Muddy River Showcase: Illinois boys make late defensive stand to hold off Missouri’s push

By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer | June 22, 2025
Quincy High School's Keshaun Thomas, left, attacks the basket as Clark County's Harrison Parker slides over to defend during Saturday's fourth annual Muddy River Showcase at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | David Adam photo

QUINCY — The Missouri boys were a half away from the Show-Me State’s first win in the short history of the Muddy River Showcase, but a third-quarter surge from Illinois and a defensive stand down the stretch Saturday netted an 89-82 for the Prairie State at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. Missouri led…

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Showcase Q&A: Marion County’s Lagemann discusses pursuing accounting, playing baseball and loyalty to Chicago Cubs

By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer | June 19, 2025
Marion County graduate Joey Lagemann will participate in the Muddy River Showcase before attending John Wood Community College, where he will play baseball and pursue a degree in accounting. | Muddy River Sports file photo

The fourth annual Muddy River Showcase takes place June 21 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game will tip at 2 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 4 p.m. General admission is $10. PHILADELPHIA, Mo. — If it involves math, Joey Lagemann is all about it. “I’ve always loved…

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Defensive dominance earns Panthers right to play for title in centennial celebration of own tourney

By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer | December 12, 2024
Monroe City's Toby Sapp, left, and Trey Smyser apply pressure to Marion County's Joey Lagemann during Wednesday night's Monroe City Tournament semifinal game in Monroe City, Mo. | Shane Hulsey photo

MONROE CITY Mo. — Two down, one to go. The Monroe City boys basketball team’s quest is not yet complete, but the second-seeded Panthers earned the right to play for the championship in the 100th Monroe City Basketball Tournament by dispatching Marion County 77-25 in Wednesday’s semifinal. The significance of the Panthers playing for the…

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