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

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 18, 2023
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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Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: Macomb’s Connor Watson

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | May 16, 2023
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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Watson’s strong finish helps Macomb boys golf team secure regional championship

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | September 29, 2022
The Macomb boys golf team won the Class 2A Macomb Regional championship Wednesday at Macomb Country Club with a 315 team score. | Submitted photo

MACOMB, Ill. — The electronic scoring system the Illinois High School Association uses for postseason golf puts the leaderboard at everyone’s fingertips. That makes it tempting to peek at where the field stands. “When you have to put the scores in on your phone, it’s hard to stay away and not hit the leaderboard button,”…

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