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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Prairie State Profile: Saukees’ Tomhave embraces traditions, bonds born from playing sports

Pittsfield senior Brennan Tomhave is a three-sports athlete who envisions himself as a physical therapist or working a similar job in the sports medicine field one day. | Matt Schuckman photo

PITTSFIELD, Ill. — Brennan Tomhave is a Saukee through and through. It would be difficult not to be when you grow up sitting on the bench. Tomhave had a front-row seat to one of the best seasons in Pittsfield boys basketball history in 2011, riding the bus and hanging out in the locker room as…

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Priceless Father’s Day gift: Hoyt powers Illinois all-stars to victory in gym where his dad coaches

Illinois guard Jake Hoyt, right, reacts to being named the team's most valuable player in the Muddy River Showcase, held Saturday at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Jake Hoyt’s reaction was genuine. His appreciation of the moment was, too. Announced as the most valuable player for the Illinois all-stars after a 118-80 victory over Missouri in Saturday’s Muddy River Showcase boys basketball game, Hoyt walked toward midcourt to receive his plaque and shrugged and smiled at the person about to…

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Showcase notebook: Reunion of traveling team quite Magic-al for Illinois all-stars

The Illinois girls all-star team for the Muddy River Showcase featured six players who teamed together for the Q-City Magic travel team as sixth graders. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Do you believe in Magic? The Illinois girls all-stars certainly do. Q-City Magic, that is. Six of the 10 players on the Illinois roster for the Saturday’s Muddy River Showcase began playing together in sixth grade as part of the Q-City Magic program coached by the late Gayland Blakemore. It allowed the Showcase…

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Photo gallery: Illinois, Missouri boys go head-to-head in Muddy River Showcase

Hannibal's Dae'Shon Glasgow, left, tries to impede Quincy Notre Dame's Jackson Stratton's path to the basket during the Muddy River Showcase on Saturday at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Illinois boys all-star team put on a shooting display you’d expect in a marquee event, making 19 3-pointers in a 118-80 victory over Missouri in the second Muddy River Showcase on Saturday night at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman sat courtside and captured these…

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Double the fun: QND’s Stratton, Central’s Genenbacher take on challenge of playing in two all-star games in same day

Quincy Notre Dame's Jackson Stratton will pull off a rare double-double when he plays in both the Illinois Shrine Game and the Muddy River Showcase on Saturday. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Jackson Stratton and Isaac Genenbacher had the same initial thought when they received invitations to play in the Muddy River Showcase. How can I make this work? The Quincy Notre Dame and Camp Point Central multi-sport athletes had committed to play in the Illinois Shrine Bowl, an all-star event for prep football players…

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Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: Quincy Notre Dame’s Jake Hoyt

Quincy Notre Dame guard Jake Hoyt will play in the Muddy River Showcase on Saturday at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Matt Schuckman photo

The Muddy River Showcase featuring 40 of the area’s top senior basketball players from Illinois and Missouri takes place June 17 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game begins at 4 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 6 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door. QUINCY — Jake Hoyt…

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Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: Camp Point Central’s Isaac Genenbacher

Camp Point Central's Isaac Genenbacher will participate in both the Illinois Shrine Bowl and the Muddy River Showcase next Saturday. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

The Muddy River Showcase featuring 40 of the area’s top senior basketball players from Illinois and Missouri takes place June 17 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game begins at 4 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 6 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door. CAMP POINT, Ill. —…

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Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: West Hancock’s Alec Hymes

West Hancock swingman Alec Hymes will represent the Titans in the Muddy River Showcase, being played June 17 at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Matt Schuckman photo

The Muddy River Showcase featuring 40 of the area’s top senior basketball players from Illinois and Missouri takes place June 17 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game begins at 4 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 6 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door. WARSAW, Ill. — Alec…

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Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: Camp Point Central’s Breyhar Wiskirchen

Breyhar Wiskirchen will represent Camp Point Central in the Muddy River Showcase, taking place June 17 at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

The Muddy River Showcase featuring 40 of the area’s top senior basketball players from Illinois and Missouri takes place June 17 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game begins at 4 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 6 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door. CAMP POINT, Ill. —…

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Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: Palmyra’s Tyler Banta

Palmyra sharpshooter Tyler Banta will represent the Missouri squad in the second Muddy River Showcase, being played June 17 at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

The Muddy River Showcase featuring 40 of the area’s top senior basketball players from Illinois and Missouri takes place June 17 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game begins at 4 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 6 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door. PALMYRA, Mo. — Tyler…

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Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: Quincy Notre Dame’s Jackson Stratton

Quincy Notre Dame guard Jackson Stratton will represent the Illinois all-stars in the Muddy River Showcase, being played June 17 at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Matt Schuckman photo

The Muddy River Showcase featuring 40 of the area’s top senior basketball players from Illinois and Missouri takes place June 17 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game begins at 4 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 6 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door. QUINCY — The fact…

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Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: Macomb’s Connor Watson

Macomb point guard Connor Watson will play on his future home court when he represents Illinois in the Muddy River Showcase at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Matt Schuckman photo

The Muddy River Showcase featuring 40 of the area’s top senior basketball players from Illinois and Missouri takes place June 17 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game begins at 4 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 6 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door. MACOMB, Ill. — Connor…

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Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: Palmyra’s Bronson Juette

Palmyra's Bronson Juette will represent Missouri in the second Muddy River Showcase, taking place June 17 at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

The Muddy River Showcase featuring 40 of the area’s top senior basketball players from Illinois and Missouri takes place June 17 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game begins at 4 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 6 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door. PALMYRA, Mo. — The…

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Quarter century of memories: Douglas’ career night against Rocky lands Blue Devils WB6 crown

Quincy High School coach Andy Douglas enjoyed his finest moment as a player against Rock Island, scoring a career-high 30 points in a victory in 2000 that captured the Western Big 6 Conference crown. | Matt Schuckman photo

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and since he recently wrapped up his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: February 26, 2000 — Quincy 76, Rock Island 66 QUINCY…

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Quarter century of memories: High-level play matches anticipation for renewal of QHS-QND series

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and since he recently wrapped up his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: January 6, 2007 — Quincy 60, Notre Dame 59 QUINCY…

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Quarter century of memories: Forbes outduels Randle to boost Blue Devils’ WB6 title pursuit

Quincy High School's Zach Forbes, left, drives on Rock Island's Chasson Randle during their game on Feb. 19, 2010, in Blue Devil Gym. | Photo courtesy QHS Hall of Fame

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and since he recently wrapped up his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: February 19, 2010 — Quincy 57, Rock Island 55 QUINCY…

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Quarter century of memories: Wallace’s return from suspension starts run to regional title

Former Quincy High School coach Loren Wallace served a 15-game suspension during the 2002-03 season, but led led the Blue Devils to a 7-2 record upon his return. | Photo courtesy QHS Basketball

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and since he recently wrapped up his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: February 1, 2003 — Quincy 81, Normal West 49 QUINCY…

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Quarter century of memories: Blue Devils dismantle Redbirds to end regional title drought

Aaron Shoot, Ben Amos and Jacob Ary celebrate putting "2018" on the wall in Blue Devil Gym after winning both the Western Big 6 Conference championship and a regional title during their senior season. | Submitted photo

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and since he recently wrapped up his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: March 2, 2018 — Quincy 57, Alton 36 QUINCY —…

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Quarter century of memories: Return of QHS-QND series comes with sophomore guard Shoot-ing down rival

Aaron Shoot made three 3-pointers in a critical stretch of the third quarter against Quincy Notre Dame during his sophomore season, guiding the Quincy High School boys basketball team to an eight-point victory in the renewal of the series. | Submitted photo

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and since he recently wrapped up his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: Dec. 19, 2015 — Quincy 64, Notre Dame 56 QUINCY…

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Quarter century of memories: Kvitle’s career-best scoring effort carries QHS to regional title

Jason Kvitle enjoyed one of the best individual performances in a regional championship when he led the Quincy High School boys basketball team to a victory over Jacksonville in 2005. | Photo courtesy QHS Hall of Fame

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and since he recently wrapped up his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: March 4, 2005 — Quincy 48, Jacksonville 43 QUINCY —…

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Quarter century of memories: Dade’s half-court heave banks in for Thanksgiving tourney title

Mike Dade's half-court heave banked in to give the Quincy High School boys basketball team a 49-47 victory over Chicago Marshall in the title game of the 2015 QHS Thanksgiving Tournament. | Photo courtesy QHS basketball

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and since he recently wrapped up his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: November 28, 2015 — Quincy 49, Chicago Marshall 47 QUINCY…

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Quarter century of memories: Summers puts hip pain aside to leave Alleman hurting

Quincy High School's J.D. Summers scored a career-high 40 points at Rock Island Alleman during the 1999-2000 season despite playing the second half in pain from a hip injury. | Photo courtesy QHS Hall of Fame

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and since he recently wrapped up his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: February 11, 2000 — Quincy 87, Alleman 76 QUINCY —…

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Quarter century of memories: Riled up Blue Devils run former assistant coach’s team out of gym

Former Quincy High School point guard D.J. Douglas helped lead the Blue Devils to a 40-point victory in the sectional championship game against Jacksonville in 2000. | Photo courtesy QHS basketball program

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and since he recently wrapped up his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: March 10, 2000 — Quincy 76, Jacksonville 36 QUINCY —…

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Quarter century of memories: Jobe’s 3-point barrage puts in him record books

Jacob Jobe set the Quincy High School boys basketball team's single-game record with 10 3-pointers against Lincoln during the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic in 2015. | Photo courtesy QHS Hall of Fame

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and since he recently wrapped up his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: December 30, 2015 — Quincy 57, Lincoln 38 QUINCY —…

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Quarter century of memories: After assistant coach suffers heart attack, Blue Devils ‘had to do it for Coach Q’

Jose Quintero spent 11 seasons as an assistant coach with the Quincy High School boys basketball program. | Photo courtesy QHS Hall of Fame

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and since he recently wrapped up his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: December 29, 2001 — Quincy 76, Chicago Julian 67 QUINCY…

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Quarter century of memories: Wires’ buzzer-beater sinks Kahoks in sectional semifinal

Quincy High School guard Ralph Wires, right, reacts to making the game-winning shot at the buzzer in the Class 4A sectional semifinals against Collinsville in 2022. | Matt Schuckman photo

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and since he recently wrapped up his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: March 1, 2022 — Quincy 34, Collinsville 32 QUINCY —…

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Quarter century of memories: Rupert’s 3-point barrage brings QHS sideline to life

Quincy High School assistant coach Tom Lepper gives Jack Rupert a bear hug after Rupert hit the last of his four consecutive 3-pointers against Sterling on Feb. 19, 2021. | Submitted photo

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and since he recently wrapped up his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: February 19, 2021 — Quincy 67, Sterling 35 QUINCY —…

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Schuckman: Staley, Vashon and other Quincy Shootout participants complete their legacy moments

Kansas City Staley coach Chris Neff, left, and Falcons completed a 30-win season Saturday night by winning the Missouri Class 6 state championship. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Through the course of two January days and 13 games played at Blue Devil Gym during the fifth Quincy Shootout, some of the best prep basketball talent regionally and nationally was on display. But as those teams left with more than a month remaining in each of their seasons, a lingering question existed.…

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Southeastern’s Stephens picks up two more all-state plaudits, IBCA honors 10 area players total

Southeastern senior forward Danny Stephens earned Class 1A first-team all-state honors from the Associated Press, the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association and the Chicago Sun-Times. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The ending wasn’t the ceremonial sendoff Danny Stephens had earned, but the postseason accolades the Southeastern senior is receiving are a stirring reminder of all he has accomplished. Stephens, the 6-foot-7 forward, completed a trifecta of first-team all-state basketball honors, earning Class 1A plaudits from the Associated Press, the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association…

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Crim: Family’s passion for basketball is ‘awesome’ experience for Hamilton native Kurt Meister

The Meister family — from left to right, Lincoln, Angie, Laynie, Lilly and Kurt — are bound by basketball with the three kids following in the footsteps of their parents as student-athletes. | Submitted photo

ROCHESTER, Minn. — A case could be made that the Meisters are Rochester’s first family of basketball. Kurt and Angie Meister’s oldest child, Lincoln, is a 6-foot-10 junior forward on the Minnesota-Duluth men’s basketball team. The Bulldogs won 23 games during the regular season and qualified for the NCAA Division II national tournament for the…

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Quarter century of memories: Shoot, Blue Devils rekindle Blue Devil Gym magic in comeback against Webster Groves

Former Quincy High School guard Aaron Shoot led a spirited fourth-quarter comeback against Webster Groves (Mo.) in the marquee game of the inaugural Quincy Shootout in 2018. | Submitted photo

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and with this being his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: January 27, 2018 — Webster Groves 58, Quincy 55 QUINCY — The…

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Moline becomes third WB6 program to win boys basketball state championship

The Moline boys basketball team and cheerleaders pose for a team photo after the Maroons won the Class 4A state championship Saturday night at State Farm Center in Champaign, Ill. | Submitted photo

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — A coach once labeled as “just a Class A coach” showed his true wares on the state’s biggest stage against the state’s biggest competition. A team that faced one of the toughest schedules of any Class 4A squad this season proved it could handle any challenge with poise and precision. And a…

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Moline to play for Class 4A state title, looks to give WB6 its third champion since league’s inception

Moline boys basketball coach Sean Taylor shouts instructions to his team during Friday's Class 4A state semifinal victory over Downers Grove North at State Farm Center in Champaign, Ill. | Photo courtesy Clark Brooks, PhotoNews Media

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Moline boys basketball coach Sean Taylor delivered one final message to his team in the locker room Friday night before the Maroons left State Farm Center and headed back to their hotel. “We didn’t come here to get second,” he said. The Maroons earned the chance to make that reality. A sizzling…

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Quarter century of memories: Douglas’ debut as QHS head coach is ‘special, truly special’

Quincy High School coach Andy Douglas has won more than 160 games in nine seasons at the helm. | Matt Schuckman photo

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and with this being his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: November 27, 2014 — Quincy 65, University City 40 QUINCY — Nine…

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Suns’ Stephens receives O’Flaherty Award, first-team all-state honors for second time

Southeastern forward Danny Stephens was named the Red O'Flaherty Player of the year Award winner and a Class 1A first-team all-stater by the Associated Press. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — An injury kept Danny Stephens from playing in the postseason. It isn’t keeping him from racking up postseason honors. The 6-foot-7 senior forward from Southeastern was named as the repeat recipient of the Red O’Flaherty Player of the Year Award as well as a Class 1A first-team all-stater by the Associated Press for…

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Quarter century of memories: Watson’s triple-double, Bush’s all-around effort carry Blue Devils to regional championship

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and with this being his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: March 2, 2007 — Quincy 71, Springfield Southeast 55 QUINCY — The…

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Schuckman: High fives and hugs for Taylor punctuate Moline’s run to Class 4A final four

Moline boys basketball coach Sean Taylor, who spent 11 seasons coaching at Quincy High School, will coach the Maroons in the Class 4A final four this weekend in Champaign, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The high five was perfectly unscripted and unabashedly enthusiastic. The hug and the fist bump were, too. As the Moline boys basketball team soaked in the moment Monday night — the Maroons had just beaten Oswego East 59-55 to win the Class 4A Normal Super-Sectional and advance to the state final four for…

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Quarter century of memories: Forbes ties 3-point record, sets career scoring high in Blue Devil Gym

Zach Forbes scored a career-high 38 points and tied the Quincy High School boys basketball team's single-game 3-point record with seven made treys against Hinsdale South in January 2010. | Photo courtesy QHS Hall of Fame

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and with this being his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: January 23, 2010 — Quincy 81, Hinsdale South 62 QUINCY — Mention…

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Quarter century of memories: Victory No. 2,000 happening at Blue Devil Gym makes perfect sense

The 2017-18 Quincy High School boys basketball team accomplished many things, including winning the 2,000 game in program history. | Submitted photo

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and with this being his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: December 9, 2017 — Quincy 61, Springfield 39 QUINCY — The countdown…

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Tigers’ length keeps Panthers at bay as historic season ends in sectional championship game

Illini Bluffs forward Hank Alvey goes to block a shot by Camp Point Central's Drew Paben during Friday night's Class 1A sectional championship game in Bushnell, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

BUSHNELL, Ill. — Being double and triple teamed is a nightly occurrence for Hank Alvey. He’s familiar with opposing defenses pushing and pulling him in every direction.  It comes with the territory when you’re 6-foot-9 and opponents are looking for anything that may get under your skin. “It’s nothing new. That’s what teams have been…

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Photo gallery: Central fights to end in sectional championship loss to Illini Bluffs

Camp Point Central forward Carter Eyler, center, gets a shot off over the Illini Bluffs defense during Friday night's Class 1A sectional championship game at Bushnell, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

BUSHNELL, Ill. — The bid to become the first team in program history to win a sectional championship fell just short. The Central boys basketball team struggled to combat Illini Bluffs’ size and lost 54-46 to end its season with a 27-5 record. Photographer Mike Pritchard shared this photo gallery from the game:

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Schuckman: IHSA fails to meet its mission by forcing basketball teams to play third-place games hours after semifinals

The Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball players return to the floor following a timeout in the second half of their Class 2A third-place game against Chicago Butler College Prep on Thursday night at Illinois State University's Redbird Arena in Normal, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

NORMAL, Ill. — Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball coach Eric Orne listened intently as senior guard Abbey Schreacke discussed how the Raiders needed to regroup following a gut-punch loss Thursday in the Class 2A state semifinals and play the third-place game two hours later. “We’re going to have to find something deeper inside of us…

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Sound the alarms: Sizzling effort from 3-point range, stingy defense carry Panthers into sectional championship game

The Central boys basketball team's bench and crowd react to a play during Wednesday night's victory over Peoria Christian in the Class 1A Bushnell-Prairie City Sectional in Bushnell, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

BUSHNELL, Ill. — Not much could delay the inevitable, but the fire alarms blaring in the Bushnell-Prairie City High School gymnasium created a significant sense of confusion in the waning minutes of Wednesday’s Class 1A sectional semifinal boys basketball game between Camp Point Central and Peoria Christian. “It just came out of nowhere,” Central junior…

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Photo gallery: Central advances to sectional title game for first time in program history

The Central boys basketball players celebrate their 51-39 victory over Peoria Christian in the Class 1A Bushnell-Prairie City Sectional semifinals on Wednesday night in Bushnell, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

BUSHNELL, Ill. — The Camp Point Central boys basketball team will play for the first sectional championship game in program history Friday night, advancing to the Class 1A Bushnell-Prairie City Sectional title game by beating Peoria Christian 51-39. Photographer Mike Pritchard shared these images for a photo gallery of the game:

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Blue Devils unable to muster fight needed to rally, bow out with sectional semifinal loss

Quincy High School guard Bradley Longcor III, left, dribbles around O’Fallon guard Jalen Smith during the Class 4A Moline Sectional semifinal played at Alton High School on Tuesday night in Alton, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

ALTON, Ill. — Camden Brown quickly pinpointed the issue. “We didn’t have any fight in us,” he said. Forced into a corner, the Quincy High School boys basketball team could not withstand O’Fallon’s constant surges. The Blue Devils did not convert shots, did not rebound and did not consistently get defensive stops, resulting in a…

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After disastrous first half, Raiders’ valiant comeback comes up short in sectional semifinal

Charlie Lavery, center, consoles teammate Jake Hoyt after the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team's 72-49 loss to Normal University High in the Class 2A sectional semifinals at Pleasant Plains High School. | David Adam photo

PLEASANT PLAINS, Ill. — Sure, the players on the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team were pleased with their play in the second half. The Raiders got as close as 10 points with 5:09 remaining, but Normal University High made 8 of 10 free throws in the final three minutes to seal a 72-49 victory…

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Photo gallery: QHS falls flat offensively in sectional semifinal loss to O’Fallon

Quincy High School boys basketball coach Andy Douglas, right, watches as Tyler Sprick and the Blue Devils attempt to engage offensively in the second half of Tuesday's loss to O'Fallon in the Class 4A sectional semifinals at Alton High School. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

ALTON, Ill. — The Quincy High School boys basketball team scored a season-low 35 points in suffering a 64-35 shellacking by O’Fallon in Tuesday night’s Class 4A Moline Sectional semifinal, which was played at Alton High School. The Blue Devils went just 4 of 23 (17.4 percent) from beyond the arc and shot just 38.1…

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Photo gallery: Raiders’ 11-game winning streak snapped by No. 3-ranked Normal U High

Jake Wallingford is defended by Normal University's Ty Minor during the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team's 72-49 loss in the Class 2A sectional semifinals at Pleasant Plains High School. | David Adam

PLEASANT PLAINS, Ill. — The No. 3-ranked Normal University High boys basketball team raced to a 30-7 lead after one quarter and led by as many as 30 points in a 72-49 victory over Quincy Notre Dame in the Class 2A sectional semifinals on Friday night at Pleasant Plains High School. MRN Editor David Adam…

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Quarter century of memories: Fairley’s buzzer-beater results in wild ride out of Blue Devil Gym

Mason Fairley, left, played for the Quincy High School boys basketball team from 2010-13 and hit a pair of buzzer-beating game-winners as a sophomore, including one that resulted in an upset of 20-win Neuqua Valley. | Submitted photo

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and with this being his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: February 19, 2011 — Quincy 68, Neuqua Valley 66 QUINCY — Mason…

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Blue Devils’ Longcor, Fohey earn first-team All-Western Big 6 Conference honors

Quincy High School sophomore guard Bradley Longcor III, left, and junior forward Taylor Fohey were first-team selections for the All-Western Big 6 Conference boys and girls basketball teams, respectively. | Matt Schuckman photos

QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys basketball team’s second-place finish in the Western Big 6 Conference led to three players earning all-conference honors. Meanwhile, the QHS girls placed two players on the All-WB6 squad. Sophomore guard Bradley Longcor III garnered first-team plaudits, while sophomore forward Keshaun Thomas was a second-team selection and junior guard…

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‘You have to stay with it’: Blue Devils rally from 14-point deficit to win regional championship

Quincy High School guard Tyler Sprick reacts to making the go-ahead 3-pointer with two minutes remaining in regulation Friday night in the Class 4A regional championship game against Collinsville at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Tyler Sprick said he never looked at the scoreboard, but he was fully aware of the situation the Quincy High School boys basketball team faced. No one went as far as to call it dire, but there was trepidation. Blindsided at the start of Friday night’s Class 4A Quincy Regional championship game as…

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Photo gallery: QHS rallies to beat Collinsville for Class 4A regional championship

The Quincy High School boys basketball team's bench celebrates late in the fourth quarter of Friday night's Class 4A Quincy Regional championship game against Collinsville at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys basketball team didn’t take the lead for good until Tyler Sprick made a 3-pointer from the left wing with 1:55 remaining in regulation Friday night, but it cemented a rally from a 14-point deficit as the Blue Devils beat Collinsville 53-47 for the Class 4A Quincy Regional championship…

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Hoyt delivers on cue as Raiders beat Titans to capture Class 2A regional championship

Quincy Notre Dame guard Jake Hoyt, left, drives around West Hancock's Bryan Gerhardt during Friday night's Class 2A regional championship game at The Pit. | David Adam photo

QUINCY — Jake Hoyt made sure the playful razzing he received ended with an exclamation point.  At Friday’s pregame shootaround, the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball coaches ran a set play for their senior point guard to shoot a 3-pointer and Hoyt missed the first attempt. “We teased him a little bit,” Raiders coach Kevin…

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Photo gallery: QND boys run winning streak to 11 with regional title victory at home over West Hancock

Quincy Notre Dame's Alex Connoyer grabs a loose ball in the lane in front of West Hancock's Nolan Hurt during the championship game of the Class 2A boys basketball sectional on Friday night at the Pit. | David Adam photo

QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team won the Class 2A regional championship on Friday night at the Pit with a 63-46 victory over West Hancock. It was the Raiders’ second victory over the Titans in the last 10 nights. MRN Editor David Adam captured some of the images from the game.

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Defense, stellar free-throw shooting carry Central to Class 1A regional championship

The Central boys basketball team celebrates after receiving its regional plaque following a 46-35 victory over Bushnell-Prairie City on Friday night in Camp Point, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — Jalen Conley found ways to get to the basket and make the Central boys basketball team work to stop him. The Panthers denied everyone else that opportunity. The top-seeded team in the Class 1A Central Regional showed its defensive dominance in the first half Friday night, allowing one only Bushnell-Prairie City…

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Photo gallery: Central wins Class 1A regional championship on home floor

Central coach James Barnett cuts down the net after the Panthers won the Class 1A Central Regional championship Friday night in Camp Point, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — The Central boys basketball team’s nearly flawless effort at the free-throw line allowed it to finish off a 46-35 victory over Bushnell-Prairie City on Friday night and win the championship of the Class 1A Central Regional. Photographer Mike Pritchard captured the action and shared this photo gallery with Muddy River Sports:

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Indians cap improbable run to regional title by beating Trojans in overtime

PAYSON, Ill. — The Brotherhood plays on. The Payson Seymour boys basketball team’s latest unexpected postseason success, a 42-39 overtime victory Friday night in the Class 1A regional finals against Triopia, allows the underdog Indians to keep their unlikely tournament dream alive. “It’s a brotherhood here in Payson, a family,” junior point guard Wyatt Neisen…

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Cardinals clamp down defensively to knock off top-seeded Panthers in district championship

The South Shelby boys basketball team upset top-seeded Palmyra to win the Class 3 District 6 championship Friday night in Monroe City, Mo. | Ron Kinscherf

MONROE CITY, Mo. — South Shelby’s Trey Countryman wasn’t giving anyone the game ball. Thirty minutes after the final buzzer, the senior guard was still cradling this piece of history. Countryman and the rest of the Cardinals upset top-seeded Palmyra 39-22 in the Class 3 District 6 championship to capture their first district title in…

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Top-seeded Palmyra ends Monroe City’s district reign, will face South Shelby for title

MONROE CITY, Mo. — The district reign is over, ended by a champion’s biggest rival. The Monroe City boys basketball team’s run of six consecutive Class 3 district championships came to a halt Wednesday night when top-seeded Palmyra eliminated Monroe City 52-30 in the Class 3 District 6 semifinals. Palmyra (21-7) outscored Monroe City 14-4…

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Thomas, Blue Devils snatch spot in regional championship with dominant effort on glass

Quincy High School forward Keshaun Thomas positions himself to grab a rebound off a missed free throw during the second half of Wednesday's Class 4A regional semifinal victory over Alton at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — If Keshaun Thomas needs a part-time job in the coming years, a perfect one exists. Window cleaner. The way he pulled rebounds off the glass Wednesday night during the Quincy High School boys basketball team’s regional semifinal, there’s no one better suited for the job. The 6-foot-6 sophomore forward fought for two offensive…

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Raiders’ size, experience takes over in second half, carries them into regional championship game

Quincy Notre Dame's Alex Connoyer drives to the basket during the first half of Wednesday night's Class 2A regional semifinal against Illini West at The Pit. | Photo courtesy Aaron Beaston, Day Off Media

QUINCY — A combination of size and experience can carry a team. It’s what helped lift the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team to a sectional championship appearance a year ago.  Wednesday night’s start to the postseason showed the Raiders are banking on it again.  Senior post players Jake Wallingford and Alex Connoyer dominated on…

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Barker’s late 3-pointer completes Payson Seymour’s upset of No. 7-ranked New Berlin

Payson Seymour's Lane Barker shoots a 3-pointer over the outstretched arm of New Berlin's Ben Hermes in the semifinals of the Class 1A regional at Payson Seymour on Wednesday night. | David Adam photo

PAYSON, Ill. — Lane Barker was not designed to take the last shot. Fortunately, he did. Barker, a 5-foot-8 sophomore guard, buried a 3-point field goal from the left corner with 2.4 seconds to play Wednesday night, sending Payson Seymour to a 41-38 upset of New Berlin in the Class 1A regional semifinals. New Berlin…

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Central rolls on to regional title tilt, while Southeastern is unable to navigate tough second half

Central’s Gavin Blewett loses control of the ball as he goes up in the lane while Unity’s Nick Maynard defends during Wednesday night’s boys basketball game in the Class 1A regional at Central High School in Camp Point.

CAMP POINT, Ill. — A highly anticipated postseason matchup between the state’s preseason No. 1-ranked team in Class 1A and the area’s most consistently successful squad isn’t going to happen. Bushnell-Prairie City and a nagging injury saw to that. After the top-seeded Central boys basketball team pushed its way into Friday’s regional championship with a…

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Titans earn chance for revenge, dispatch Bombers in regional semifinals to get shot at Raiders

West Hancock's Bryan Gerhardt looks to attack during Wednesday night's Class 2A regional semifinal against Macomb at Quincy Notre Dame's The Pit. | Photo courtesy Aaron Beaston, Day Off Media

QUINCY — Eight nights ago, Gavin Grothaus walked off the floor at The Pit with a bitter taste in his mouth. “That one kind of hurt,” the West Hancock sophomore said of the Titans’ 17-point loss to Quincy Notre Dame on Valentine’s Day at The Pit. Grothaus made sure he wouldn’t feel the same disappointment…

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Photo gallery: First-quarter run buries Alton as QHS advances to regional championship

Bradley Longcor III gets off a jumper during the first quarter of the Quincy High School boys basketball team's 71-42 victory over Alton on Wednesday night in the Class 4A regional semifinals at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — An 11-0 run to close the first quarter Wednesday night got the Quincy High School boys basketball team in rhythm as it rolled to a 71-42 victory over Alton and moved into Friday’s Class 4A Quincy Regional championship game against Collinsville at Blue Devil Gym. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman sat courtside…

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Photo gallery: QND, West Hancock advance to championship of Class 2A regional

Quincy Notre Dame's Alex Connoyer sets himself to shoot a free throw during the first half of Wednesday night's Class 2A regional semifinal against Illini West at The Pit. | Photo courtesy Aaron Beaston, Day Off Media

QUINCY — A little more than a week after the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team secured its 20th victory of the season by beating West Hancock, the Raiders will have to do so again to keep their season alive. QND advanced to the championship game of the Class 2A QND Regional with a 75-47…

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Photo gallery: Central puts itself in position to win regional championship

Unity’s Caleb Kasparie, left, and Central’s Carter Eyler fight for possession of the ball during Wednesday night’s boys basketball game in the Class 1A regional at Central High School in Camp Point, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — The Central boys basketball team is taking advantage of playing the Class 1A regional on its home floor, knocking off Unity 63-47 in Wednesday’s semifinals. The Panthers will face Bushnell-Prairie City at 7 p.m. Friday in the championship. Camp Point photographer Mike Pritchard shared this photo gallery of the Panthers’ victory:

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Photo gallery: New Berlin gets twisted by Payson Seymour, Griggsville-Perry falls in overtime

Payson Seymour's Wyatt Neisen dribbles to the basket past New Berlin's Lucas Bixby during Wednesday night's Class 1A regional semifinal game at Payson Seymour High School. | David Adam photo

PAYSON, Ill. — Lane Barker’s 3-pointer from the corner with 2.4 seconds remaining in the game gave the Payson Seymour boys basketball team a 41-38 victory over state-ranked New Berlin in the semifinals of the Class 1A Payson Regional on Wednesday night. Meanwhile, Griggsville-Perry won 24 games during the regular season, but the Tornadoes’ season…

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Schuckman: Gem City basketball teams set new standard with all reaching 20-victory plateau

Quincy Notre Dame senior guard Blair Eftink, center, and the Raiders are part of the winning culture within the Gem City as all four high school basketball programs reached the 20-victory plateau this season.

QUINCY — What transpires over the next three weeks will help define how the 2022-23 prep basketball season in the Gem City is remembered. Already it’s been historic. It could become legendary. The Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball teams open regional play Wednesday, both harboring high hopes while knowing significant hurdles…

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Raiders learn lesson, rally to edge Keokuk in overtime in regular season finale

Quincy Notre Dame's Charlie Lavery goes up to contest a shot by Keokuk's Brenton Hoard during Friday night's boys basketball game at Wright Fieldhouse in Keokuk, Iowa. | Photo courtesy of Doug Brenneman/Keokuk Daily Gate City

KEOKUK, Iowa — A trip to Wright Fieldhouse in Keokuk and a 69-65 overtime victory provided the Quincy Notre Dame Raiders boys basketball team with an important lesson with postseason play starting. “One thing we learned is that you can’t come out flat starting tomorrow,” Raiders coach Kevin Meyer said. “You’ve got to come out…

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Illinois boys basketball state rankings: Quincy climbs one spot in Class 4A, Camp Point Central jumps two spots in Class 1A

Camp Point Central's Drew Paben goes up for a shot during a game against West Hancock in the Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament in December. | File photo by David Adam

Here are the Associated Press boys prep basketball polls with rank, team, first-place votes, record and total points. Class 4A School W-L Pts Prv 1. Lisle (Benet Academy) (14) 28-1 149 1 2. Moline (1) 28-3 134 2 3. Joliet West 25-5 115 3 4. Kenwood 24-6 101 4 5. Hinsdale Central 28-3 88 5…

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Connoyer finds hole in West Hancock defense, scores 19 points to help Raiders win 20th game

Quincy Notre Dame's Braden Sheffield drives to the basket during Tuesday night's boys basketball game at The Pit. West Hancock's Alec Hymes defends the play. | David Adam

QUINCY — In the aftermath of Quincy Notre Dame’s 20th victory of the season on Tuesday night, Charlie Lavery was quick to point out the importance of his senior teammate Alex Connoyer. “Without him, we’re in trouble,” Lavery said. Connoyer scored 11 of his game-high 19 points in the third quarter to help the Raiders pull…

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Blue Devils close regular season, pull away in second half to avoid upset at Galesburg

Ralph Wires, shown handling the basketball in a game last month against Lincoln, led Quincy with 14 points in Tuesday night's game against Galesburg. | David Adam

GALESBURG, Ill. — The Quincy High School boys basketball team’s fourth straight victory was accompanied by an emphatic stamp midway through the second half. The Blue Devils strung together 12 straight points at the end of the third quarter and beginning of the fourth to pull away from upset-minded Galesburg and register a 66-55 Western…

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‘Wow, what a night’: Seniors lead Blue Devils to victory in final regular-season home game

Quincy High School senior forward Sam Mulherin, left, looks to pass the ball to avoid pressure from Jacksonville during Saturday night's game at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — First came the rain, followed by the thunder and then a bellywasher of emotion. “Crazy,” a smiling Sam Mulherin called it. Perfect seemed to be an apt description, too. “It couldn’t have been a better night,” said Bryson Bowen, one of three seniors on the Quincy High School boys basketball team who played…

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Photo gallery: QHS sends seniors out in style with victory over Jacksonville

Quincy High School senior Bryson Bowen leads the Blue Devils out of the locker room and onto the floor Saturday night against Jacksonville at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys basketball team put a perfect cap on its home slate, beating Jacksonville 59-40 on Saturday night at Blue Devil in the final home regular-season game for seniors Sam Mulherin, Reid O’Brien and Bryson Bowen. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured some celebratory images and action shots throughout…

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Blue Devils reach another milestone victory in style by dunking Maple Leafs

Camden Brown led the Quincy High School boys basketball team to a Western Big 6 Conference victory over Geneseo on Friday night at Blue Devil Gym. | Muddy River Sports file photo

QUINCY — A milestone moment needed a signature start and an emphatic finish. Camden Brown and Milton Whitfield delivered on both fronts. Brown’s breakaway dunk 30 seconds into Friday night’s Western Big 6 Conference game got the Quincy High School boys basketball team rolling. Then Whitfield provided a steal and flush to punctuate a 66-28…

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Second-quarter shutout shows Raiders how dominant they can be defensively

Quincy Notre Dame guard Jake Hoyt, right, pressures an inbounds pass during Friday night's game against Liberty at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball coach Kevin Meyer could have waited another 35 seconds until the first quarter ended to address the issues he saw with how the Raiders were interacting defensively. It wouldn’t have had the same impact. So when Liberty coach Greg Altmix used a timeout with 34.8 seconds remaining in…

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Defensive-minded Panthers finish regular season perfect at home after grounding Bombers

Central's Bryhar Wiskirchen drives past Macomb's JT Jeter during Friday night's game in Camp Point, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — In a perfect world for Nick Moore, he would be playing run-and-gun, playground-style basketball.  And defense? That would be little more than an afterthought. Realistically, however, Moore knows that’s not how it works for a successful high school team. “Yeah,” Moore said, trying to wipe away the expected grin. “I’d probably…

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Photo gallery: QND girls, boys win Friday night games at The Pit

The Quincy Notre Dame student section enjoys a Friday night doubleheader at The Pit as the QND boys and girls basketball teams won. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team wrapped up its regular season with a 52-47 victory over Jefferson City (Mo.) Helias on Friday night at The Pit. Shortly thereafter, the QND boys earned a 66-37 West Central Conference victory over Liberty. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured the action sitting courtside. Here…

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Quarter century of memories: Technicals, ejections lead to Douglas getting one-night audition as head coach

Quincy High School boys basketball coach Andy Douglas, standing, made his stand-in coaching debut against Peoria Central on the road in 2009. | Muddy River Sports file photo

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and with this being his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: January 17, 2009 — Peoria Central 53, Quincy 46 QUINCY…

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Quarter century of memories: Blue Devils’ Anders teaches Panthers to show respect by going on two-minute scoring binge

Patrick Anders, shown here playing defense against Chicago Crane in the QHS Thanksgiving Tournament, helped the Quincy High School boys basketball team win a Western Big 6 Conference championship in 2001. | Photo courtesy QHS Hall of Fame

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and with this being his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: February 23, 2001 — Quincy 69, United Township 62 QUINCY…

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Illinois boys basketball state rankings: Quincy slips to No. 10, Camp Point Central rises to No. 7

The Central boys basketball team moved up two spots to No. 7 in this week's Class 1A state poll. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

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. Lisle (Benet Academy) (12) 26-1 120 1 2. Moline 25-3 106 2 3. Joliet West 23-5 94 3 4. Kenwood 22-5 85 4 5. Hinsdale Central 25-3 57 7 6. Brother Rice…

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Short-handed Suns no match for revved-up Raiders over final three quarters

AUGUSTA, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team could sympathize watching Southeastern all-state senior forward Danny Stephens walk to mid-court during Monday’s senior night festivities in street clothes, unable to play in the highly anticipated showdown between two of the area’s top teams. “We just went through it,” QND coach Kevin Meyer said.…

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

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:

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

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…

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

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…

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