Posts Tagged ‘Boys basketball’
Hitting the hardwood: Bringing perspective to the 2023-24 boys basketball season
QUINCY — Check out Muddy River Sports’ in-depth look at the area boys basketball scene for the 2023-24 season with some perspective on what was learned the first week of the season and what to look forward to moving forward.
Read MoreSaukees’ second-half rally secures 300th victory of Tomhave’s coaching career
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Palmyra basketball teams sweep doubleheader from Mark Twain
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…
Read MoreQuick transition: Central jumps into basketball season with victory over Brown County
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…
Read MoreTourney title showcases Blue Devils’ ability to share basketball, credit and trust
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.…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Blue Devils win QHS Thanksgiving Tournament championship for 37th time
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…
Read MoreSizzling start allows QND boys basketball team to cap weekend with strong finish
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…
Read MorePhoto Gallery: Five players score in double figures as QND boys basketball enjoys perfect weekend
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…
Read MoreUnselfish Raiders get 10 players in scoring column during victory over McCluer in season opener
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…
Read MoreBlue Devils’ defense ensures lead is quite safe in dispatching Titans
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…
Read MorePhoto Gallery: QND boys use 16-0 run to start game in season opener at The Pit
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.
Read MoreReality check: Blue Devils react to Wildcats’ second-half run with strong closing kick
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Blue Devils open season by beating Wildcats in QHS Thanksgiving Tournament
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…
Read MorePace of play, quality backcourts of tourney teams will test Blue Devils’ maturity and growth
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…
Read MoreQND forms Raider Broadcast Network, will provide live coverage of boys and girls basketball
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame boys and girls basketball teams have a new broadcast home. The school announced the creation of the Raider Sports Network, which will live stream QND basketball games this winter. The first game on the network will be Thursday’s girls basketball game at Hardin Calhoun. The boys basketball season kicks…
Read MorePrairie State Profile: Saukees’ Tomhave embraces traditions, bonds born from playing sports
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…
Read MorePriceless Father’s Day gift: Hoyt powers Illinois all-stars to victory in gym where his dad coaches
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…
Read MoreShowcase notebook: Reunion of traveling team quite Magic-al for Illinois all-stars
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Illinois, Missouri boys go head-to-head in Muddy River Showcase
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…
Read MoreIt’s game day! Muddy River Showcase to highlight area’s depth of talent and success
QUINCY — The depth of talent that will be on display Saturday during the second Muddy River Showcase is quite impressive. Consider these stats: • Among the 40 players comprising the four rosters, 14 scored 1,000 or more points in their high school careers; • There are 14 planning on playing basketball in college; •…
Read MoreDouble the fun: QND’s Stratton, Central’s Genenbacher take on challenge of playing in two all-star games in same day
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…
Read MoreMuddy River Showcase Spotlight: Quincy Notre Dame’s Jake Hoyt
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…
Read MoreMuddy River Showcase rosters highlight basketball talent, success throughout area
QUINCY — There is one thing each of the players participating in the second Muddy River Showcase have in common. They can call themselves alumni. The top senior basketball players from West-Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri have all officially graduated from their respective high schools, but they will team up to represent their communities and…
Read MoreMuddy River Showcase Spotlight: Camp Point Central’s Isaac Genenbacher
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. —…
Read MoreMuddy River Showcase Spotlight: West Hancock’s Alec Hymes
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…
Read MoreMuddy River Showcase Spotlight: Camp Point Central’s Breyhar Wiskirchen
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. —…
Read MoreMuddy River Showcase Spotlight: Palmyra’s Tyler Banta
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…
Read MoreMuddy River Showcase Spotlight: Quincy Notre Dame’s Jackson Stratton
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…
Read MoreMuddy River Showcase Spotlight: Macomb’s Connor Watson
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…
Read MoreMuddy River Showcase Spotlight: Palmyra’s Bronson Juette
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…
Read MoreQuarter century of memories: Douglas’ career night against Rocky lands Blue Devils WB6 crown
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…
Read MoreQuarter 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…
Read MoreQuarter century of memories: Forbes outduels Randle to boost Blue Devils’ WB6 title pursuit
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…
Read MoreQuarter century of memories: Wallace’s return from suspension starts run to regional title
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…
Read MoreQuarter century of memories: Blue Devils dismantle Redbirds to end regional title drought
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 —…
Read MoreQuarter century of memories: Return of QHS-QND series comes with sophomore guard Shoot-ing down rival
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…
Read MoreQuarter century of memories: Kvitle’s career-best scoring effort carries QHS to regional title
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 —…
Read MoreQuarter century of memories: Dade’s half-court heave banks in for Thanksgiving tourney title
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…
Read MoreQuarter century of memories: Summers puts hip pain aside to leave Alleman hurting
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 —…
Read MoreQuarter century of memories: Riled up Blue Devils run former assistant coach’s team out of gym
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 —…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: Moline boys basketball coach Sean Taylor discusses Class 4A state title
QUINCY — Sean Taylor put himself in rare company when the Moline boys basketball team won the Class 4A state championship with its 59-42 victory over Lisle Benet Academy at State Farm Center in Champaign, Ill. The former Quincy High School coach has now led two schools to a state championship, having won the Class…
Read MoreQuarter century of memories: Jobe’s 3-point barrage puts in him record books
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 —…
Read MoreQuarter century of memories: After assistant coach suffers heart attack, Blue Devils ‘had to do it for Coach Q’
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…
Read MoreQuarter century of memories: Wires’ buzzer-beater sinks Kahoks in sectional semifinal
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 —…
Read MoreQuarter century of memories: Rupert’s 3-point barrage brings QHS sideline to life
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 —…
Read MoreSchuckman: Staley, Vashon and other Quincy Shootout participants complete their legacy moments
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.…
Read MoreSoutheastern’s Stephens picks up two more all-state plaudits, IBCA honors 10 area players total
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…
Read MoreCrim: Family’s passion for basketball is ‘awesome’ experience for Hamilton native Kurt Meister
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…
Read MoreQuarter century of memories: Shoot, Blue Devils rekindle Blue Devil Gym magic in comeback against Webster Groves
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…
Read MoreMoline becomes third WB6 program to win boys basketball state championship
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…
Read MoreMoline to play for Class 4A state title, looks to give WB6 its third champion since league’s inception
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…
Read MoreQuarter century of memories: Douglas’ debut as QHS head coach is ‘special, truly special’
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…
Read MoreSuns’ Stephens receives O’Flaherty Award, first-team all-state honors for second time
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…
Read MoreQuarter 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…
Read MoreSchuckman: High fives and hugs for Taylor punctuate Moline’s run to Class 4A final four
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…
Read MoreQuarter century of memories: Forbes ties 3-point record, sets career scoring high in Blue Devil Gym
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…
Read MoreQuarter century of memories: Victory No. 2,000 happening at Blue Devil Gym makes perfect sense
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…
Read MoreTigers’ length keeps Panthers at bay as historic season ends in sectional championship game
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Central fights to end in sectional championship loss to Illini Bluffs
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:
Read MoreSchuckman: IHSA fails to meet its mission by forcing basketball teams to play third-place games hours after semifinals
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…
Read MoreSound the alarms: Sizzling effort from 3-point range, stingy defense carry Panthers into sectional championship game
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Central advances to sectional title game for first time in program history
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:
Read MoreBlue Devils unable to muster fight needed to rally, bow out with sectional semifinal loss
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…
Read MoreAfter disastrous first half, Raiders’ valiant comeback comes up short in sectional semifinal
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS falls flat offensively in sectional semifinal loss to O’Fallon
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Raiders’ 11-game winning streak snapped by No. 3-ranked Normal U High
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…
Read MorePayson’s magical run ends, but not before making Gibault work until final buzzer to win sectional semifinal
HARDIN, Ill. — In the end, Bryan Dieker may have captured the moment better than anyone else. “This was a great season for us,” he said. “This was the most fun I’ve ever had playing basketball.” Dieker, a 6-foot-1 senior forward on the Payson Seymour boys basketball team, had just completed the final game of…
Read MoreQuarter century of memories: Fairley’s buzzer-beater results in wild ride out of Blue Devil Gym
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…
Read MoreBlue Devils’ Longcor, Fohey earn first-team All-Western Big 6 Conference honors
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…
Read More‘You have to stay with it’: Blue Devils rally from 14-point deficit to win regional championship
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS rallies to beat Collinsville for Class 4A regional championship
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…
Read MoreHoyt delivers on cue as Raiders beat Titans to capture Class 2A regional championship
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND boys run winning streak to 11 with regional title victory at home over West Hancock
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.
Read MoreDefense, stellar free-throw shooting carry Central to Class 1A regional championship
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Central wins Class 1A regional championship on home floor
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:
Read MoreIndians 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…
Read MoreCardinals clamp down defensively to knock off top-seeded Panthers in district championship
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…
Read MoreTop-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…
Read MoreThomas, Blue Devils snatch spot in regional championship with dominant effort on glass
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…
Read MoreRaiders’ size, experience takes over in second half, carries them into regional championship game
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…
Read MoreBarker’s late 3-pointer completes Payson Seymour’s upset of No. 7-ranked New Berlin
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…
Read MoreCentral rolls on to regional title tilt, while Southeastern is unable to navigate tough second half
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…
Read MoreTitans earn chance for revenge, dispatch Bombers in regional semifinals to get shot at Raiders
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: First-quarter run buries Alton as QHS advances to regional championship
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND, West Hancock advance to championship of Class 2A regional
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Central puts itself in position to win regional championship
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:
Read MorePhoto gallery: New Berlin gets twisted by Payson Seymour, Griggsville-Perry falls in overtime
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…
Read MoreSchuckman: Gem City basketball teams set new standard with all reaching 20-victory plateau
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…
Read MoreRaiders learn lesson, rally to edge Keokuk in overtime in regular season finale
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…
Read MoreIllinois boys basketball state rankings: Quincy climbs one spot in Class 4A, Camp Point Central jumps two spots in Class 1A
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…
Read MoreConnoyer finds hole in West Hancock defense, scores 19 points to help Raiders win 20th game
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…
Read MoreBlue Devils close regular season, pull away in second half to avoid upset at Galesburg
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Quincy Notre Dame boys pull away in second half to beat West Hancock
The Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team pulled away in the second half to defeat West Hancock 73-56 on Senior Night at The Pit. Muddy River News Editor David Adam captured some of the action.
Read More‘Wow, what a night’: Seniors lead Blue Devils to victory in final regular-season home game
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS sends seniors out in style with victory over Jacksonville
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…
Read MoreRaiders share scoring wealth in whitewashing of Rockets in WCC road game
RUSHVILLE, Ill. — The unselfishness that leads to offensive balance was on display Saturday night, and it’s going to have to become a hallmark of the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team in order for the Raiders to make a deep postseason push. The Raiders had four players finish in double figures, saw 11 different…
Read MoreBlue Devils reach another milestone victory in style by dunking Maple Leafs
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…
Read MoreSecond-quarter shutout shows Raiders how dominant they can be defensively
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…
Read MoreDefensive-minded Panthers finish regular season perfect at home after grounding Bombers
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND girls, boys win Friday night games at The Pit
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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