Photo gallery: Muddy River Showcase through another lens

By Muddy River Sports | June 17, 2024
Quincy High School's Taylor Fohey, second from right, shares a laugh with her Illinois teammates during introductions prior to the girls game in the third annual Muddy River Showcase, held Saturday at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Addi Zanger photo

QUINCY — The third annual Muddy River Showcase took place Saturday at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center with the Illinois boys and girls sweeping the all-star basketball event. The Illinois girls won 78-43, while the boys earned a 92-70 victory. Addi Zanger, a Quincy Notre Dame graduate and a sophomore at the University…

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Fohey delivers perfect Father’s Day gift by joining her dad as all-star basketball game MVPs

By Don Crim, Senior Columnist | June 16, 2024
Illinois MVP Taylor Fohey, left, shares a laugh with her high school coach, Quincy's Brad Dance, during the fourth quarter of Saturday's third annual Muddy River Showcase at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Like father, like daughter. Taylor Fohey scored 25 points and grabbed 19 rebounds Saturday afternoon to power the Illinois girls to a 78-43 victory over Missouri in the third annual Muddy River Showcase at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. Dominating inside on both ends of the floor, the 6-foot Quincy High…

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Doyle, Wires spark Illinois’ full-court attack in third straight Muddy River Showcase victory

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 16, 2024
Illinois forward Dion Doyle gets inside of Missouri's Quinn Thomas during the first half of Saturday's third annual Muddy River Showcase at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Dion Doyle decided this was the perfect opportunity to run it back. The Macomb basketball standout was part of a team that included Quincy High School’s Ralph Wires that won back-to-back Gus Macker 3-on-3 championships when the event was a Memorial Day weekend staple in downtown Quincy. Saturday, the duo reunited in the…

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Photo gallery: Illinois girls power way to victory in third annual Muddy River Showcase

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 16, 2024
Illinois defenders Allison Icenogle, left, and Leah Chevalier, right, trap Missouri's Madi Gares during the second half of Saturday's third annual Muddy River Showcase at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Illinois all-stars used their size and strength to control the lane and pace of play in Saturday’s third annual Muddy River Showcase, letting Quincy High School forward Taylor Fohey’s 25-point, 19-rebound effort guide them to a 78-43 victory Saturday at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt…

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Photo gallery: Relentless defense propels Land of Lincoln boys to victory in Muddy River Showcase

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 16, 2024
Illinois forward Melvin McMillen, left, gets pressured by Missouri's Chance Rainey during Saturday's third annual Muddy River Showcase at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Despite their struggles offensively in the first 16 minutes of Saturday’s third annual Muddy River Showcase, the Illinois boys all-stars got rolling behind an aggressive defense and parlayed it into a 92-70 victory over Missouri at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent the day on…

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Schuckman: Devilishly good decade coming to end for trio of QHS basketball teammates

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 14, 2024
Three Quincy High School teammates — Cam Brown, left, Ralph Wires, second from right, and Tyler Sprick, right — will play their final game together Saturday in the third annual Muddy River Showcase at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Before the Lil’ Devils program brought them together, before they spent 10 consecutive winters running side-by-side, there were games in the YMCA basketball league where Ralph Wires, Tyler Sprick and Cam Brown were on opposite sides. “I tore them apart per usual,” Wires said with a mischievous, sarcastic grin. His ability to dart…

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Future JWCC teammates ready to represent on college home floor in Muddy River Showcase

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 14, 2024
Winchester West Central's Zack Evans, left, and Camp Point Central's Nick Moore, right, will be teammates next season with the John Wood Community College men's basketball program. | Matt Schuckman photos

QUINCY — Neither Nick Moore nor Zack Evans is showing outward concern over the uncertainty surrounding John Wood Community College’s search for a men’s basketball coach, which has moved past the eight-week mark. And neither has wavered on their decision to sign with the Trail Blazers. The opportunity to play together is just too enticing.…

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Playing in Muddy River Showcase is full-circle moment for Hannibal’s Pugh and her father

By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer | June 14, 2024
The growth of Hannibal's Baylee Pugh as a basketball player has been influenced by her father, former Pirates coach Matt Pugh. | Shane Hulsey photo

QUINCY — Matt Pugh recalled the conversation he had with his daughter, Baylee, when they learned she had been selected to play in this Saturday’s third annual Muddy River Showcase. “She told me, ‘Dad, I don’t know if I’m good enough to be playing in this game. I don’t ever score,’” Matt Pugh said.  His…

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Highland’s Campen follows in mother’s footsteps, brings versatility to Muddy River Showcase

By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer | June 13, 2024
Brady Campen displayed his versatility while playing every position last winter for the Highland boys basketball team. | Shane Hulsey photo

LEWISTOWN, Mo. — Brady Campen couldn’t recall the age he began playing basketball. “My mom got me started really young,” Campen said. Not a bad person to learn from. Campen’s mother — Amber Law Campen — starred at Carthage (Ill.) High School, where she averaged 18.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 steals and…

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Highland’s Logsdon finds calling after injury, returns to floor for Muddy River Showcase

By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer | June 13, 2024
Highland's Brayden Logsdon gets one final chance to represent his school and community during Saturday's third annual Muddy River Showcase at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Shane Hulsey photo

LEWISTOWN, Mo. — Sometimes an injury can be a blessing in disguise. While he couldn’t play the sports he loved, Brayden Logsdon found his calling in coaching. Logsdon tore his right meniscus as he ran a quarterback keeper up the middle during the Highland football team’s Week 5 game against Macon on September 22, 2023.…

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West Hancock’s Woodworth ready to have hand in helping Illinois girls win Muddy River Showcase

By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer | June 12, 2024
West Hancock's Lillie Woodworth recovered in time from a right hand injury suffered playing softball April 5 to play in this Saturday's Muddy River Showcase at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Shane Hulsey photo

QUINCY — Lillie Woodworth’s hand has healed, and she’s ready to go. That’s not good news for the Missouri all-stars. Two months after suffering a pair of broken bones in her right hand playing softball, the West Hancock all-state basketball player is back playing in open gyms at her future college home — Lincoln Land…

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‘The closing chapter’: Three Blue Devils reunite at Muddy River Showcase for final game together

By Shane Hulsey, Sports Writer | June 11, 2024
From left, Leila Dade, Leah Chevalier and Taylor Fohey | Shane Hulsey photos

QUINCY — Eight years of playing basketball together will come to an end for Leah Chevalier, Leila Dade and Taylor Fohey on Saturday. Their friendship will last far beyond that. The three Quincy High School graduates will play together for the final time Saturday in the Muddy River Showcase at John Wood Community College’s Student…

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Muddy River Showcase profile: CSE’s Lantz looks to give back to community in healthcare field

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 6, 2024
Central-Southeastern guard Brilyn Lantz will play for the Illinois all-stars in the Muddy River Showcase, which takes place at 2 p.m. June 15 at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

AUGUSTA, Ill. — An anatomy and physiology class helped give Brilyn Lantz direction. Thoroughly invested in her science classes at Southeastern High School and wanting a profession that enabled her to give back to the community, Lantz discovered a career in radiology would achieve that. “I love science,” Lantz said. “It was a big motivator…

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Speed in abundance is Missouri girls roster’s edge for upcoming Muddy River Showcase

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 6, 2024
Palmyra's Taytum White is one of several multi-sport players representing the Missouri girls team in the Muddy River Showcase, taking place at 2 p.m. June 15 at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Mathew Kirby photo

QUINCY — The collection of all-stars comprising the Missouri girls roster for the Muddy River Showcase don’t have to worry about a need for speed. They have it in abundance. Four members of the Show Me State squad competed in the state track and field championships, two others plan to play softball in college and…

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Illinois girls roster for Muddy River Showcase full of grit, toughness and winners

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 5, 2024
Quincy High School's Leila Dade, right, will be joined by teammate Taylor Fohey, center, on the Illinois all-star roster for the Muddy River Showcase, taking place June 15 at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Tough. It is the first word that comes to mind scanning the roster of the Illinois girls team for the upcoming Muddy River Showcase. From Brilyn Lantz’s scrappiness that propelled Central-Southeastern to a Class 2A super-sectional berth last winter to Taylor Fohey’s willingness to battle on the block in guiding Quincy High to…

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Muddy River Showcase profile: Canton’s Macie Fisher contributes to Tigers’ winning legacy

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 3, 2024
Canton's Macie Fisher was a multi-sport standout in high school who plans to play softball at Kirkwood Community College. | Mathew Kirby photo

CANTON, Mo. — Macie Fisher is getting a double dose of all-star activities. Not only will Fisher represent Canton on the Missouri squad for the Muddy River Showcase, which takes place June 15 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center, but she participated in the Missouri High School Fastpitch Coaches Association all-star game in…

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Muddy River Showcase profile: Hannibal guard Mason Hull carries on all-star tradition

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | May 29, 2024
Hannibal's Mason Hull, here shooting against Fulton in a game last winter, will represent Missouri in the third annual Muddy River Showcase. | Mathew Kirby photo

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Although basketball is the tie that binds the Hull family, pickleball is the game of choice these days, especially when Mason Hull and his dad, Marty, go head-to-head. And there isn’t much room for debate on who is better at pickleball. “Me,” Mason said. Would Marty dispute that at all? “No,” Mason…

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Toughness, physical play part of Missouri roster’s charm for Muddy River Showcase

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | May 8, 2024
Palmyra guard Bear Bock will lead the Missouri all-stars in the third annual Muddy River Showcase on June 15 at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Mathew Kirby photo

QUINCY — What do you get when you put arguably the most versatile boys basketball player in Northeast Missouri alongside a top-flight scorer, a couple of lethal jumpers and a backcourt of nose-to-the-grindstone workers? It’s an all-star team capable of challenging Illinois’ best for supremacy. The Missouri roster for the third annual Muddy River Showcase…

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Illinois boys roster for Muddy River Showcase features champions, top scorers, playmakers

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | May 7, 2024
Three Quincy High School boys basketball players — Camden Brown, left, Ralph Wires, second from right, and Tyler Sprick, right — will play in the third annual Muddy River Showcase, taking place June 15 at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Winners. That’s the best way to describe the Illinois boys roster for the third annual Muddy River Showcase. The 10 players selected to represent the Land of Lincoln helped their teams to a combined .727 winning percentage last winter. One was the leading scorer on a state championship squad. One quarterbacked his football…

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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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Arnsman’d and dangerous: Illinois girls pull away in third quarter to win Muddy River Showcase

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 18, 2023
South Shelby's Milli Mozee-Williams, left, tries to deny Unity's Ashlynn Arnsman a look at the basket during Saturday's Muddy River Showcase at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — It became obvious to the Illinois all-stars during their preparation for the Muddy River Showcase that Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball coach Eric Orne was taking this as seriously as anyone.. “Coach Orne made it really intense,” Unity’s Ashlynn Arnsman said. “It felt like a real regular-season game.” The Missouri all-stars realized how…

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Showcase notebook: Reunion of traveling team quite Magic-al for Illinois all-stars

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 18, 2023
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

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 18, 2023
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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Photo gallery: Illinois, Missouri girls put skills on display in Muddy River Showcase

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 18, 2023
From left to right, Illinois all-stars Abbey Schreacke, Lia Quintero, Blair Eftink and Rylee Reed walk back on the court following a timeout during Saturday's Muddy River Showcase at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Illinois girls had length and athleticism. The Missouri girls had guard play and quickness. It made for an entertaining chess match in the second Muddy River Showcase, played Saturday at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. A 30-10 spurt in the third quarter enabled the Illinois squad to pull away for…

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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

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 16, 2023
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

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 15, 2023
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: Unity’s Ashlynn Arnsman

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 14, 2023
Unity's Ashlynn Arnsman earned honorable mention all-state honors last winter when she led the Mustangs to 29 victories. | 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. MENDON, Ill. — Ashlynn…

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Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: North Shelby’s Ava Williams

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 12, 2023
Ava Williams earned Class 1 all-state honors from the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association after leading the North Shelby girls basketball team to a 25-4 record last winter. | Photo courtesy Marlana Smith, Shelby County Herald

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. SHELBYVILLE, Mo. — Ava…

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Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: Camp Point Central’s Isaac Genenbacher

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 10, 2023
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: South Shelby’s Milli Mozee-Williams

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 8, 2023
South Shelby's Milli Mozee-Williams is adept at getting herself into position to rebound no matter who she is up against, a skill she will display in the Muddy River Showcase on 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. SHELBINA, Mo. — Culver-Stockton…

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Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: Hannibal’s Nora Hark

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 7, 2023
Hannibal's Nora Hark will represent the Missouri squad in the 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. HANNIBAL, Mo. — Nora…

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Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: Quincy Notre Dame’s Abbey Schreacke

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 7, 2023
Quincy Notre Dame's Abbey Schreacke will represent the Illinois squad 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 — When it…

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Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: West Hancock’s Alec Hymes

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 6, 2023
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: South Shelby’s Miranda Patterson

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 5, 2023
South Shelby's Miranda Patterson will represent the Missouri squad 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. SHELBINA, Mo. — Miranda…

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Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: Camp Point Central’s Breyhar Wiskirchen

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | May 31, 2023
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: Quincy Notre Dame’s Lia Quintero

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | May 26, 2023
Quincy Notre Dame's Lia Quintero was a three-sport standout who won two state championships and four state medals during her high school career. | 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 bookends…

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Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: Palmyra’s Tyler Banta

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | May 24, 2023
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

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | May 19, 2023
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

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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Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: Palmyra’s Bronson Juette

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | May 15, 2023
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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Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: Highland’s Ansley Bringer

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | May 12, 2023
Highland senior Ansley Bringer averaged 15 points per game and collected 90 steals last winter. | 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. EWING, Mo. — Ansley…

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Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: Unity’s Kyra Carothers

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | May 9, 2023
Three-sport standout Kyra Carothers will represent Unity in the Muddy River Showcase, taking place 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. MENDON, Ill. — A…

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Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: Brown County’s Katey Flynn

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | May 9, 2023
Brown County guard Katey Flynn earned honorable mention all-state honors last winter while guiding the Hornets to a single-season school-record 31 victories. | Photo courtesy Scott Bemis

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. MOUNT STERLING, Ill. —…

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Crim: Muddy River Showcase checks every box for atmosphere, excitement and mission

By Don Crim, Senior Columnist | June 20, 2022
Players and coaches along the Illinois bench celebrate with Max Richardson (No. 35) after he made a 3-pointer in his brief and unexpected appearance in Saturday's Muddy River Showcase. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The boxscore shows Max Richardson playing only a few seconds for the Illinois boys basketball team in the inaugural Muddy River Showcase, more than he expected, yet long enough to create a memory that will last a lifetime. The 6-foot-4 power forward from Illini West who has since signed to play for Eureka…

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Schuckman: Making memories proves as important as making buckets in Muddy River Showcase

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 19, 2022
Marion County's Halle Keilholz, left, high-fives Scotland County's Hannah Feeney during the introductions prior to Saturday's Muddy River Showcase at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Delaney Straus felt insulted. As the Missouri girls were milling around John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center ahead of Saturday’s Muddy River Showcase, the Marion County standout overheard a conversation in which a tongue-in-cheek prediction about the boys game was made. However, she thought the prediction of a 24-point Illinois victory was…

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Shoot to thrill: Sizzling second half carries Illinois boys to victory in inaugural Muddy River Showcase

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 19, 2022
Illinois swingman Jeremiah Talton, left, gets hounded by Missouri guard Joshua Talton during Saturday's inaugural Muddy River Showcase at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The spirited battles Jeremiah and Joshua Talton have engaged in either on the family basketball court or during open gyms at John Wood Community College moved to a much more public and brighter stage Saturday. That didn’t mitigate Jeremiah’s height advantage. “Let me get to be about 6-foot-7 and then it would be…

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Photo gallery: Muddy River Showcase boys basketball all-star game

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 19, 2022
Missouri guard Kyle Hays, left, attempts to stay with Illinois guard Tate Kunzeman during Saturday's inaugural Muddy River Showcase at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A family showdown. A preview of things to come for the John Wood Community College men’s basketball program. A last hurrah for two storied senior classes. The start of a new summer basketball tradition. The Muddy River Showcase boys basketball all-star game had it all. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured the…

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Six is enough: Illinois girls outrun, outlast Missouri despite diminished roster to capture Muddy River Showcase

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 18, 2022
Missouri guard Hannah Feeney, left, pressures Illinois guard Caydee Kirkham during Saturday's inaugural Muddy River Showcase at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — By the time she finally had a chance to sit and relax for a moment, Caydee Kirkham felt the aftereffects of spending 39 of the 40 minutes in the inaugural Muddy River Showcase girls basketball game on the floor. “My legs are cramping a lot,” she said. “But it was fun, so that’s…

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Photo gallery: Muddy River Showcase girls basketball all-star game

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 18, 2022
Missouri's Delaney Straus, left, and Hannah Feeney, right, trap Illinois' Brooklyn Stiefel during Saturday's Muddy River Showcase at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The inaugural Muddy River Showcase got off to a rousing start as the Illinois girls all-stars overcome diminished depth to outrun Missouri and post a 67-55 victory Saturday at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured the intensity, camaraderie and enjoyment of the players and coaches…

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Muddy River Showcase: Boys game promises to be battle of wills with both sides loaded with talent

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 17, 2022
Quincy High School all-stater Jeremiah Talton will play for the Illinois all-stars in the inaugural Muddy River Showcase. | Photo courtesy Paul Baillaergon, Archview Photo

QUINCY — Greg Altmix floated the idea. The Muddy River Showcase organizing committee became enamored with it. And Brock Edris signed off on it. Right then, another level of intrigue was added to the Illinois vs. Missouri all-star basketball event. Quincy High School all-stater Jeremiah Talton originally declined his invitation to play in the boys…

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Muddy River Showcase: All-stars on both sides taking business-like approach to girls game

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 17, 2022
Illini West point guard Caydee Kirkham will guide the Illinois all-stars against Missouri in the inaugural Muddy River Showcase at 3 p.m. Saturday at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — After running up and down the court for the better part of an hour Thursday night, the Illinois girls all-stars wrapped up their final practice before Saturday’s inaugural Muddy River Showcase. They weren’t quite done, though. Hallie Ray and Abbie Johnson, teammates at Illini West, asked if they could stick around John Wood…

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Muddy River Showcase: Future of JWCC men’s basketball program to be on display

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 16, 2022
Monroe City guard Joshua Talton, right, is guarded by Liberty's Logan Robbins during a game last February at The Pit. Both players, who are participating in Saturday's Muddy River Showcase, have signed to play at John Wood Community College next season. Matt Schuckman photo

The inaugural Muddy River Showcase is taking place June 18 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The Illinois vs. Missouri format for senior prep basketball players will feature a girls game at 3 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door and all seating is general…

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Muddy River Showcase: Marion County’s Keilholz understands need to fulfill family tradition

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 14, 2022
Marion County senior guard Halle Keilholz made 81 3-pointers last winter while leading the Mustangs to the Class 1 state quarterfinals. Submitted photo

The inaugural Muddy River Showcase is taking place June 18 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The Illinois vs. Missouri format for senior prep basketball players will feature a girls game at 3 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door and all seating is general…

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Muddy River Showcase: Palmyra’s Loman uses emotional edge to help establish Panthers’ culture

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 13, 2022
Palmyra's Alex Loman, left, helped the Panthers exceed expectations last winter and set the right culture of hard work moving forward. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

The inaugural Muddy River Showcase is taking place June 18 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The Illinois vs. Missouri format for senior prep basketball players will feature a girls game at 3 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door and all seating is general…

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Muddy River Showcase: Illini West’s Johnson looking to give back to small-town community

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 13, 2022
Abbie Johnson, center, helped the Illini West girls basketball team win 30 games and a Class 2A regional championship last winter. Matt Schuckman photo

The inaugural Muddy River Showcase is taking place June 18 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The Illinois vs. Missouri format for senior prep basketball players will feature a girls game at 3 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door and all seating is general…

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Muddy River Showcase: Brown County’s Fullerton uses skill set to be playmaker, leader in all sports

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 10, 2022
Brown County's Tate Fullerton used his talent, leadership to help guide the Hornets to winning seasons in football, basketball and baseball. Photo courtesy Scott Bemis

The inaugural Muddy River Showcase is taking place June 18 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The Illinois vs. Missouri format for senior prep basketball players will feature a girls game at 3 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door and all seating is general…

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Muddy River Showcase: When opportunity knocked, Monroe City’s Moss answered

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 10, 2022
Monroe City's Mackenzie Moss, who will represent Missouri in the Muddy River Showcase, is going to play softball at Moberly Area Community College next year. Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

The inaugural Muddy River Showcase is taking place June 18 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The Illinois vs. Missouri format for senior prep basketball players will feature a girls game at 3 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door and all seating is general…

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Muddy River Showcase: Southeastern’s Fry shows aim is true no matter what shot he takes

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 9, 2022
Southeastern guard Ramsey Fry, right, led the Suns to a 30-5 record and Class 1A super-sectional berth. Matt Schuckman photo

The inaugural Muddy River Showcase is taking place June 18 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The Illinois vs. Missouri format for senior prep basketball players will feature a girls game at 3 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door and all seating is general…

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Muddy River Showcase: Caring for kids comes natural for Highland’s Goings

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 7, 2022
Highland guard Summer Goings, center, gets introduced before a game in Ewing, Mo., last season. Submitted photo

The inaugural Muddy River Showcase is taking place June 18 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The Illinois vs. Missouri format for senior prep basketball players will feature a girls game at 3 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door and all seating is general…

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Muddy River Showcase: Scranton helps Saukees add another layer to Pittsfield’s rich tradition

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 7, 2022
Pittsfield guard Nate Scranton wore the same number his uncle, Matt Elledge, wore when he played for the Saukees. Submitted photo

The inaugural Muddy River Showcase is taking place June 18 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The Illinois vs. Missouri format for senior prep basketball players will feature a girls game at 3 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door and all seating is general…

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Muddy River Showcase: Central’s Ippensen will miss playing in Panthers’ unique environment

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | June 7, 2022
Central-Southeastern's Libby Ippensen helped guide the Panthers to a 20-win season and will be part of the Illinois girls team in the inaugural Muddy River Showcase. Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

The inaugural Muddy River Showcase is taking place June 18 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The Illinois vs. Missouri format for senior prep basketball players will feature a girls game at 3 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door and all seating is general…

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Muddy River Showcase: Illini West girls’ record-setting season comes complete with all-stars

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | May 31, 2022
Illini West girls basketball coach Grant Surprenant, squatting, will lead the Illinois all-stars in the inaugural Muddy River Showcase. Matt Schuckman photo

The inaugural Muddy River Showcase is taking place June 18 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The Illinois vs. Missouri format for senior prep basketball players will feature a girls game at 3 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door and all seating is general…

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Muddy River Showcase: Monroe City’s success to be well represented on Missouri boys roster

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | May 26, 2022
Monroe City guard Joshua Talton will be one of four Panthers who will participate in the inaugural Muddy River Showcase on June 18 at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. Matt Schuckman photo

The inaugural Muddy River Showcase is taking place June 18 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The Illinois vs. Missouri format for senior prep basketball players will feature a girls game at 3 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door and all seating is general…

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Muddy River Showcase: Multi-sport standouts fill Missouri girls all-star roster

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | May 24, 2022
The Marion County girls basketball team will have three representatives in the Muddy River Showcase after reaching the Class 1 state quarterfinals last winter. Submitted photo

The inaugural Muddy River Showcase is taking place June 18 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The Illinois vs. Missouri format for senior prep basketball players will feature a girls game at 3 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door and all seating is general…

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Muddy River Showcase: Players with postseason pedigree dot Illinois boys all-star roster

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | May 23, 2022
Four of the members of the Liberty state runner-up boys basketball team, including on the right Logan Robbins and Devin Klauser, will represent Illinois in the inaugural Muddy River Showcase. Photo courtesy Clark Brooks, PhotoNews Media

The inaugural Muddy River Showcase is taking place June 18 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The Illinois vs. Missouri format for senior prep basketball players will feature a girls game at 3 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 5 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door and all seating is general…

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Muddy River Showcase: Marion County’s Plunkett pours passion into family, basketball

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | May 5, 2022
Marion County girls basketball Reed Plunkett, back row right, and the Mustangs pose for a photo after winning the district championship last winter. Plunkett will coach the Missouri all-stars in the inaugural Muddy River Showcase. Submitted photo

The inaugural Muddy River Showcase is taking place June 18 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The Illinois vs. Missouri format for senior prep basketball players will feature a girls game at 3 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 5 p.m. Ticket information will be released soon. PHILADELPHIA, Mo. — Izack Hively…

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Muddy River Showcase: Monroe City’s Edris to be at helm of Missouri all-stars

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | May 3, 2022
Monroe City boys basketball coach Brock Edris, who played at John Wood Community College from 2006-08, will coach the Missouri all-stars in the inaugural Muddy River Showcase, which takes place June 18 at JWCC's Student Activity Center. Matt Schuckman photo

The inaugural Muddy River Showcase is taking place June 18 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The Illinois vs. Missouri format for senior prep basketball players will feature a girls game at 3 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 5 p.m. Ticket information will be released soon. MONROE CITY, Mo. — Brock…

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Muddy River Showcase: Illini West’s Surprenant will guide Illinois girls all-star team

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | May 2, 2022
Illini West girls basketball coach Grant Surprenant, center, will guide the Illinois all-stars in the inaugural Muddy River Showcase. Matt Schuckman photo

The inaugural Muddy River Showcase is taking place June 18 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The Illinois vs. Missouri format for senior prep basketball players will feature a girls game at 3 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 5 p.m. CARTHAGE, Ill. — Grant Surprenant took a hiatus from basketball…

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Muddy River Showcase to bring back Illinois vs. Missouri all-star basketball games

By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor | February 3, 2022

QUINCY — Brad Hoyt remembers fondly going head-to-head with players from the opposite side of the Mississippi River in a summer all-star basketball game while creating long-lasting relationships with rivals he played against during the regular season. “There are stories from that game that we still share,” Hoyt said. And it’s been almost 30 years…

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