Photo gallery: Scenes from the Quincy Shootout

Blue Devil mascot Nate Hetzler stands on the court as the Quincy High School boys basketball team's starting lineup is introduced. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A gym full of basketball junkies enjoyed being treated to top-level talent during the sixth Quincy Shootout, which took place Friday and Saturday at Blue Devil Gym. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent all 13 games courtside and put together this photo gallery of scenes from the shootout:

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Crim: Britton turns high school hoops passion into information superhighway for fans

This is Aaron Britton's most recent Class 4A state poll, which he compiles using a mathematical formula that involves winning percentages, quality of wins and losses and strength of schedule.

QUINCY — Aaron Britton fell in love with basketball growing up on a dairy farm in southern Illinois. He remembers watching tape-delayed television broadcasts of University of Kentucky games in the 1990s when Rick Pitino and Tubby Smith were guiding the Wildcats to national championships. He was a member of the Mounds Meridian High School…

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Photo gallery: Marquee game brings out marquee performance in QHS boys basketball team

The Quincy High School boys basketball team runs a baseline inbounds play during Saturday night's game against Imhotep Charter in the Quincy Shootout at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys basketball team used the spotlight brought on by the nationally respected field assembled for the Quincy Shootout to showcase just how skilled it is. Saturday night’s 74-62 victory over Imhotep Charter certainly did that. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent the game courtside in Blue Devil Gym…

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Chartering a new course: Victory over nationally respected Imhotep could vault QHS to No. 1 in state poll

Quincy High School guard Bradley Longcor III reacts to scoring while being fouled during the first half of Saturday night's game against Imhotep Charter in the Quincy Shootout in Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The loudest statement in front of the loudest crowd could have the loudest impact. The Quincy High School boys basketball team may find itself as the No. 1-ranked team in Illinois this coming week. Toppling a team with a nationally respected resume like Imhotep Charter Prep could do that. Playing with the most…

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Hot Wires-d: Tenacious play of QHS guard sets tone for dynamic defensive effort

Quincy High School senior guard Ralph Wires defense Imhotep Charter's Ahmad Nowell during Saturday night's game in the Quincy Shootout at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The pain was worth it. “Of course,” Ralph Wires said. With three minutes remaining in Saturday night’s marquee game of the Quincy Shootout, the Quincy High School senior guard was fouled, knocked to the floor and struggled to get to his feet because of the cramping in his left calf. Eventually, Wires made…

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Quincy Shootout: Principia, Wasatch Academy bookend Saturday slate with victories

Winchester West Central's Zack Evans, center, gets his path to the basket cut off by Principia's Wyatt Slay, left, and Ron Henry during Saturday's game in the Quincy Shootout in Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Here is a look at what transpired Saturday during the sixth Quincy Shootout at Blue Devil Gym: Principia 74, Winchester West Central 49 An 11-point lead at halftime ballooned as the Panthers imposed their will in the paint and in transition. Principia shot 44.9 percent from the floor and held a 43-29 edge…

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Palmyra boys win Lenzini Tournament championship for first time in quarter century

Palmyra's Bear Bock splits two defenders while scoring against Canton during Saturday night's championship game of the 81st Tony Lenzini Tournament in Palmyra. Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — The wait is over. Finally. “We all knew it had been a long time,” Palmyra senior point guard Bear Bock said. “It’s an awesome feeling.” When the Bock-led Panthers captured the 81st Tony Lenzini Tournament boys basketball championship Saturday night it marked the first time Palmyra had won its own event since…

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Schuckman: Soaking in crowd’s fervor is something QHS’s bench brigade appreciates

Quincy High School senior guard Seth Rupert tries to get into the passing lane defensively during Friday night's game against Geneseo at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The rumble, roar and electricity created by a Blue Devil Gym crowd is something easily felt in heightened moments of most Western Big 6 Conference boys basketball games. The intensity grows when you’re actually on the court. “It’s really like no other,” Quincy High School senior guard Seth Rupert said. “I don’t think…

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Be prepared: Blue Devils’ approach allows them to blow away Maple Leafs for WB6 victory

Quincy High School senior guard Tyler Sprick reacts to teammate Ty Douglas getting in the scoring column with a free throw in the fourth quarter of Friday night's 75-13 victory over Geneseo in Western Big 6 Conference play at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The schedule listed Friday night’s opponent as Geneseo. It may as well have read Homewood-Flossmoor, Bolingbrook or any other state-ranked team the Quincy High School boys basketball team could conceivably face. “Your preparation is for the best teams on your schedule, and that doesn’t change when you’re not playing the best teams on…

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Photo gallery: First night of Quincy Shootout entertains basketball-loving fanbase

Link Academy's Jalen Shelley, left, blocks a shot by Oak Cliff Faith Family's Isaac Williams during Friday night's game in the Quincy Shootout at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The appetizer was quite tasty. The main course promises to be just as delictable. The sixth Quincy Shootout kicked off Friday night with four games each at Blue Devil Gym and The Pit, and the matchups produced plenty of highlights, including a 75-13 whitewashing of Geneseo by the Quincy High School boys basketball…

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Quincy Shootout: Scoreboard and schedule

Millard North's Elijah Gaeth, left, attacks off the dribble against Chicago Curie during Friday's game in the Quincy Shootout at The Pit at Quincy Notre Dame. | Ron Kinscherf photo

QUINCY — The sixth Quincy Shootout kicked off Friday night with games at Blue Devil Gym and the Pit. Here are those results and a look at Saturday’s schedule: Friday’s games At Blue Devil Gym Wasatch Academy 83, iSchool of Lewisville 54 MVP — Wasatch Academy’s Chris Nwuli (18 points, 8 rebounds) Link Academy 69,…

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Principia’s defense creates havoc, deficit QND is unable to erase

Principia's Jaylen Edwards, left, gets hounded by Quincy Notre Dame's Conner Young during Friday night's game in the Quincy Shootout at The Pit. | Ron Kinscherf photo

QUINCY — After having not played in 13 days, the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball players figured they would have to knock off a little rust. The Raiders just didn’t expect it would take them until the second half to do it. By that time, it was too late. Principia’s tenacious defense limited QND to…

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Schuck on a Truck: QHS boys basketball coach Andy Douglas discusses Quincy Shootout, Blue Devils’ progress

QUINCY — Sitting on the tailgate of Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman’s pickup didn’t make much sense with snow blowing and temperatures dipping, so the latest episode of “Schuck on a Truck” became an inside edition as he and Quincy High School boys basketball coach Andy Douglas hung out in the Blue Devils’ locker…

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Illinois boys basketball state rankings: Blue Devils move to No. 3 in Class 4A

Quincy High School junior guard Kamren Wires, left, and senior guard Camden Brown have helped the Blue Devils rise to No. 3 in the Class 4A state poll. | Matt Schuckman photo

CHICAGO — 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. Homewood-Flossmoor (6) 17-1 105 2 2. Curie (5) 17-1 104 1 3. Quincy 17-1 74 5 4. Waubonsie Valley 18-0 66 NR 5. Lisle (Benet Academy) 15-2 62 7…

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From A to Z, Quincy Shootout promises to be wonderland for basketball junkies

Quincy High School guard Bradley Longcor III and the Blue Devils will face the No. 1-ranked team in Pennsylvania's Class 5A when they go up against Imhotep Charter on Saturday night at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The sixth Quincy Shootout is arguably the most talented collection of athletes and teams Gem City basketball fans have seen. Players who have committed to, signed with or received offers from three of the top four teams in the Associated Press college basketball top 25 will be playing in Quincy this weekend. In…

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State-ranked Palmyra girls roll in opening round of Tony Lenzini Tournament

Palmyra guard Alaina Loman handles the ball during Monday night's game against Van-Far in the opening round of the Tony Lenzini Tournament in Palmyra, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — The target on their backs isn’t bothering the Palmyra girls basketball players. Ranked fifth in the latest Class 3 state poll and seeded No. 1 for the 81st Tony Lenzini Tournament, the Panthers outscored Van-Far 24-1 in the second quarter Monday night and cruised to a 69-37 victory in the opening round…

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State-ranked Blue Devils use 3-point barrage and stingy defense to bury Railers

Quincy High School boys basketball coach Andy Douglas talks to his team during a timeout during Saturday night's game against Lincoln at Roy S. Anderson Gym in Lincoln, Ill. | Submitted photo

LINCOLN, Ill. — Bradley Longcor III’s 3-pointer from the left wing on the opening possession at Saturday night’s game was a harbinger of things to come. Longcor hit three more treys in the first half and the Quincy High School boys basketball team buried seven 3-pointers in building a 18-point advantage by intermission and cruising…

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Illinois boys basketball state rankings: Blue Devils slide up to No. 5 in Class 4A

The Quincy High School boys basketball team won a pair of games the first weekend of 2024 and moved up two spots in the Class 4A state poll. | Matt Schuckman photo

CHICAGO — 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. Curie (4) 16-1 100 1 2. Homewood-Flossmoor (5) 15-1 99 T2 3. Normal Community (2) 15-1 81 4 4. Collinsville 18-1 66 T2 5. Quincy 16-1 65 7 6.…

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Bock’s 3-point barrage sparks Palmyra’s surge in title game victory over Canton

The Palmyra boys basketball team celebrates its 66-43 victory over Canton in the championship game of the 52nd Highland Tournament on Saturday night in Lewistown, Mo. | Addi Zanger photo

LEWISTOWN, Mo. — Hudson Bock has a shooter’s conscience. In Bock’s world, if that first field goal attempt is off the mark, it’s not a big deal. The Palmyra boys basketball team’s freshman guard knows there’s a good chance the next shot he hoists from long distance will find the bottom of the net. That’s…

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Taking away Lions’ ability to score in paint allows Blue Devils to pull away for Highland Shootout victory

Quincy High School’s Keshaun Thomas, left, and Camden Brown defend against Cardinal Ritter guard Quenton Parker during Saturday’s game in the Highland Optimist Scott Credit Union Basketball Shootout in Highland, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

HIGHLAND, Ill. — The second-quarter surge St. Louis Cardinal Ritter enjoyed during Saturday’s Highland Shootout matchup with the Quincy High School boys basketball team made one thing obvious. “When they get to the paint, they’re going to finish,” QHS coach Andy Douglas said. That left the Blue Devils with one task in the second half…

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Photo gallery: Blue Devils pull away from Lions in fourth quarter at Highland Shootout

Quincy High School guard Bradley Longcor III defends against St. Louis Cardinal Ritter during Saturday's game in the 32nd Highland Shootout in Highland, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

HIGHLAND, Ill. — The Quincy High School boys basketball team outscored St. Louis Cardinal Ritter 26-13 in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game in the 32nd Highland Shootout, securing a 62-49 victory for back-to-back victories to start the new year. Freelance photographer Tim Vizer spent Saturday afternoon at the Shootout and put together this photo…

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Raiders pull away in fourth quarter to win defensive slugfest against Saukees

Quincy Notre Dame's Jace Allensworth split the Pittsfield boys basketball team's defense to get to the basket in the first half of Friday night's game at Voshall Gym in Pittsfield, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

PITTSFIELD, Ill. — Pittsfield boys basketball coach Brad Tomhave and Quincy Notre Dame coach Kevin Meyer shared a common assessment of their respective team’s defensive effort in Friday night’s game at Voshall Gym. Both were encouraged by the engagement. Offensively, however, their critiques were polar opposites. Meyer liked how the Raiders worked the ball from…

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Photo gallery: QND, Pittsfield boys basketball teams renew rivalry at Voshall Gym

From left, Pittsfield's Eli Mendenhall, QND's Noah Lunt, Pittsfield's Konner Allen and QND's Aiden Klauser get set for an inbounds play during Friday night's game at Voshall Gym in Pittsfield, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

PITTSFIELD, Ill. — The Pittsfield and Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball teams collided in their 2024 openers Friday night at Voshall Gym. The Raiders built a double-digit lead, saw the Saukees whittle it to eight points on two separate occasions in the second half and then pulled away for a 50-31 victory. Muddy River Sports…

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Illinois boys basketball state rankings: QHS, Camp Point Central in top 10 to start new year

The Quincy High School boys basketball team is ranked No. 7 in Class 4A after finishing second at the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

CHICAGO — Here are the Associated Press boys prep basketball polls with rank, team, first-place votes: Class 4A 1. Chicago Curie (4) 14-1 119 2 2. Collinsville (4) 16-0 97 10 (tie) Homewood-Flossmoor (4) 13-1 97 4 4. Normal Community (1) 12-1 82 1 5. Gurnee Warren 15-1 76 8 (tie) Lisle Benet 14-1 76…

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Bombers battle to erase deficit, come up short in Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament title game

MACOMB, Ill. — Two of the best defensive teams in the field squared off in the championship game of the Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament. As expected, it was a grind-it-out affair. Third-seeded Rockridge built a 10-point halftime cushion despite leading scorer Landon Bull spending the final 6:35 on the bench with two personal fouls and held…

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‘Collinsville out-toughed us tonight’: Kahoks deny Blue Devils tourney title with physical play in critical stretches

Collinsville center Zach Chambers blocks a shot by Quincy High School guard Bradley Longcor III in the final seconds of Friday night’s championship game of the 39th Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Decked out in his travel gear with his backpack slung over his shoulders, Ralph Wires emerged from the Quincy High School locker room with a basketball in hand and casually strolled onto the Vergil Fletcher Gym floor. At the opposite end of the court from where Collinsville celebrated its championship of the…

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Strong second half carries Mustangs to championship of MVIT

Unity's Cody Shaffer, right, fights for a loose ball during the MVIT championship game against Bushnell-Prairie City on Friday night in Mendon, Ill. | Addi Zanger photo

MENDON, Ill. — The halftime adjustments Unity boys basketball coach Keith Carothers made worked perfectly. The Mustangs trailed Bushnell-Prairie City 27-24 at halftime of Friday night’s championship game of the Mississippi Valley Invitational Tournament before taking the lead with a 17-point third quarter and holding the Spartans to a single point in the fourth quarter.…

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Strong effort in final tourney game gives QND boys basketball team something to build upon

Quincy Notre Dame's Conner Young gets into the middle of the Minonk Fieldcrest defense during Friday's consolation semifinal game in the State Farm Holiday Classic. | David Adam photo

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — After playing arguably its worst half of the season Friday afternoon, the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team returned three hours later to turn in perhaps its most complete overall performance. Thirteen players scored, with eight sinking at least one 3-pointer, to carry the Raiders to a convincing 78-56 victory over Rockford…

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Photo gallery: Blue Devils, Kahoks go toe-to-toe in battle of Class 4A heavyweights

Quincy High School boys basketball coach Andy Douglas talks to his team during Friday night's championship game of the 39th Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic against Collinsville at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — The difference between the Quincy High School and Collinsville boys basketball teams isn’t substantial, but it is apparent. The Kahoks are tougher. At least they were Friday night. Collinsville won the championship of the 39th Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic with a 44-39 victory at Vergil Fletcher Gym, improving to 16-0 in…

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Holiday tournament central; Friday’s scores, Saturday’s schedule and livestream links

QUINCY — Here is a look at the holiday basketball tournament scores and upcoming schedule: Friday’s games Boys At Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic Collinsville 44, Quincy High School 39 At State Farm Holiday Classic Small School Bracket At Bloomington High School Minonk Fieldcrest 64, Quincy Notre Dame 40 Quincy Notre Dame 78, Rockford Lutheran…

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Timeout turns tide as Blue Devils rally in third quarter, fight way into title game at Collinsville

Quincy High School guards Kamren Wires, left, and Dom Clay double-team O’Fallon guard Armon Smith during Thursday night’s semifinal game in the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Andy Douglas hasn’t found a need to burn many timeouts this season. “A majority of games we’re walking away with six timeouts left,” the Quincy High School boys basketball coach said. “I just don’t call a ton.” Even in tight, tense situations, he allows the veteran lineup to navigate its own way. …

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Raiders follow forgettable first half with fabulous second half, rout Stanford Olympia in consolation bracket

Quincy Notre Dame's Tyler Bozarth rises to shoot the ball while defended by Stanford Olympia's Dylan Nowaskie during Thursday's game in the State Farm Holiday Classic at the Shirk Center in Bloomington, Ill. | David Adam photo

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Roller coasters certainly are fun if you ride them during a trip to Six Flags or Disney World, but they’re a little rough if they are used to describe a basketball season. The Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team followed a sloppy first half with a snappy second half in Thursday afternoon’s…

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Pair of undefeated titans to go head-to-head as Quincy will face Collinsville for tourney title

Quincy High School coach Andy Douglas will lead the Blue Devils against Collinsville in a battle of unbeaten teams in the championship of the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Tyler Sprick insisted the Quincy High School boys basketball players didn’t look too far ahead when checking out the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic bracket. “It was, ‘Who’s on our list and what do we have to do to beat them?’’ the senior guard said. Still, the Blue Devils knew what potentially…

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Photo gallery: Blue Devils use second-half surge to power past Panthers

Quincy High School forward Keshaun Thomas grabs for the ball as OFallon guard Rini Harris brings into the frontcourt during Thursday’s semifinal matchup in the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Two minutes into the second half Thursday night, the Quincy High School boys basketball team found itself trailing O’Fallon by eight points and riding the wrong end of a seven-point scoring binge. Less than 90 seconds later, the game was tied and the tide had completely turned. The Blue Devils used an…

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Schuckman: Collinsville pays fitting tribute to Hummel, who loved basketball and holiday tourney as much as his alma mater

Christy Noland, daughter of former St. Louis Post-Dispatch sports writer Rick Hummel, is flanked by Collinsville athletic director Clay Smith and former athletic director Bob Bone during a moment of silence for Hummel, who died in May at the age of 77, before Quincy High School’s game against Belleville Althoff on Thursday in the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Rick Hummel’s career as a Hall of Fame baseball writer didn’t afford the Quincy native many opportunities to be nothing more than a fan. Christmas always did. That’s when Hummel spent hours upon hours at the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic, watching some of the Metro East’s top prep basketball talent. More…

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Photo gallery: QHS boys move into tourney semifinals by shutting down Althoff

Quincy guard Kamren Wires dribbles under the basket during Thursday’s quarterfinal matchup with Belleville Althoff in the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — An eight-minute stretch spanning the final six minutes of the second quarter and the first 2 1/2 minutes of the third quarter in which the Belleville Althoff boys basketball team went scoreless enabled state-ranked Quincy High School to take control of its 61-48 victory Thursday afternoon in the quarterfinals of the Collinsville…

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Blue Devils offer each other assistance in rolling to opening-round victory at Collinsville

Quincy High School guard Bradley Longcor III drives to the baseline during Wednesday’s first-round game against Oakville (Mo.) in the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — One of the unique aspects of holiday tournament play — at least at the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic — is each coach is handed a sheet of halftime stats on the way to the locker room. When Quincy High School coach Andy Douglas perused how his team constructed its 30-point lead…

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Collinsville notebook: Brown’s slip causes no worry, while O’Fallon guard sets steals record

Quincy High School guard Camden Brown cringes in pain as his foot slips and knee buckles just before he went for a dunk during Wednesday's game against Oakville (Mo.) in the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Afterward, Quincy High School boys basketball coach Andy Douglas could joke about it. In the moment, it could have been cause for trepidation. With two minutes remaining in the first quarter of Wednesday’s opening-round game of the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic and the Blue Devils leading Oakville (Mo.) 16-5, Quincy swingman…

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Offensive struggles send QND boys into consolation round of small school bracket for first time

Quincy Notre Dame's Jace Allensworth tries to get to the basket while Pecatonica's Brody Black defends him during Wednesday's boys basketball game during the State Farm Holiday Classic at Normal West High School. | David Adam photo

NORMAL, Ill. — Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball coach Kevin Meyer is convinced his team’s record should be much better than what it is. “I told the guys I think that you’re a 10-1 team versus the 6-5 our record says,” Meyer said after the Raiders lost 55-50 to Pecatonica Wednesday night at Normal West…

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Photo gallery: QHS opens tourney play at Collinsville with unselfish display offensively

Quincy High School guard Dom Clay eyes the basket as Oakville’s Tanner Anderson defends during Wednesday’s first-round game at the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — The Quincy High School boys basketball team perfectly played the role of one of the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic favorites with Wednesday’s 76-38 steamrolling of Oakville (Mo.) in the first round at Vergil Fletcher Gym. The Blue Devils piled up 23 assists in shooting 52.6 percent from the field and knocking…

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Photo Gallery: Raiders stay close with once-beaten Pecatonica but can’t regain lead

Quincy Notre Dame's Aden Genenbacher, right, looks to pass around Pecatonica's defensive pressure during Wednesday night's game in the State Farm Holiday Classic at Normal West High School. | David Adam photo

NORMAL, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team never trailed by more than six points but failed to regain the lead in the final 12 minutes of Wednesday night’s 55-50 loss to Pecatonica in the first round of the small school boys bracket during the State Farm Holiday Classic at Normal West High…

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Tournament central: Check out the holiday basketball tournament brackets

QUINCY — Here are the brackets for holiday boys and girls basketball tournaments involving area teams: Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic State Farm Holiday Classic small school boys State Farm Holiday Classic small school girls State Farm Holiday Classic large school girls Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament Beardstown Lady Tiger Classic MVIT St. Dominic Christmas Tournament (boys…

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Are Blue Devils, Kahoks on collision course for undefeated showdown in holiday tourney championship game?

Quincy High School junior guard Bradley Longcor III has been named to the all-tournament team in both of his appearances in the Collinsville Prairire Farms Holiday Classic. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — It has been a quarter century since the Quincy High School boys basketball team last won a holiday tournament championship. Is this the year the drought ends? No Quincy team has gone into the Christmas break with a better record in the 26 seasons since the Blue Devils won the championship of the…

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Victory over Indians enables Raiders to take some mojo with them to holiday tournament

Quincy Notre Dame's Noah Lunt looks to make a move against the Payson Seymour defense during Thursday night's game in Payson, Ill. | Samantha Carmean photo

PAYSON, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team’s 65-37 victory over Payson Seymour left Aden Genenbacher satisfied, but not necessarily overjoyed. “We’re still trying to find our identity,” said Genenbacher, a 6-foot-4 senior guard who scored a game-high 21 points Thursday night. The victory came after back-to-back losses for QND (6-4), which is…

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Rumble on the River final scoreboard

QUINCY — Here is a look at the scoreboard for the 16th Rumble on the River Holiday Shootout: Played at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center Friday, December 15 Quincy Notre Dame girls 59, Hannibal 21 MVP — QND’s Sage Stratton Saturday, December 16 North Shelby girls 38, Payson Seymour 33 MVP — North…

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Longcor helps Blue Devils overcome ragged start to head into holidays with unblemished record

Quincy High School guard Bradley Longcor III, right, drives past a Springfield defender during Tuesday night's game at Willard Duey Gym in Springfield, Ill. | Samantha Carmean photo

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The fortunate thing about the Quincy High School boys basketball team’s schedule is all four of the Tuesday night games on tap the second half of the season will be played at Blue Devil Gym. The unfortunate thing is they’re still on Tuesday nights. For the second consecutive Tuesday, the Blue Devils…

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Photo gallery: Missouri squads gain edge on third night of Rumble on the River

Palmyra's Bear Bock dives a loose ball while surrounded by sevreral Payson Seymour players during Monday night's matchup in the 16th Rumble on the River at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Monday night proved to be Missouri’s night. Three Missouri squads — the Monroe City boys and girls basketball teams along with the Palmyra boys — snared victories at the 16th Rumble on the River at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The Monroe City girls used eight points apiece from JWCC signee…

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Rumble on the River Day 3 scoreboard and upcoming schedule

QUINCY — Here is a look at the scoreboard and upcoming schedule for the 16th Rumble on the River: Played at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center Friday, December 15 Quincy Notre Dame girls 59, Hannibal 21 MVP — QND’s Sage Stratton Saturday, December 16 North Shelby girls 38, Payson Seymour 33 MVP —…

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‘Get it done and get it done quick’: First-quarter blitz carries Blue Devils to runaway victory over Raiders in crosstown showdown

Quincy High School's Camden Brown, right, wins the tip against Quincy Notre Dame's Aden Genenbacher at the start of Saturday night's crosstown showdown at The Pit. | Samantha Carmean photo

QUINCY — The mindset was simple for the Quincy High School boys basketball team entering its annual crosstown showdown against Quincy Notre Dame. “We wanted to stomp on their throats at the beginning,” senior Camden Brown said. “Get it done and get it done quick.” The state-ranked Blue Devils did just that with deft precision.…

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Photo gallery: QHS, QND go head-to-head on hardwood in crosstown showdown

Quincy High School junior forward Keshaun Thomas directs traffic during the first half of Saturday night's game against Quincy Notre Dame at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The energy and intensity you’d expect when the Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball teams square off was on full display Saturday night at The Pit. The Blue Devils won 77-47 in front of a raucous crowd. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman and photographer Samantha Carmean were courtside and…

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Photo gallery: Full slate of games on second day of Rumble on the River

Hannibal's C.J. Anderson attempts to avoid a trap from Illini West's Reece Shoup, top, and Colby Robertson, right, during Saturday's game in the Rumble on the River. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Rumble on the River rumbled on Saturday with eight games being played at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman was there for half of the slate and put together this photo gallery:

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Holthaus, Bombers dial in from perimeter, shoot down Eagles to get back on track

Macomb guard Drew Watson throws a pass to teammate Ian Case during Friday night's game against Liberty in Liberty, Ill. | Samantha Carmean photo

LIBERTY, Ill. — Braden Holthaus admittedly has been searching for his shot during much of the early portion of the basketball season. The Macomb junior guard may have finally found it. Holthaus sank four of his seven 3-pointers in the first quarter — most well beyond the arc — to propel the Bombers to an…

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QHS boys basketball team sits No. 3 in first Class 4A state poll

The Quincy High School boys basketball team is ranked No. 3 in the first Class 4A state poll following an 8-0 start. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — With success comes respect, as much as the Quincy High School boys basketball program has earned in quite some time. Andy Douglas wants the Blue Devils to embrace it, but not get consumed by it. “It’s not the outcome of these games that is important,” said Douglas, who has coached Quincy to an…

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First-quarter field goal drought not enough to knock Blue Devils from unbeaten ranks

Quincy High School forward Keshaun Thomas drives to the basket during the second half of Tuesday night's game against Webster Groves at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The field goal drought lasted more than eight minutes, but it wasn’t long enough to make the Quincy High School boys basketball players fret. “Nah,” junior forward Keshaun Thomas said. “We just had to fight our way back.” They had done so before, albeit on a bigger stage facing more dire circumstances. So…

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Free throws help Saukees hand Tornadoes first loss of season

GRIGGSVILLE, Ill. — The battle for Pike County supremacy came down to free throws. The Pittsfield boys basketball team made 5 of 6 free throws in the final 53 seconds of regulation Tuesday night to hold off Griggsville-Perry for a 46-44 victory, handing the Tornadoes their first loss of the season while alloowing the Saukees…

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Photo gallery: Blue Devils rally from first-quarter deficit to beat Statesmen by 10

The Quincy High School basketball players react to Tyler Sprick, center, making a 3-pointer that forced Webster Groves to burn a timeout in the second quarter Tuesday night at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys basketball team can’t be kept down. The Blue Devils erased a 10-point first-quarter deficit Tuesday night and led the entire second half in a 61-51 victory over Webster Groves (Mo.) at Blue Devil Gym. Quincy is 8-0 following its final home game of the 2023 portion of its…

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Zero to hero: Genenbacher’s torrid 3-point shooting carries QND boys past Palmyra

Quincy Notre Dame senior forward Aden Genenbacher scored 20 points Tuesday night to lead the Raiders to a 12-point victory over Palmyra at The Pit. | David Adam photo

QUINCY — As he walked out of the locker room and sat down following Tuesday’s affair with Palmyra, Quincy Notre Dame senior guard Aden Genenbacher couldn’t help but reflect on what transpired last season against the Raiders’ cross-river rival. “I did not score a single point in that (game) and that kind of pissed me…

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Photo gallery: QND boys and girls sweep cross-river doubleheader from Palmyra

Quincy Notre Dame's Sage Stratton dives for a loose ball during Tuesday night's game against Palmyra at The Pit. | David Adam photo

QUINCY — The Pit is a tough place for opposing teams to win. Tuesday night, the Palmyra boys and girls basketball teams saw why. A strong start by the Quincy Notre Dame boys led to a 54-42 victory, while the QND girls pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 45-35 victory — their 24th…

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Blue is the better Devil: Quincy’s defense turns tide in victory over Chaminade in Norm Stewart Classic

Quincy High School junior guard Bradley Longcor III goes back up for a shot after grabbing an offensive rebound during Saturday night's game against Chaminade in the Norm Stewart Classic at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. | Photo courtesy J Thomas Taylor

COLUMBIA, Mo. — The environment, with the cavernous shooting backgrounds and the legendary coach for whom the Mizzou Arena court is named sitting nearby, did little to impact the Quincy High School boys basketball team. Chaminade’s physicality took care of that on its own. “The toughness level was at a level we hadn’t seen this…

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Photo gallery: QHS boys basketball team faces Chaminade in Norm Stewart Classic

Quincy High School boys basketball coach Andy Douglas talks to his team during a timeout Saturday night during a game against Chaminade in the Norm Stewart Classic at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. | Photo courtesy J Thomas Taylor

COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Quincy High School boys basketball team passed its first major test of the season, beating St. Louis Chaminade 62-54 late Saturday night in the Norm Stewart Classic at Mizzou Arena. Freelance photographer J Thomas Taylor captured these images of the Blue Devils for a photo gallery from the game:

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Palmyra boys get engaged offensively to power past Monroe City for tournament championship

The Palmyra boys basketball team won the championship of the 99th Monroe City Tournament with a 43-23 victory over Monroe City on Saturday night in Monroe City, Mo. | Submitted photo

MONROE CITY, Mo. — Not bad for a club that took seven minutes to score its first points of the game. The Palmyra boys basketball team remained unbeaten Saturday night, but the way the it went about it may have been a bit awkward. At least in the first quarter. “We were just running rampant…

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Subtle reminder: Words written on Genenbacher’s wrist inspire strong shooting effort as QND beats Hannibal

Quincy Notre Dame's Aden Genenbacher watches as Hannibal's Michael Ford makes a pass to the wing during the first half of Saturday night's game at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Aden Genenbacher pulled back the sleeve of his hoodie to reveal some white athletic tape wrapped around his left wrist and two words written on it. “Don’t suck,” it read. There’s a cross underneath it, too. “I have to think, ‘I need to be aggressive tonight,’” said Genenbacher, a senior shooting guard for…

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Blue Devils capitalize on Austin’s absence by overpowering Golden Warriors for WB6 victory

Quincy High School's Keshaun Thomas, left, attempts to get a shot off while being defended by Sterling's Kaedon Phillips during Friday's Western Big 6 Conference game at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The gameplan didn’t change, even if the opposing lineup did. The Sterling boys basketball team arrived at Blue Devil Gym for Friday night’s Western Big 6 Conference clash without 6-foot-7, 265-pound senior forward Lucas Austin, an all-state offensive tackle who is taking an official football recruiting visit this weekend to West Virginia. “I…

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Photo gallery: Blue Devils improve to 3-0 in WB6 by outrunning Golden Warriors

The energy of the student cheering section gave the Quincy High School boys basketball team a boost during Friday night's Western Big 6 Conference game against Sterling at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys basketball team is always in attack mode. Leading by 10 points at halftime of Friday night’s Western Big 6 Conference matchup with Sterling, the Blue Devils were relentless in the second half and ran away with a 66-41 victory at Blue Devil Gym. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt…

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McMillen, Mustangs power through to finish off Indians in fourth quarter

Unity boys basketball coach Keith Carothers and the Mustangs are 6-3 following Friday night's 50-41 victory at Payson Seymour. | Muddy River Sports file photo

PAYSON, Ill. — Melvin McMillen thoroughly enjoyed himself Friday night. “I like a physical style of game, and it’s also great when there’s a lot of trash talkin’ going on,” said McMillen, a 6-foot-4 senior whose 27 points and 12 rebounds spearheaded Unity’s 50-41 victory over rival Payson Seymour. McMillen was at his best when…

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Blue Devils focus on task at hand, pummel Silver Streaks for another WB6 road victory

Quincy High School's Mark Louthan puts a reverse layup during Tuesday night's game against Galesburg at John Thiel Gym in Galesburg, Ill. | Photo courtesy Steve Davis

GALESBURG, Ill. — Remaining ever-present can be a challenge when you know what lies ahead. The Quincy High School boys basketball players are meeting that challenge head on. Fully aware a pivotal Western Big 6 Conference showdown looms Friday night against Sterling at Blue Devil Gym, the Blue Devils didn’t overlook having to take care…

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Photo gallery: Blue Devils power past Silver Streaks with crisp, clean effort

Quincy High School's Isiah Talton gets around Galesburg's Jaxon Wyatt for a layup during the Blue Devils' 86-34 win over the Silver Streaks at John Thiel Gym on Tuesday night in Galesburg, Ill. | Photo courtesy Steve Davis

GALESBURG, Ill. — Andy Douglas couldn’t find fault with the Quincy High School boys basketball’s effort, focus or finish. The coach liked pretty much everything about Tuesday night’s 86-34 victory over Galesburg at John Thiel Gym. Freelance photographer Steve Davis was courtside at Thiel Gym and put together this photo gallery:

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Two Bocks are better than one: Brothers team up to push Palmyra past Canton in early-season showdown

Palmyra freshman guard Hudson Bock gets off a 3-point attempt during the first half of Friday night's game against Canton in Palmyra, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — Admittedly, Bear Bock had waited for years to be on the same varsity basketball floor as his little brother. And the reward for that patience was written all over his face Friday night. “It’s just awesome,” the senior said, trying unsuccessfully to hold back a smile when looking at his freshman brother,…

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Photo gallery: Palmyra basketball teams sweep doubleheader from Canton

Palmyra forward Candra King puts up a shot during Friday night's game against Canton in Palmyra, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — The Palmyra boys and girls basketball teams completed a sweep of Canton on Friday night with the boys winning 57-37 and the girls battling for a 48-39 victory. Photographer Mathew Kirby spent his evening in the Palmyra gym and put together this photo gallery:

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Saukees’ second-half rally secures 300th victory of Tomhave’s coaching career

Brad Tomhave became the second coach in the history of the Pittsfield boys basketball program to reach 300 career victories. | Matt Schuckman photo

PITTSFIELD, Ill. — The manner in which the Pittsfield boys basketball team secured the 300th victory of Brad Tomhave’s coaching career might not be so memorable. The milestone certainly is. The Saukees overcame making just one of their first 18 field goals and a 15-point third-quarter deficit to take the lead for the first time…

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Photo gallery: Palmyra basketball teams sweep doubleheader from Mark Twain

Palmyra senior guard Taytum White scores during Tuesday's season opener against Mark Twain in Palmyra, Mo. | Mathew Kirby photo

PALMYRA, Mo. — The Kelsey Stuart coaching era is off and running. The Brian Rea coaching era continues to breed success. The combination should make for an entertaining winter in the Flower City. The Palmyra girls basketball team stormed past Mark Twain 58-24 on Tuesday night in the Panthers’ season opener and Stuart’s first game…

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Quick transition: Central jumps into basketball season with victory over Brown County

Camp Point Central boys basketball coach James Barnett and the Panthers opened their season Monday with a 22-point victory over Brown County in Camp Point, Ill. | Muddy River Sports file photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — Camp Point Central’s boys basketball team is far from a finished product, despite what Monday night’s 48-26 season-opening victory over Brown Country might suggest. In fact, the Panthers are not even close to what James Barnett envisions he will see later this season. “It’s going to take a while, probably until…

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Tourney title showcases Blue Devils’ ability to share basketball, credit and trust

Springfield Lanphier's Shaunessey Hatchett Jr., left, and Quincy High School's Keshaun Thomas battle for possession during the first half of Saturday night's game at Blue Devil Gym in the 52nd QHS Thanksgiving Tournament. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Playing with an edge isn’t the same as playing with an ego. The Quincy High School boys basketball players are discovering the difference. The Blue Devils’ edge is their aggressive approach defensively, which creates turnovers and opportunities to score in transition, and their belief they can score on any opponent at any time.…

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Photo gallery: Blue Devils win QHS Thanksgiving Tournament championship for 37th time

Quincy High School's Tyler Sprick, left, pressures Springfield Lanphier's Shaunessey Hatchett Jr. during Saturday night's game at Blue Devil Gym in the 52nd QHS Thanksgiving Tournament. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Led by a strong start from Camden Brown and a strong finish from Keshaun Thomas, the Quincy High School boys basketball team beat Springfield Lanphier 64-51 on Saturday night at Blue Devil Gym to win the championship of the 52nd QHS Thanksgiving Tournament. It is the Blue Devils’ fourth consecutive tournament title and…

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Sizzling start allows QND boys basketball team to cap weekend with strong finish

Quincy Notre Dame’s Alex Dance, right, is fouled on his way to the basket by Gateway STEM’s Ben Dura during the first half of Saturday night’s boys basketball game during the Gully Transportation Shootout in The Pit. | David Adam photo

QUINCY — As they heard the Hall of Fame names being introduced and a crowded gym erupt prior to the start of Saturday night’s  main event, the Quincy Notre Dame basketball players waited patiently for their chance to provide an exclamation point to the festivities. “We talked about it in the locker room (before the…

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Photo Gallery: Five players score in double figures as QND boys basketball enjoys perfect weekend

From left, Quincy Notre Dame's Noah Lunt and Connor Young fight for possession of a loose ball with Gateway STEM's Kevin Spencer during first-half action on Saturday night of a boys basketball game in the Gully Transportation Shootout in The Pit. | David Adam photo

QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team finishes its opening weekend with a perfect record after defeating Gateway STEM 76-54 on Saturday night during the Gully Transportation Basketball Shootout to improve to 2-0. Alex Dance led the Raiders with 13 points, and Aden Genenbacher scored 11 points. Jace Allensworth, Jackson Connoyer and Jackson…

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Unselfish Raiders get 10 players in scoring column during victory over McCluer in season opener

Quincy Notre Dame sophomore Jace Allensworth dribbles down the lane during Friday night's boys basketball game against McCluer at the Pit. | David Adam photo

QUINCY — Kevin Meyer said he didn’t expect Quincy Notre Dame’s boys basketball team “to be perfect” on opening night. But minus a few rough-around-the-edges stretches, the Raiders’ first game was not too shabby. “I’m excited about this season,” said Meyer, beginning his ninth year as coach at 10th and Jackson. “Our players have checked…

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Blue Devils’ defense ensures lead is quite safe in dispatching Titans

Quincy High School's Camden Brown wins the opening tip of Friday night's game against Tinley Park in the 52nd QHS Thanksgiving Tournament at Blue Devil Gym. | Photo courtesy Samantha Carmean

QUINCY — There was no letting a big lead slip away this time. One night after nearly squandering a seemingly insurmountable 24-point cushion in the second half, the Quincy High School boys basketball team limited Tinley Park to just five field goals over the final three quarters to cruise to a 69-29 victory Friday in…

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Photo Gallery: QND boys use 16-0 run to start game in season opener at The Pit

Quincy Notre Dame's Tyler Bozarth, left, drives past McCluer's Tereze Williams during Friday night's boys basketball game at the Pit. | David Adam photo

QUINCY — Sophomore Jace Allensworth scored 14 points in the first half and finished with 18 in the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team’s 60-41 victory over McCluer in the season opener on Friday night during the Gully Transportation Shootout in The Pit. MRN Editor David Adam caught some of the action.

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Reality check: Blue Devils react to Wildcats’ second-half run with strong closing kick

Quincy High School point guard Ralph Wires looks to pass during the first half of Thursday night's 69=58 victory over Chicago Phillips in the 52nd QHS Thanksgiving Tournament at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A quick glance at the scoreboard told the Quincy High School boys basketball players all they needed to know. A boat race had become a dogfight. “It woke us up to reality,” junior forward Keshaun Thomas said. The Blue Devils had nearly doubled up Chicago Phillips three minutes into the second half Thursday…

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Photo gallery: Blue Devils open season by beating Wildcats in QHS Thanksgiving Tournament

Quincy High School's Camden Brown, right, attacks the lane during the first half of Thursday's game against Chicago Phillips in the QHS Thanksgiving Tournament at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A strong start and a strong finish and a victory. That made for an enjoyable Thanksgiving for the Quincy High School boys basketball team. The Blue Devils opened their season with a 69-58 victory over Chicago Phillips on Thursday night at Blue Devil Gym as they finished with a 12-4 run after the…

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Pace of play, quality backcourts of tourney teams will test Blue Devils’ maturity and growth

The Quincy High School boys basketball players listen to final instructions from Andy Douglas at the end of the final practice before the 52nd QHS Thanksgiving Tournament. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Andy Douglas is looking for a test. Pass or fail, it’s what the Quincy High School boys basketball team needs. The Blue Devils return five starters, the first two players off the bench and a wealth of talent and experience. It was a fruitful offseason as they embraced the need to be more…

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