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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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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