 3-pointers in the first half of Saturday’s game against Columbia (Mo.) Father Tolton in the Quincy Shootout at Blue Devil Gym.…

Quincy Shootout: St. Rita uses strong start to overtime to propel itself past Real Salt Lake

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | January 22, 2023 |

Chicago St. Rita's Nojus Indrusaitis, left, drives to the basket against Real Salt Lake during Saturday's Quincy Shootout at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The environments the Chicago St. Rita boys basketball team has played in this season run the gamut from hostile to enthusiastic to being in the national spotlight. “Our schedule is kind of crazy this year, but it’s with the goal of making a state run,” Mustangs coach Roshawn Russell said. “The only way…

Quincy Shootout: Chaminade’s 3-point sharpshooters take down Chicago Curie

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | January 22, 2023 |

Chicago Curie's Chikasi Ofoma looks for a call after battling for a loose ball against Chaminade during the Quincy Shootout at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — With Chaminade playing the third of nine games Saturday in the Quincy Shootout, freshman forward Jamison White wasn’t sure what to expect. “I walked in and was like, ‘Wow, a lot of people here,’” White said. The Red Devils and the freshman marksman gave the Blue Devil Gym crowd a reason to be…

Quincy Shootout: Link Academy’s defense steals show in lopsided victory over Faith Family

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | January 22, 2023 |

Link Academy's Tyler McKinley, right, backs down Oak Cliff Faith Family's Jadyn Toppin during their game in the Quincy Shootout at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The large crowd filling Blue Devil Gym to catch a glimpse of the No. 1-ranked prep boys basketball team in the nation expected to see Link Academy dazzle with an above-the-rim offensive display. As good as the Lions were offensively, their defense stole the show. Link Academy limited Oak Cliff Faith Family to…

Quincy Shootout: Murray-Boyles dominates paint for Wasatch Valley

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | January 22, 2023 |

Wasatch Valley's Collin Murray-Boyles, right, kicks out a pass during the Tigers' game against Bergen Catholic in the Quincy Shootout at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Wasatch Valley senior forward Collin Murray-Boyles couldn’t be stopped. The 6-foot-7 South Carolina signee dominated the paint Saturday against Bergen Catholic during the Quincy Shootout at Blue Devil Gym, flushing three dunks in the first half and four overall as part of a 20-point effort in the Tigers’ 65-48 victory. Murray-Boyles scored 18…

Quincy Shootout: Vashon starts, finishes lambasting Modesto Christian with defensive bookends

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | January 22, 2023 |

The Vashon boys basketball team celebrates its victory over Modesto Christian during Saturday's game in the Quincy Shootout in Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The No. 1-ranked boys basketball team in Missouri Class 4 showed once again why it is on its way to winning another state championship. Vashon used balanced scoring and dynamite defensive efforts to bookend a 60-41 victory over Modesto Christian on Saturday in the Quincy Shootout at Blue Devil Gym. Modesto Christian was…

Quincy Shootout: Huntington Prep breaks single-game scoring record in event’s final contest

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | January 22, 2023 |

The Burlington School's Cam Flippen, right, looks to drive around a screen during Saturday night's game against Huntington Prep in the Quincy Shootout at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — None of the Huntington Prep boys basketball players knew it at the time, but it didn’t take long after the 88-67 victory The Burlington School for word to spread the Express had broken the Quincy Shootout’s single-game scoring record. A 29-point first quarter will put you on the path to that. Huntington Prep…

Connaway’s bank shot lifts Van-Far past Palmyra and to Tony Lenzini Tournament title

By Steve Eighinger | January 22, 2023 |

PALMYRA, Mo. — Someone might just be fibbin’. Nikos Connaway, an explosive guard for the Van-Far boys basketball team, is one of the most exciting players in Northeast Missouri. That, however, doesn’t guarantee the 5-foot-10 junior will always tell the truth. Connaway split Palmyra’s late-game defense to drive the heart of the lane and lofted…

‘And it was nothing but net’: Mulherin’s first career 3-pointer punctuates Blue Devils’ WB6 victory

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | January 21, 2023 |

Quincy High School's Camden Brown, right, and Bradley Longcor III, center, go to congratulate and joke with teammate Sam Mulherin, left, after the senior forward made his first career 3-pointer, which beat the third-quarter buzzer Friday night against United Township at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Sam Mulherin could say he’s one and done. But why do that? The Quincy High School senior forward relished making a buzzer-beating 3-pointer — the first 3-point attempt of his high school basketball career — so much so he’s ready to put his perfect shooting percentage on the line with another try. “Oh,…

Defensive traction not enough to turn tide in QND’s favor in setback against Father Tolton

By Ben Marth | January 21, 2023 |

Father Tolton forward Evens Appolon, left, blocks the shot of Quincy Notre Dame guard Charlie Lavery during Friday night's game in the Quincy Shootout at The Pit. | Photo courtesy Max Bennett

QUINCY — The traction gained repeatedly on defense didn’t translate to offensive efficiency, handcuffing the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team in its comeback effort Friday night. Despite holding Columbia (Mo.) Father Tolton to a pair of fourth-quarter field goals, the Raiders managed just three field goals themselves, resulting in a 49-41 loss in the…

Quincy Shootout: Link Academy fends off Wasatch Academy’s second-half surge

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | January 21, 2023 |

Wasatch Valley's Malick Diallo, left, battles Link Academy's Elliot Cadeau for rebounding position during Friday night's game in the Quincy Shootout at Blue Devil Gym.

QUINCY — A runaway turned into a barn-burner. What else would you expect from a matchup of two teams ranked in the top 20 nationally. It created the drama a curious and enthusiastic Blue Devil Gym crowd hoped to see. Despite being held to six points in the first quarter of Friday night’s matchup with…

Quincy Shootout: St. Rita overcomes 24-point second-half deficit, beats Modesto Christian in OT

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | January 21, 2023 |

Chicago St. Rita's Nojus Indrusaitis throws down a dunk in overtime of the victory over Modesto Christian on Friday night in the Quincy Shootout at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Once Chicago St. Rita’s trio of NCAA Division I commits took over, Modesto (Calif.) Christian couldn’t flip the fleeting momentum back in its favor. Trailing by 16 points at halftime and as many as 24 points in the third quarter, St. Rita chiseled the deficit to just five points with four minutes remaining…

Schuck on a Truck: Event organizer Eric Stratman discusses fifth Quincy Shootout

By Muddy River Sports | January 20, 2023 |

QUINCY — The dip in temperatures and rainy weather forced “Schuck on a Truck” to become “Schuck in the Stands” this week, but it’s appropriate since the stands at Blue Devil Gym this weekend should be filled with basketball junkies and passionate fans. The fifth Quincy Shootout brings a nationally respected field to the Gem…

Schuckman: Anticipation for Quincy Shootout is matched by all-in effort to make it happen

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | January 19, 2023 |

QUINCY — Eric Stratman’s excitement is understandable. For the last 12 months, since the day after the fourth Quincy Shootout ended, Stratman has been tirelessly working to assemble another stellar field. A former Quincy High School athlete and coach with a passion for community events, Stratman’s role as event organizer can be challenging and stressful.…

The Scoreboard: Thursday, January 19

By Muddy River Sports | January 19, 2023 |

Boys basketball Unity 53, Rushville-Industry 46 Louisiana 64, Pittsfield 54 Tony Lenzini Tournament Van-Far 40, Monroe City 38 Hannibal 45, Clark County 35 Girls basketball Quincy Notre Dame 44, Illini West 24 Quincy High School 31, Rock Island Alleman 29 Havana 37, Central-Southeastern 25 Louisiana 49, Pittsfield 44 La Plata 33, Marion County 25 Tony…

Palmyra boys in position to chase first Lenzini tourney championship since 1999

By Steve Eighinger | January 19, 2023 |

PALMYRA, Mo. — Bear Bock pulled no punches. He made it quite clear the Palmyra boys basketball team is on a mission. “It’s been 24 years since Palmyra won this tournament,” the 6-foot-4 junior forward said. “We want to bring the Lenzini championship back home.” Palmyra moved one step closer to that goal Wednesday night…

JWCC Prairie State Profile: Payson’s Dieker develops confidence as strong as his game

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | January 18, 2023 |

Payson Seymour senior forward Bryan Dieker has been as physically dominant and aggressive on the hardwood as he was on the gridiron. | Photo courtesy Sarah Donley Photography

PAYSON, Ill. — All of those running backs who were stopped dead in their tracks the past couple of seasons by Unity-Payson linebacker Bryan Dieker might find this funny. Five years ago, he didn’t know how to tackle. Those trying to defend Dieker on the basketball court might find this funny, too. Three years ago,…

The Scoreboard: Tuesday, January 17

By Muddy River Sports | January 18, 2023 |

Boys basketball Central 63, Payson Seymour 53 Illini West 42, Southeastern 41 Brown County 56, Triopia 47 Auburn 60, Pittsfield 52 (OT) West Hancock 87, Unity 36 80th annual Tony Lenzini Tournament Monroe City 42, Hannibal 41 Van-Far 49, Clark County 43 Girls basketball Quincy High School 56, Springfield 47 Unity 59, Pittsfield 27 North…

Smyser’s record-setting 3-point barrage carries Palmyra to victory in Lenzini Tournament opener

By Muddy River Sports | January 17, 2023 |

Palmyra sophomore Marty Smyser III | Submitted photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — Marty Smyser III was as succinct as he was accurate. After breaking the Palmyra boys basketball team’s single-game school record with 11 3-pointers in Monday night’s 79-34 victory over Highland in the opening round of the 80th annual Tony Lenzini Tournament, the sophomore guard summed up just how big the basket looked…

Saints fend off Raiders’ comeback, set stage for potential sectional rematch

By Muddy River Sports | January 17, 2023 |

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Until we meet again. That’s how Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball coach Kevin Meyer approached Monday’s 79-71 loss to Bloomington Central Catholic in the final game of the MLK Shootout at Cvengros Gym. Using history as a barometer, these two private schools could be on a collision course for another sectional showdown.…

The Scoreboard: Monday, January 16

By Muddy River Sports | January 17, 2023 |

Boys basketball MLK Shootout at Bloomington Central Catholic Bloomington Central Catholic 79, Quincy Notre Dame 71 Eastbay Shootout Macomb 47, Rockridge 39 80th annual Tony Lenzini Tournament Palmyra 79, Highland 34 Canton 67, Mark Twain 47 Girls basketball Pittsfield 31, Beardstown 14 Jerry Logan Shootout Quincy High School 53, Abingdon-Avon 27 Unity 58, Macomb 26…

One Hull of an idea: Morphing radio broadcasts into YouTube channel allows Central Illinois Sports to highlight student-athletes with broader reach

By Don Crim, Senior Columnist | January 16, 2023 |

The Hull family — from left to right, Charlie, John and Jack Hull — run Central Illinois Sports, which livestreams video and audio of high school and junior high sporting events through via their YouTube channel. | Submitted photo

PITTSFIELD, Ill. — Charlie and John Hull were slipping on headsets and helping broadcast sporting events when most kids their age were collecting Pokémon cards. Just 10 and 13 years old, respectively, they would tag along with their dad, Jack Hull, who was working alongside the late Harry Wagy for WBBA-FM in Pittsfield. Jack soon…

‘These are the games we need’: Brown’s three-point play highlights late comeback by Blue Devils

By David Adam, MRN Editor | January 14, 2023 |

Quincy High School's Camden Brown goes up to score the game-tying basket with 22 seconds remaining in Saturday night's game against Lincoln at Blue Devil Gym. Brown was fouled on the play by Payton Cook, and he made a free throw to put the Blue Devils ahead for good. | David Adam photo

QUINCY — Playing the Lincoln Railsplitters is about as entertaining for the Quincy High School boys basketball team as shaving your head with a cheese grater. “I think anybody will say that Lincoln is like the least fun team to play all year long,” junior guard Ralph Wires said. “We want to run, but they…

Photo gallery: Lincoln vs. Quincy boys basketball

By David Adam, MRN Editor | January 14, 2023 |

Ralph Wires, left, and Dominique Clay put defensive pressure on Lincoln's Ki'on Carson during Saturday night's basketball game at Blue Devil Gym. | David Adam photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys basketball team scored eight of the game’s final nine points to defeat Lincoln 43-40 on Saturday night at Blue Devil Gym. MRN Editor David Adam captured some of the action below:

Seniors help guide Raiders’ rally against Farmers, enable QND boys to capture pair of victories

By Muddy River Sports | January 14, 2023 |

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The doubleheader sweep the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team needed to set up an epic Monday matinee was in jeopardy from the start late Saturday afternoon. By the end, though, the Raiders had found a way to survive. Alex Connoyer’s putback of a missed free throw with 32 seconds remaining in…

Blue Devils finish first half of WB6 slate in thick of title chase with chance to repeat as champs

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | January 13, 2023 |

Quincy High School's Dominique Clay, center, knocks the ball away from Galesburg's Gino Williams during the first half of Friday night's Western Big 6 Conference game at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Outside of the obvious scenario — that would be to beat Moline — the Quincy High School boys basketball players know what needs to happen over the second half of the Western Big 6 Conference season for them to repeat as league champions. The Blue Devils must replicate Friday night’s performance. They imposed…

Photo gallery: QHS boys basketball team streaks past Galesburg in WB6 play

By Muddy River Sports | January 13, 2023 |

Quincy High School guard Ralph Wires sets himself for a 3-point attempt during the first half of Friday night's 76-31 victory over Galesburg at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys basketball team continued its quest to repeat as the Western Big 6 Conference champion, finishing the first half of the league season with Friday night’s 76-31 victory over Galesburg at Blue Devil Gym. Check out these images Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured for this photo gallery:

The Scoreboard: Thursday, January 12

By Muddy River Sports | January 12, 2023 |

Boys basketball Pittsfield 54, Rushville-Industry 51 Marion County 58, Madison 25 Winchester Invitational Tournament Jacksonville Routt 47, Central 43 Liberty 44, Calhoun 38 Girls basketball Quincy Notre Dame 51, Rochester 41 Marion County 48, Madison 22 CSE Lady Panther Classic Brown County 47, Unity 43 Central-Southeastern 37, Illini West 26 North Greene Lady Spartan Classic…

Illinois boys basketball state rankings: QHS hangs at No. 10, Southeastern and Central remain in Class 1A poll

By Muddy River Sports | January 12, 2023 |

Southeastern coach Brett Ufkes and the Suns are sixth in the latest Class 1A state poll. | Matt Schuckman photo

Here are the Illinois boys prep basketball polls with rank, team, first-place votes, record and total points: Class 4A School W-L Pts Prv 1. Kenwood (8) 14-2 116 2 2. Whitney Young (4) 14-4 110 1 3. Lisle (Benet Academy) 18-1 93 3 4. Moline 15-2 83 5 5. Joliet West 15-4 67 6 6.…

The Scoreboard: Wednesday, January 11

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | January 12, 2023 |

Boys basketball Hancock County Tournament Southeastern 48, Unity 43 West Hancock 59, Illini West 38 Winchester Invitational Tournament Griggsville-Perry 52, Winchester West Central 49 Liberty 49, Carlinville 34 Girls basketball Quincy High School 46, Geneseo 44 (OT) CSE Lady Panther Classic South Fulton 48, Liberty 33 Lewistown 57, Rushville-Industry 23 Men’s basketball John Wood Community…

Blue Devils’ bench brigade embraces opportunity for playing time with right approach

By Muddy River Sports | January 10, 2023 |

GENESEO, Ill. — None of the Quincy High School boys basketball players played more than 13 minutes Tuesday night, nor did they log a single minute of the second half. None of them complained about it either. The starters staked the Blue Devils to an insurmountable lead, exited the game in the second quarter and…

The Scoreboard: Tuesday, January 10

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | January 10, 2023 |

Boys basketball Quincy High School 71, Geneseo 26 Canton 72, Highland 51 Kirksville 49, Palmyra 37 Monroe City 50, Hannibal 39 Marion County 47, Bucklin 32 Winchester Invitational Tournament Carrollton 53, Western 45 Triopia 65, Pleasant Hill 38 Girls basketball Palmyra 48, Kirksville 41 Canton 56, Highland 30 Bucklin 36, Marion County 34 Keokuk 48,…

The Scoreboard: Monday, January 9

By Muddy River Sports | January 10, 2023 |

Boys basketball Marion County 58, Wellsville-Middletown 53 Hancock County Tournament Southeastern 55, Illini West 37 West Hancock 72, Unity 50 Winchester Invitational Tournament Jacksonville Routt 76, Payson Seymour 70 (OT) Central 49, Brown County 40 Girls basketball Macomb 46, North Fulton 31 Centralia 62, Hannibal 37 Wellsville-Middletown 52, Marion County 42 CSE Classic Lewistown 44,…

Crim: Spending time with Tommy Joe is treasure that lasts forever

By Don Crim, Senior Columnist | January 9, 2023 |

Tommy Sneed, right, spent 15 years as the statistician for the Macon (Mo.) High school basketball teams. | Submitted photo

MACON, Mo. — My cellphone rang the day after Christmas. I looked at the screen to see it was Tom Sneed, or Tommy Joe as he was called growing up, a moniker some of us in the family still use. He’s a second cousin on my mother’s side. It had been a while since we…

Controlling tempo allows QHS boys basketball players to bring ‘Run, Devils, Run’ back to life

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | January 8, 2023 |

Quincy High School guard Camden Brown pushes the ball up the court in transition during the Blue Devils' 66-36 victory over Springfield on Saturday night in Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The idea of reprising “Run, Devils, Run” doesn’t necessarily marry with Keshaun Thomas’ strengths, and the 6-foot-6 sophomore forward doesn’t always keep pace with his more fleet-of-foot Quincy High School boys basketball teammates. “Ahh, it’s hard sometimes,” Thomas said. Yet, he’s fully in favor of a return to the more fast-paced mantra. “Yes,…

‘All I know is it was close’: Officials rule Hoyt’s 3-pointer comes split-second late as Raiders fall

By Muddy River Sports | January 8, 2023 |

Quincy Notre Dame coach Kevin Meyer and the Raiders react to the officials waving off Jake Hoyt's 3-pointer at the buzzer, saying it came after time expired and saddling QND with a 56-54 loss to Highland on Saturday in the 31st Highland Optimist Shootout in Highland, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

HIGHLAND, Ill. — Jake Hoyt was very diplomatic with his answer when asked if the 3-pointer he launched as time expired beat the buzzer. “All I know is that it was close,” he said. Close enough for a debate. With the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team trailing Highland by three points and 2.5 seconds…

Raiders continue to zero in on letting defense dictate success, quiet Saukees’ offense

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | January 7, 2023 |

Quincy Notre Dame guard Charlie Lavery positions himself defensively during the first half of Friday's game against Pittsfield at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The scoreboard lacked the zero the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball players yearned to see. A goose egg in the scorebook sufficed. The Raiders held Pittsfield without a field goal in the first quarter Friday night at The Pit, allowing only a single Adam Musgrave free throw while building a 13-1 advantage. The…

Photo gallery: QND boys basketball team faces Pittsfield at The Pit

By Muddy River Sports | January 7, 2023 |

Quincy Notre Dame's Jackson Stratton, left, prepares to fight through a screen to stay in front of Pittsfield's Brennan Tomhave during Friday night's game at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team won its fourth straight game Friday night, beating Pittsfield 52-30 after allowing the Saukees just 15 points through the first three quarters. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured the action through his camera lens. Check out his photo gallery:

Fourth-quarter flurry enables Blue Devils to fight way past Rocks for critical WB6 victory

By Steve Eighinger | January 7, 2023 |

Quincy High School's Dominique Clay lays the ball in off the glass during Friday night's Western Big 6 Conference game against Rock Island at Blue Devil Gym. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

QUINCY — The words rolled from Bradley Longcor III in matter-of-fact fashion. “We’re a good team,” the Quincy High School sophomore said. And more times than not, good teams find ways to win games. Friday night at Blue Devil Gym was a classic case in point. Fueled by a scintillating second half at both ends…

Top of the charts: QU men’s basketball signee breaks SHG’s career scoring record

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | January 6, 2023 |

Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin's Jake Hamilton, who has signed a national letter of intent with Quincy University, recently became the Cyclones' all-time leading scorer. | Photo courtesy Greg Puckel

QUINCY — The way the numbers added up, Jake Hamilton needed one more shot at history. So Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin boys basketball coach Tim Allen obliged. With a sizable second-half lead over North Chicago in the opening round of the State Farm Holiday Classic on December 27, Allen was set to sub out all of…

Raiders nearly post first-quarter shutout, start taxing weekend by overwhelming Wildcats

By Muddy River Sports | January 5, 2023 |

BARRY, Ill. — As the minutes dwindled and the lead grew Thursday night, Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball coach Kevin Meyer could sense a growing challenge among his players. The Raiders wanted to pitch a first-quarter shutout. For nearly seven minutes, they did. QND raced to a 23-0 lead before Mason Smith ended Western’s scoring…

Illinois boys basketball state rankings: Central moves into Class 1A poll, QHS sits No. 10 in Class 4A

By Muddy River Sports | January 5, 2023 |

The Central boys basketball team's third-place finish at the Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament helped them move into the Class 1A state poll at No. 6 this week. | Matt Schuckman photo

Here are the boys prep basketball polls with rank, team, first-place votes, record and total points. Class 4A School W-L Pts Prv 1. Whitney Young (14) 12-4 140 4 2. Kenwood (1) 12-2 134 1 3. Lisle (Benet Academy) 16-1 110 8 4. Rolling Meadows 16-1 103 6 5. Moline 12-2 90 2 6. Joliet…

Defensive pressure enables Central to knock off Southeastern for second time in six days

By Steve Eighinger | January 4, 2023 |

AUGUSTA, Ill. — Second verse, same as the first. For the second time in less than a week, the Central boys basketball team dispatched rival Southeastern and on the same day both teams ended up in the Class 1A state poll nonetheless. Central’s 39-33 victory Wednesday night came in a grueling chest-to-chest contest where defensive…

Crim: Telling stories of those impacting local sports then and now made 2022 special

By Don Crim, Senior Columnist | January 2, 2023 |

QUINCY — This week marks one year since joining Muddy River Sports, and what a year it has been. As we begin 2023 and start the countdown to Matt Schuckman’s 50th birthday celebration, let’s look back at some of my favorite columns of 2022. From Warsaw to West Point to the world, Rothert’s journey is…

Energy shift goes against Blue Devils as Generals repeat as tourney champions at Collinsville

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | December 31, 2022 |

Quincy High School guard Ralph Wires tries to corral a loose ball during Friday's championship game of the 38th Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic against Decatur MacArthur at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — The most unfortunate thing to happen to the Quincy High School boys basketball team Friday night was for time to run out in the first quarter. The brief interlude between quarters was exactly what Decatur MacArthur needed. The Blue Devils opened the championship game of the 38th Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic…

Photo gallery: Quincy High School faces Decatur MacArthur for championship at Collinsville

By Muddy River Sports | December 31, 2022 |

The Quincy High School boys basketball players stand with the second-place trophy during postgame ceremonies after losing to Decatur MacArthur 57-53 in the championship game of the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Decatur MacArthur denied the Quincy High School boys basketball team its first championship of the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic in a quarter century Friday night when the Generals recovered from a 16-4 first-quarter deficit and earned a 57-53 victory at Vergil Fletcher Gym. Freelance photographer Tim Vizer captured the action and…

Pair of hard-fought victories put Blue Devils in position to play for tournament championship

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | December 30, 2022 |

Quincy High School guard Camden Brown drives to the basket during Thursday's semifinal matchup with Rockford East in the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — It has taken the Quincy High School boys basketball team a decade to get back to where it could possibly end what is now a quarter-century drought. A shot at redemption comes with it, too. The Blue Devils will play for the championship of the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic for the…

Schuckman: Blue or black doesn’t matter as long as jersey is worn with respect and pride

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | December 30, 2022 |

Sophomore guard Dominique Clay, right, dishes a pass during the Quincy High School boys basketball team's game against Collierville (Tenn.) in the quarterfinals of the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic on Thursday at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Shock. That’s what Dominique Clay’s expression screamed. He wasn’t alone in his jaw-dropping assessment. “I had the same look, too,” Camden Brown said. After the Quincy High School boys basketball team dispatched Collierville (Tenn.) 62-48 in Thursday’s quarterfinals of the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic, the Blue Devils were headed to the…

Raiders enjoy sweet rewards after capping State Farm Holiday Classic with back-to-back wins

By Muddy River Sports | December 30, 2022 |

Quincy Notre Dame's Noah Lunt reacts to Alex Connoyer scoring the go-ahead basket against El Paso-Gridley with 6.7 seconds remaining in regulation Thursday afternoon in the State Farm Holiday Classic in Bloomington, Ill. | Photo courtesy Clark Brooks, PhotoNews Media

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Christina Meyer made a promise the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball players intended her to keep. So after beating Kankakee Bishop McNamara 53-46 in Thursday night’s fifth-place game of the State Farm Holiday Classic, the Raiders reminded Meyer’s husband — QND coach Kevin Meyer — she said she’d buy the team milkshakes…

Photo gallery: QHS wins twice to reach title game game of Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic

By Muddy River Sports | December 30, 2022 |

Quincy High School boys basketball coach Andy Douglas, center, and senior guard Reid O'Brien, left, react to a play during the semifinal victory over Rockford East in the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic in Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — The Quincy High School boys basketball team will play in the championship game of the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic after beating Collierville (Tenn.) 62-48 in Thursday afternoon’s quarterfinals and Rockford East 47-41 in the Thursday night’s semifinals at Vergil Fletcher Gym. Freelance photographer Tim Vizer captured all of the action and…

Dieker guides Payson Seymour to MVIT championship

By Steve Eighinger | December 30, 2022 |

MENDON, Ill. — Maybe it was the tournament championship his team had just won. Or the appreciative response he was hearing from those who packed the gym at Unity High School. Or just possibly it was him soaking in all that is good about high school athletics on a warm December night. “This is what…

Strong start, tepid finish leaves Blue Devils yearning to play better as tourney path continues

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | December 29, 2022 |

Quincy High School guard Camden Brown soars towards the basket during the first half of Wednesday’s game against Alton in the first round of the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Andy Douglas had a pocket full of excuses if he needed any. The Quincy High School boys basketball coach refused to let the Blue Devils use them. A scintillating first half devolved into less-than-ideal execution in the second half Wednesday night in the opening round of the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic,…

Turnovers, miscues leave QND boys basketball team with empty feeling after quarterfinal loss

By Muddy River Sports | December 29, 2022 |

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — A game of chase morphed into a game of giveaway Wednesday night. After opening the State Farm Holiday Classic with an aggressive, transition-based effort offensively that led to its highest scoring game of the season, the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team allowed two many empty possessions to derail it in a…

Holiday Tournament roundup: Chargers, Mustangs, Hornets reach semis at Beardstown

By Muddy River Sports | December 28, 2022 |

BEARDSTOWN, Ill. — A dynamic defensive effort pushed the Illini West girls basketball team back to the semifinals of the 40th Beardstown Lady Tiger Classic. The fifth-seeded Chargers held fourth-seeded Lewistown to two points in the second quarter and 10 points overall in the first half Tuesday, winning the quarterfinal matchup 42-26. Illini West (11-4)…

Dear Diary: Spending a tournament day in Macomb for first time in more than 25 years

By David Adam, MRN Editor | December 28, 2022 |

Southeastern's Danny Stephens tries to maneuver through a maze of Abingdon defenders during Tuesday's first-round game at the Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament. | David Adam

MACOMB, Ill. — The last time I spent an entire day at the Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament was in 1996 when a talented Stephen Decatur squad, led by Tarise Bryson, claimed the title by defeating Warsaw in the title game. That was so long ago that now Stephen Decatur doesn’t even exist. But when Muddy River…

Illini West gives third-seeded Eureka scare, but top seeds prevail in first day at Macomb

By David Adam, MRN Editor | December 28, 2022 |

Illini West's Gannon Bergmann flips a shot toward the rim while defended by Eureka's Tyler Heffren during Tuesday's first-round game at the Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament at Western Hall in Macomb. | David Adam

MACOMB, Ill. — The top seeds held serve in each of the eight first-round games Tuesday in the 76th annual Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament. The Illini West boys basketball team had the best shot at pulling off an upset. The Chargers led No. 3 seed Eureka 15-4 after one quarter and by as many as 14 points…

Photo gallery: Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament

By David Adam, MRN Editor | December 28, 2022 |

Central's Isaac Genenbacher goes up for a shot during Tuesday's first-round game in the Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament. | David Adam

MACOMB, Ill. — Muddy River News Editor David Adam provides photos from six games during the first round of the 76th annual Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament. Illini West vs. Eureka West Hancock vs. Canton (Ill.) Pittsfield vs. Macomb Southeastern vs. Abingdon Central vs. Lewistown Brown County vs. Farmington

Holiday Tournament Scoreboard: Tuesday’s results, Wednesday’s schedule

By Muddy River Sports | December 28, 2022 |

Tuesday’s Games Boys State Farm Holiday Classic At Normal West A Gym, Normal, Ill. No. 8 El Paso-Gridley 55, No. 9 East Dubuque 41 No. 1 St. Joseph-Ogden 78, No. 16 Annawan 28 No. 4 Rockford Lutheran 78, No. 13 Stanford Olympia 46 No. 5 Quincy Notre Dame 73, No. 12 Providence St. Mel 42…

Catch me if you can: Raiders accept challenge to chase down point guard, thrive in transition

By Muddy River Sports | December 27, 2022 |

Quincy Notre Dame point guard Jake Hoyt dishes a pass during Tuesday's game against Providence St. Mel in the opening round of the State Farm Holiday Classic at Normal West High School in Normal, Ill. | Photo courtesy Clark Brooks, PhotoNews Media

NORMAL, Ill. — Fully aware his team’s offense needed to ratchet everything up a notch or two, Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball coach Kevin Meyer presented the Raiders with a challenge heading into the State Farm Holiday Classic. Catch Jake. Meyer told his point guard — senior Jake Hoyt — to push the pace at…

Holiday Tournament Scoreboard: Monday’s results, Tuesday’s schedule

By Muddy River Sports | December 27, 2022 |

Monday’s games Boys MVIT At Mendon, Ill. Unity 63, Bushnell-Prairie City 40 Payson Seymour 53, Rushville-Industry 33 Girls Beardstown Lady Tiger Classic At Beardstown, Ill. Unity 59, Beardstown 27 Beardstown 48, South Fulton 41 Jacksonville Routt 55, North Greene 19 Macomb 63, Jacksonville Routt 56 Lewistown 62, West Hancock 40 West Hancock 51, Liberty 25…

2022 Holiday Tournament brackets

By Muddy River Sports | December 26, 2022 |

Here is a look at the brackets for the high school basketball holiday tournaments involving area teams: Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic State Farm Holiday Classic — Small School Boys Bracket Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament US Bank Holiday Tournament Dixon-KSB Holiday Classic Beardstown Lady Tiger Classic State Farm Holiday Classic — Small School Girls Bracket

Schuckman: Highly successful Rumble on the River could benefit from participation from QHS, QND boys teams

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | December 23, 2022 |

QUINCY — Chris Duesdieker earned the right to sit and smile. As the 16th and final game of the 15th annual Rumble on the River headed to the fourth quarter Wednesday night with a pair of state-ranked teams — Southeastern, No. 1 in Illinois Class 1A, and Bunker, No. 3 in Missouri Class 1 —…

Rigg-ing up a victory: Suns guard buries game-winning 3-pointer at buzzer in state-ranked showdown

By Ben Marth | December 22, 2022 |

Mason Fry, left, and Owen Rigg, right, let their emotion out after Rigg hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer for a 45-42 victory over Bunker (Mo.) in the 15th annual Rumble on the River at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Owen Rigg has played in dozens, if not hundreds, of basketball games in his life. But the Southeastern junior guard had never hit a game-winning buzzer beater. Not until Wednesday night. With the clock winding down and the game tied at 42, Suns senior Danny Stephens drew a double team and found Rigg…

Raiders get back to who they are in ending three-game skid with 13-point victory

By Ron Kinscherf | December 20, 2022 |

Quincy Notre Dame guard Jackson Stratton, left, knocks the ball away from a Monmouth-Roseville player during Tuesday night's game at The Pit. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team’s search for its identity seems to be over. All the Raiders had to do was rediscover who they really are. “Play tough defense, get in our offense fast, run in transition, and do the little things right,” senior guard Jackson Stratton said Tuesday night after a…

Rumble on the River: Mustangs sweep Panthers behind two stout defensive efforts

By Muddy River Sports | December 20, 2022 |

Monroe City's Myra Jones, left, looks to pass before getting trapped by Unity's Ashlynn Arnsman, center, and Sophia Shaffer during Tuesday night's game in the Rumble on the River at JWCC's Student Activity Center. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Nick Maynard made two free throws with 2.6 seconds remaining in regulation Tuesday night to help the Unity boys basketball team seal a 45-41 victory over Monroe City in the 15th annual Rumble on the River. It also completed a sweep for the Mustangs, as the Unity girls, ranked third in Class 1A,…

QHS QND Hoops highlights

By Frank Cann | December 19, 2022 |

QUINCY — Video genius Frank Cann takes you to Blue Devil Gym to look at Friday night’s Quincy vs. Quincy Notre Dame basketball game.

Crim: Shields’ impact felt in area athletic circles for decades

By Don Crim, Senior Columnist | December 19, 2022 |

Jim Shields

NEW SALEM, Ill. — Jim Shields retold the story of a reporter once asking him about the difference between coaching boys and coaching girls in high school basketball. “I said the boys never gave me a state championship,” Shields laughed. It was a vintage answer by a career coach, a straight shooter, a man who…

‘We turned it up’: Second-half defensive lockdown gives Blue Devils edge over Raiders in crosstown showdown

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | December 18, 2022 |

Quincy High School's Camden Brown, left, and teammate Bradley Longcor III, right, react to a play in the second half of Saturday night's crosstown showdown at Blue Devil Gym. QHS beat Quincy Notre Dame 60-43. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A simple suggestion is all it took. Needing to inject more life into his team — Quincy High School led Quincy Notre Dame 29-23 at halftime of Saturday night’s boys basketball showdown but had been rather lackluster defensively the first 16 minutes — Blue Devils coach Andy Douglas listened to an idea assistant…

Blue Devils to use time prior to holiday tournament wisely, emphasize consistency and energy

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | December 18, 2022 |

Quincy High School sophomore guard Bradley Longcor III starts the offense during Saturday night's game against Quincy Notre Dame at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — It sounds relaxing when you say it out loud. The Quincy High School boys basketball team has 11 days until its next game. That offers the impression it will be a low-key holiday week leading up to Christmas and then a couple of get-back-into-the-groove days before the Blue Devils head off to play…

‘I can fully say I had a blast out there’: Despite loss, Raiders’ effort changes team’s entire vibe

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | December 18, 2022 |

Quincy Notre Dame's Jackson Stratton puts up a free-throw attempt during the second half of Saturday's game against Quincy High School at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — For one night at least, and probably a couple of days to follow, the angst was eased. No one associated with the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball program is going to accept losing, not even to a state-ranked Class 4A squad on its home floor, but the positive vibes felt after Saturday night’s…

Photo gallery: Quincy High School beats Quincy Notre Dame in crosstown showdown

By Muddy River Sports | December 18, 2022 |

Quincy High School guard Ralph Wires, left, pressures Quincy Notre Dame guard Jake Hoyt during the first half of Saturday's game at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — For the second season in a row and the seventh time in eight meetings, the Quincy High School boys basketball team won the crosstown showdown with Quincy Notre Dame since the series was renewed in 2015. The Blue Devils used a lockdown effort in the second half to post a 60-43 victory Saturday…

Panthers use toughness, tenaciousness to finish off weekend with solid Rumble on the River victory

By Ben Marth | December 17, 2022 |

From left to right, Camp Point Central's Drew Paben, Gavin Blewitt and Isaac Genenbacher surround Madison's Carlis Wilson during Saturday's game in the Rumble on the River at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Camp Point Central boys basketball coach James Barnett admits the preparation for this weekend’s pair of challenges included some uneasiness. “Nervous,” Barnett said of the one word he thought of having to travel to play West Central Conference opponent Quincy Notre Dame on Friday night and then play a neutral site affair against…

School of Hard knocks: Maroons guard makes critical plays to hand Blue Devils first loss

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | December 17, 2022 |

Moline guard Brock Harding, right, ties to fight off pressure from Quincy High School guard Ralph Wires during Friday's Western Big 6 Conference game at Wharton Field House in Moline, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

MOLINE, Ill. — Not even the most foolhearted Quincy High School boys basketball fan was gullible enough to believe Brock Harding wouldn’t eventually put his stamp on Friday night’s Western Big 6 Conference showdown. “We knew he had only two points at halftime,” Quincy junior swingman Camden Brown said. “You know he’s going to score…

Opening possession of second half sets tone for Panthers to pull away from Raiders

By Ron Kinscherf | December 17, 2022 |

QUINCY — Having chiseled a 10-point deficit down to two over the final 3 minutes, 45 seconds of the first half Friday night, the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team had a simple plan of attack for the start of the second half and keep the momentum rolling. “We said, ‘OK, go out and get…

Schuckman: Blue Devil Gym featured in IBCA’s 2023 Unique Gyms of Illinois calendar

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | December 15, 2022 |

Quincy's Blue Devil Gym is being featured in the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association's 2023 Unique Gyms of Illinois calendar. | Matt Schuckman photo

The middle of December brings holiday gift ideas, All-American game goals and memories of a game played more than 30 years ago … Two venerable high school basketball gyms in Illinois and arguably the two most historic within the Western Big 6 Conference are being featured in the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s 2023 Unique Gyms…