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

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

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

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Blue Devils to use time prior to holiday tournament wisely, emphasize consistency and energy

Quincy High School sophomore guard Bradley Longcor III starts the offense during Saturday night's game against Quincy Notre Dame at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — It sounds relaxing when you say it out loud. The Quincy High School boys basketball team has 11 days until its next game. That offers the impression it will be a low-key holiday week leading up to Christmas and then a couple of get-back-into-the-groove days before the Blue Devils head off to play…

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Power in the post: Blue Devils throw ball inside to establish presence, cruise to Thanksgiving tournament championship

Quincy High School sophomore forward Keshaun Thomas gains position on the block during Saturday night's game against Springfield Lanphier in the 51st QHS Thanksgiving Tournament at Blue Devil Gym. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

QUINCY — Something the Quincy High School boys basketball coaching staff noticed watching game film revealed itself even further during Saturday morning’s shootaround. The Blue Devils’ primary post players — sophomore Keshaun Thomas and senior Sam Mulherin — weren’t controlling the block. “We watched them post straight up,” QHS coach Andy Douglas said. “They were…

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‘The sky’s the limit’: Freshman class contributing to Blue Devils’ success faster than Douglas expected

Quincy High School’s Bradley Longcor III drives to the basket for a field goal during Saturday night’s game against Quincy Notre Dame at the Pit. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

QUINCY — It isn’t supposed to be this easy. Oh, sure, a handful of basketball players have done well during their freshman season at Quincy High School, but only six have scored more than 70 points as a freshman — Bruce Douglas, Jack Kramer, Dennis Douglas, Jeff Klingler, Parker Bland and Jeremiah Talton. But the…

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Blue Devils show no fear while erasing fourth-quarter deficit against Phoenix

Quincy High School sophomore guard Ralph Wires, left, directs traffic while being defended by Miller Career Academy's Charles Nelson during Friday night's game at Blue Devil Gym. Photo courtesy Samantha Carmean

QUINCY — The way Keshaun Thomas sees it, there’s no reason to be intimidated by any atmosphere or situation the Quincy High School boys basketball team might find itself facing.  “We just have to go out there and play,” Thomas said. “You can’t be scared of competition.” The freshman forward proved Friday night he’s scared…

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