Photo gallery: QHS falls flat offensively in sectional semifinal loss to O’Fallon

Quincy High School boys basketball coach Andy Douglas, right, watches as Tyler Sprick and the Blue Devils attempt to engage offensively in the second half of Tuesday's loss to O'Fallon in the Class 4A sectional semifinals at Alton High School. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

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…

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Photo gallery: QND wins Class 2A super-sectional and advances to final four at Redbird Arena

Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball coach Eric Orne, right, gives senior guard Abbey Schreacke a fist bump after she left Monday night's Class 2A Macomb Super-Sectional in the fourth quarter and the Raiders on their way to a 51-23 victory over Deer Creek-Mackinaw. | Matt Schuckman photo

MACOMB, Ill. — A 15-0 run over the final five minutes of the first half put the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team in complete control of its 51-23 victory over Deer Creek-Mackinaw in the Class 2A Macomb Super-Sectional on Monday night at The Hangar, earning the Raiders a spot in the final four. Muddy…

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Photo gallery: Five Hannibal wrestlers bring home medals from Class 3 state tournament

Hannibal wrestler Cody Culp jumps into the arms of Pirates coach Jacob Borgmeyer after winning his semifinal match at 138 pounds Saturday at the Class 3 state tournament at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Led by Cody Culp’s state runner-up finish at 138 pounds, five Hannibal wrestlers grappled their way to the podium during the two-day Class 3 state tournament at Mizzou Arena and brought home state medals. Photographer Mathew Kirby shared this gallery of images from Saturday’s action:

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Photo gallery: JWCC suffers one-possession loss to Danville in final home game

John Wood Community College guard Joshua Talton, right, backs away from the pressure from Danville's Lewis Richards during Saturday's game at the Student Activity Center. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Fighting for a higher seed in the Region 24 Tournament, the John Wood Community College men’s basketball team suffered a 60-58 loss to nationally ranked Danville Area Community College on Saturday at the Student Activity Center. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured the action courtside in this photo gallery:

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Photo gallery: QHS rallies to beat Collinsville for Class 4A regional championship

The Quincy High School boys basketball team's bench celebrates late in the fourth quarter of Friday night's Class 4A Quincy Regional championship game against Collinsville at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

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…

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Photo gallery: Central wins Class 1A regional championship on home floor

Central coach James Barnett cuts down the net after the Panthers won the Class 1A Central Regional championship Friday night in Camp Point, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

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:

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Photo gallery: Winning streak for QND girls hits 26 straight after sectional title

Abbey Schreacke, center, turns to her teammates after she was handed the Class 2A sectional trophy after Thursday night's Class 2A girls basketball sectional championship game at Pleasant Plains High School. | David Adam photo

PLEASANT PLAINS, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team, the defending Class 2A state champion, won its 26th consecutive game on Thursday night with a 44-29 decision over Central-Southeastern in the sectional championship at Pleasant Plains High School. MRN Editor David Adam captured some of the images from the game.

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Photo gallery: Brown County’s historic season ends in sectional championship game

Brown County's Gracie Hedden, right, drives past Havana's Hannah Hodgson during Thursday's Class 1A sectional championship game at Abingdon, Ill. | Photo courtesy Scott Bemis

ABINGDON, Ill. — The physical play of the Havana girls basketball team kept Brown County from finding any offensive rhythm Thursday night and resulted in a 40-34 loss in the Class 1A Abingdon Sectional championship game. The Hornets end their historic season with a 31-4 record. Mount Sterling photographer Scott Bemis captured the action in…

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Photo gallery: First-quarter run buries Alton as QHS advances to regional championship

Bradley Longcor III gets off a jumper during the first quarter of the Quincy High School boys basketball team's 71-42 victory over Alton on Wednesday night in the Class 4A regional semifinals at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

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…

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Photo gallery: Central puts itself in position to win regional championship

Unity’s Caleb Kasparie, left, and Central’s Carter Eyler fight for possession of the ball during Wednesday night’s boys basketball game in the Class 1A regional at Central High School in Camp Point, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

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:

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Photo gallery: New Berlin gets twisted by Payson Seymour, Griggsville-Perry falls in overtime

Payson Seymour's Wyatt Neisen dribbles to the basket past New Berlin's Lucas Bixby during Wednesday night's Class 1A regional semifinal game at Payson Seymour High School. | David Adam photo

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…

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Photo gallery: QND girls have little trouble with Hillsboro, reach sectional title game

Quincy Notre Dame's Mara Ippensen goes up for a shot during Tuesday night's Class 2A girls basketball sectional game at Pleasant Plains High School. | David Adam

PLEASANT PLAINS, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team went on a 30-6 run in the first half, then opened the second half with a 19-2 run as they had no problem defeating Hillsboro 67-30 in the semifinals of the Class 2A Sectional at Pleasant Plains High School on Tuesday night. MRN Editor…

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Photo gallery: CSE scores first 18 points, steamrolls Staunton in sectional semifinal

Central-Southeastern's Abbey McMillen looks to pass during Tuesday night's Class 2A girls basketball sectional semifinal game at Pleasant Plains High School. | David Adam

PLEASANT PLAINS, Ill. — The Central-Southeastern girls basketball team scored the game’s first 18 points and cruised to a 62-26 victory over Staunton in the Class 2A girls basketball sectional semifinals at Pleasant Plains High School. MRN Editor David Adam captured some of the images from the game.

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Photo gallery: Brown County advances to Class 1A sectional championship

The defensive pressure applied by Brown County's Ashlee Markert, center, and the Hornets limited Elmwood to five points in the third quarter of Tuesday night's Class 1A Abingdon Sectional semifinal in Abingdon, Ill. | Photo courtesy Scott Bemis

ABINGDON, Ill. — The Brown County girls basketball team overcome a rough first half offensively by scoring 19 points in the third quarter and pulling away from Elmwood for a 47-35 victory in Tuesday night’s semifinals of the Class 1A Abingdon Sectional. Mount Sterling-based photographer Scott Bemis captured action and shared this photo gallery with…

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Photo gallery: QHS sends seniors out in style with victory over Jacksonville

Quincy High School senior Bryson Bowen leads the Blue Devils out of the locker room and onto the floor Saturday night against Jacksonville at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

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…

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Photo gallery: QU men, women falter in GLVC play against Illinois-Springfield

Quincy University assistant coach Tim Walsh talks to point guard Isaiah Foster during a timeout in Saturday's game against Illinois-Springfield at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The fight to earn a spot in the Great Lakes Valley Conference Tournament became a little tougher for the Quincy University men’s and women’s basketball teams after both suffered setbacks Saturday against Illinois-Springfield at Pepsi Arena. The QU men lost 84-74, while the women were drubbed 81-59. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman…

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Photo gallery: QND girls, boys win Friday night games at The Pit

The Quincy Notre Dame student section enjoys a Friday night doubleheader at The Pit as the QND boys and girls basketball teams won. | Matt Schuckman photo

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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Photo gallery: QND girls gain measure of revenge by beating Brimfield

Quincy Notre Dame senior guard Blair Eftink gets congratulated as she exits Tuesday night's game in the fourth quarter after scoring 17 points in the 67-37 victory over Brimfield at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Although it became nothing more than a momentary blip on the way to a state championship, the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball players never forgot what it was like to suffer a 24-point loss at Brimfield late in the regular season in 2022. It made Tuesday night’s 67-37 victory over the Indians, the…

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Photo gallery: Quincy, Moline battle for first in WB6 at Blue Devil Gym

Quincy High School's Bradley Longcor III sets himself for a sideline inbounds play while being guarded by Moline's Jasper Ogburn during Friday night's Western Big 6 Conference game at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Western Big 6 Conference championship likely won’t stay in Quincy for another year. The Moline boys basketball team’s 57-46 victory Friday night at Blue Devil Gym means Quincy High School — the reigning WB6 champion — is now two games behind the Maroons in the league standings with three games to play.…

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Photo gallery: QHS, QND girls basketball teams square off at Blue Devil Gym

Quincy High School's Sydney Welsh, left, and Bri Lannerd, right, try to keep Quincy Notre Dame's Abbey Schreacke from getting rebounding position on a free throw during Tuesday night's game at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The crosstown showdown between the Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball teams returned to Blue Devil Gym on Tuesday night, and arguably one of the best players in Gem City history added to her legacy. The Raiders’ Abbey Schreacke scored 26 points to lead QND to a 57-35 victory. Muddy…

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Photo gallery: WB6 wrestling championships take place at QHS gym

Quincy High School freshman wrestler Todd Smith, right, gets set to pin Rock Island's Eli Gustafson in the second period of their 285-pound semifinal match Saturday during the Western Big 6 Conference championships at the QHS gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School wrestling team finished second in the Western Big 6 Conference, having three grapplers win individual championships and five others place in the top three during Saturday’s WB6 tournament at the QHS gym. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent his afternoon matside and captured the action in this photo…

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Photo gallery: Area wrestlers cap regular season at QND Invitational at The Pit

Palmyra's Luke Lawson, right, battles with Chatham Glenwood's Tyler Clarke in the 106-pound title match during Saturday's Quincy Notre Dame Invitational at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Collin Arch did what Collin Arch always does. He wins. And a number of area wrestlers followed the Palmyra senior’s lead and built momentum for the postseason with successful endeavors Saturday during the Quincy Notre Dame Invitational at The Pit. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman sat matside during the finals and captured…

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Photo gallery: QU men stay in third-place tie in GLVC standings by knocking off Maryville

Malik Hardmon goes up for a layup during Quincy University's victory over Maryville in a men's college basketball game at Pepsi Arena on Saturday. | David Adam photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University men’s basketball team ended a three-game slide and stayed in third place in the Great Lakes Valley Conference with Saturday’s 70-62 victory over Maryville at Pepsi Arena. Muddy River News Editor David Adam sat courtside and put together this photo gallery:

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Photo Gallery: Quincy University women pick up 10th victory by defeating Maryville

Gabby Burns (12) high-fives Quincy University women's basketball coach Kaci Bailey after Saturday's 84-78 victory over Maryville in Pepsi Arena. | David Adam

QUINCY — The Quincy University women’s basketball team picked up its 10th victory of the season — the most since the 2015-16 season — with Saturday’s 84-78 victory over Maryville at Pepsi Arena. Muddy River News Editor David Adam sat courtside and put together this photo gallery:

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Photo gallery: Girls win, boys stumble as Hannibal celebrated homecoming court

The players on the Hannibal girls basketball team's bench cheer during Friday night's victory over Kirksville at Korf Gym in Hannibal, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Hannibal girls basketball team set the right mood for a homecoming celebration, scoring the first 15 points of Friday night’s 49-31 North Central Missouri Conference victory over Kirksville at Korf Gym. The Hannibal boys weren’t able to seize on the momentum the girls created, falling 60-45 to the Tigers. Zaria Reese,…

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Photo gallery: Central boys basketball team beats West Hancock for third time

The Central boys basketball players celebrate their 61-48 victory over West Hancock on Friday night in Camp Point, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — The Central boys basketball team used a fourth-quarter run to pull ahead and stay ahead in a 61-48 victory Friday night over West Hancock. It’s the third time this season the Panthers have beaten the Titans. Freelance photographer Mike Pritchard shared action photos from Friday’s game. Here is a gallery of…

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Photo gallery: Scenes from 2023 Quincy Shootout at Blue Devil Gym

The Vashon boys basketball team celebrates its victory over Modesto Christian on Saturday night in the Quincy Shootout at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The fifth Quincy Shootout featured incredible basketball and incredible community support with fans filling the Blue Devil Gym stands throughout Friday and Saturday’s action. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured some of the atmosphere in this photo gallery:

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Photo gallery: QU, Drury split GLVC basketball twinbill at Pepsi Arena

Quincy University men's basketball coach Steve Hawkins talks to his team during a timeout during Monday night's Great Lakes Valley Conference game against Drury at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Jamaurie Coakley’s putback of Paul Zilinskas’ miss as the buzzer sounded lifted the Quincy University men’s basketball team to an 84-83 victory over Drury on Monday night in Great Lakes Valley Conference at Pepsi Arena. It also allowed the Hawks to earn a doubleheader split after the second-ranked Drury women beat Quincy 87-49.…

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Photo gallery: Championship matches of Quincy wrestling invitational

Quincy High School sophomore Hugh Sharrow, left, works for an advantage under the watchful eyes of QHS coaches Phil Neally and Martin Smith during his 106-pound championship match Saturday during the Quincy Invitational at the QHS gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Area wrestlers staked their claim to the individual titles during Saturday’s Quincy Invitational at the QHS gym. Eight grapplers — four from Quincy High School and one each from Camp Point Central, Macomb, Palmyra and Quincy Notre Dame — won crowns, while the Blue Devils won the team championship. Muddy River Sports Editor…

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Photo gallery: QHS boys basketball team streaks past Galesburg in WB6 play

Quincy High School guard Ralph Wires sets himself for a 3-point attempt during the first half of Friday night's 76-31 victory over Galesburg at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys basketball team continued its quest to repeat as the Western Big 6 Conference champion, finishing the first half of the league season with Friday night’s 76-31 victory over Galesburg at Blue Devil Gym. Check out these images Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured for this photo gallery:

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Photo gallery: Semifinals of CSE Lady Panther Classic set up epic championship game

Central-Southeastern guard Brilyn Lantz, left, fends off Illini West's Rylee Reed during Thursday night's semifinal in the CSE Lady Panther Classic. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — The Brown County girls basketball team handed Unity consecutive losses for the first time this season, while Central-Southeastern continued its winning ways as both teams battled their way into the championship game of the CSE Lady Panther Classic. Brown County, ranked fifth in Class 1A, knocked off second-ranked Unity 47-43 in…

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Photo gallery: QND girls basketball team returns to The Pit against Rochester

Quincy Notre Dame's Abbey Schreacke, left, looks for space to dribble past Rochester defender Kaylen Reed during Thursday night's game at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Playing its first game on its home floor in more than a month gave the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team the chance to re-engage with its home crowd and showcase the kind of balanced scoring needed to succeed in the postseason. The Raiders accomplished that with a 51-41 victory over Rochester. Muddy…

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Photo gallery: Culver-Stockton College women vs. MidAmerica Nazarene

Culver-Stockton's Katie Webb (on ground in gray) fights with MidAmerica Nazarene's Bi'Anna Pettis for possession of the ball during Saturday's game at Joe Charles Field House. | Photo courtesy of Lisa Wigoda

CANTON, Mo. — The Culver-Stockton College women’s basketball team lost a Heart of America Athletic Conference game 80-74 in three overtimes to MidAmerica Nazarene at Joe Charles Field House on Saturday afternoon. Correspondent Lisa Wigoda captured the action through her camera lens. Check out her photo gallery:

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Photo gallery: Culver-Stockton College men vs. MidAmerica Nazarene

Culver-Stockton College's Jalen Blaize drives to the basket. | Photo courtesy of Lisa Wigoda

CANTON, Mo. — The Culver-Stockton College men’s basketball team lost a Heart of America Athletic Conference game 64-60 to MidAmerica Nazarene at Joe Charles Field House on Saturday afternoon. Correspondent Lisa Wigoda captured the action through her camera lens. Check out her photo gallery:

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Photo gallery: QND boys basketball team faces Pittsfield at The Pit

Quincy Notre Dame's Jackson Stratton, left, prepares to fight through a screen to stay in front of Pittsfield's Brennan Tomhave during Friday night's game at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team won its fourth straight game Friday night, beating Pittsfield 52-30 after allowing the Saukees just 15 points through the first three quarters. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured the action through his camera lens. Check out his photo gallery:

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Photo gallery: QHS, QND, Pittsfield grapple at QHS gym

Quincy High School's Bryor Newbold, right, gets in position to take down Quincy Notre Dame's Talin Scott during their 182-pound match in Wednesday night's triangular at the QHS gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School wrestling team showcased the strength of its lineup from top to bottom during Wednesday night’s triangular with Quincy Notre Dame and Pittsfield at the QHS gym. The Blue Devils beat the Saukees 83-0 and the Raiders 68-6, while QND upended Pittsfield 54-24. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured…

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Photo gallery: Quincy High School faces Decatur MacArthur for championship at Collinsville

The Quincy High School boys basketball players stand with the second-place trophy during postgame ceremonies after losing to Decatur MacArthur 57-53 in the championship game of the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Decatur MacArthur denied the Quincy High School boys basketball team its first championship of the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic in a quarter century Friday night when the Generals recovered from a 16-4 first-quarter deficit and earned a 57-53 victory at Vergil Fletcher Gym. Freelance photographer Tim Vizer captured the action and…

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Photo gallery: QHS wins twice to reach title game game of Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic

Quincy High School boys basketball coach Andy Douglas, center, and senior guard Reid O'Brien, left, react to a play during the semifinal victory over Rockford East in the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic in Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — The Quincy High School boys basketball team will play in the championship game of the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic after beating Collierville (Tenn.) 62-48 in Thursday afternoon’s quarterfinals and Rockford East 47-41 in the Thursday night’s semifinals at Vergil Fletcher Gym. Freelance photographer Tim Vizer captured all of the action and…

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Photo gallery: Championship game of 40th annual Beardstown Lady Tiger Classic

Unity's Kyra Carothers dribbles the ball while guarded by Brown County's Klare Flynn during Thursday night's championship game of the Beardstown Lady Tiger Classic at Beardstown High School. | David Adam photo

BEARDSTOWN, Ill. — Muddy River News Editor David Adam provides a look at the title game of the Beardstown Lady Tiger Classic, which Unity won 55-46 over Brown County, through his camera lens:

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Photo gallery: QU men’s basketball team finishes Hansen-Spear Holiday Classic with victory

Quincy University's Paul Zilinskas, left, puts up a shot as Lake Superior State's Andy Soma defends during Sunday's game at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy University men’s basketball team is carrying a three-game win streak into its holiday break after beating Lake Superior State 59-54 in overtime in the final game of the Hansen-Spear Holiday Classic at Pepsi Arena. Check out this collection of images shot by Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman during Sunday’s game:

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Photo gallery: Quincy High School beats Quincy Notre Dame in crosstown showdown

Quincy High School guard Ralph Wires, left, pressures Quincy Notre Dame guard Jake Hoyt during the first half of Saturday's game at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — For the second season in a row and the seventh time in eight meetings, the Quincy High School boys basketball team won the crosstown showdown with Quincy Notre Dame since the series was renewed in 2015. The Blue Devils used a lockdown effort in the second half to post a 60-43 victory Saturday…

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Photo gallery: QND girls basketball team plays in Sophie Cunningham Classic

Quincy Notre Dame's Abbey Schreacke looks for space to drive against the long arms of the Columbia Rock Bridge defenders during Sunday's game in the Sophie Cunningham Classic at the Southwell Complex in Columbia, Mo. | Matt Schuckman photo

COLUMBIA, Mo. — The final game of a three-day event showcasing high school girls basketball ended up being a thrilling conclusion for the organizers, sponsors and fans of the inaugural Sophie Cunningham Classic at Columbia College’s Southwell Complex. However, it didn’t end quite the way the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team would have liked.…

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Photo gallery: QU men, women split GLVC basketball doubleheader with Lewis

The Quincy University men's basketball players celebrate their 71-69 victory over Lewis in Great Lakes Valley Conference play on Monday night at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A clutch shot and a search for energy. That’s the most poignant way to describe opposite ends of a Great Lakes Valley Conference doubleheader for the Quincy University men’s and women’s basketball teams. Zion Richardson banked in a shot with 2.1 seconds remaining in regulation to life the QU men to a 71-69…

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Photo gallery: QHS boys basketball team wins 51st QHS Thanksgiving Tournament

The Quincy High School boys basketball players celebrate with the championship trophy after winning the 51st QHS Thanksgiving Tournament. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — With a never-in-doubt 58-39 victory over Springfield Lanphier on Saturday night at Blue Devil Gym, the Quincy High School boys basketball team captured the championship of the 51st QHS Thanksgiving Tournament. It is the Blue Devils’ 36th tournament title. Check out this photo gallery of images from freelance photographer Mathew Kirby and Muddy…

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Photo gallery: Central football team finishes as Class 1A state runner-up

Central senior Ross Riley reacts to a play during Friday's Class 1A state championship game against Lena-Winslow at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Ill. | Photo courtesy Clark Brooks, PhotoNews Media

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Central football team’s magical postseason run ended Friday with a 30-8 loss to top-ranked Lena-Winslow in the Class 1A state championship game at the University of Illinois’ Memorial Stadium. Central finished its season with a 13-1 record and the single-season program record for victories. Here is a gallery of images from…

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Photo gallery: Opening night of 51st QHS Thanksgiving Tournament at Blue Devil Gym

QUINCY — The opening night of the 51st QHS Thanksgiving Tournament had everything Quincy High School boys basketball fans want — a down-to-the-wire affair, an intriguing storyline and a victory by the Blue Devils. Quincy opened with a 65-29 victory over Dixon after Springfield Lanphier outlasted Miller Career Academy 57-54. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt…

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Photo gallery: Hansen-Spear Quincy Classic at Pepsi Arena

Quincy University guard Beth Matas Martin, left, fights to get past Rogers State's Fredrionna Adams during Saturday's game in the Hansen-Spear Quincy Classic at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The scheduled had to be adjusted and delayed, but Saturday afternoon at Pepsi Arena, four NCAA Division II women’s basketball teams converged for the Hansen-Spear Quincy Classic and delivered a pair of hard-fought affairs. Winona State defeated McKendree 64-50 in the opener, and Quincy University knocked off Rogers State 58-56 as Beth Matas…

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Photo gallery: QU women’s volleyball team faces UMSL in NCAA Midwest Regional semifinals

The Quincy University women's volleyball team ended its season with a 28-3 record following Friday night's four-set loss to Missouri-St. Louis in the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional semifinals at Pepsi Arena. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy community and the Quincy University student body once again showed the QU women’s volleyball team its appreciation for an historic season, creating a loud and raucous atmosphere in Pepsi Arena for the NCAA Division II Midwest Regional semifinals. The Hawks used the energy to give Missouri-St. Louis a tussle before suffering…

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Photo gallery: Central football team rallies to advance to Class 1A state semifinals

Central football coach Brad Dixon addresses his team following the Panthers' 24-12 victory over Greenfield-Northwestern in Saturday's Class 1A state quarterfinal matchup in Camp Point, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — Shut out in the first half and trailing by two scores, the Central football team showed why it has been one of the area’s most successful programs for the past decade. The Panthers simply refuse to lose. They rallied for a 24-12 victory over Greenfield-Northwestern in the Class 1A state quarterfinals…

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Photo gallery: QND vs. Genoa-Kingston in Class 2A Princeton Super-Sectional

The Quincy Notre Dame volleyball players react to a point during Friday night's Class 2A Princeton Super-Sectional against Genoa-Kingston in Princeton, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

PRINCETON, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame volleyball team rallied after losing the first set of Friday night’s Class 2A Princeton Super-Sectional to Genoa-Kingston, but the Raiders couldn’t sustain the momentum in the third set of a 25-19, 22-25, 25-17 loss. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured the action from start to finish. Check…

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Photo gallery: QND beats Macomb in three sets to win Class 2A sectional championship

Quincy Notre Dame's Ali Entrup, left, and Faith Kientzle, right, react to winning the Class 2A sectional championship with as three-set victory over Macomb on Wednesday night in Farmington, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

FARMINGTON, Ill. — Certain moments cannot be forgotten. Try October 5 for example. With the Quincy Notre Dame cheering section split between two major events — the boys soccer team played at Quincy High School, while the volleyball team played host to Macomb — the Bombers brought a sizable, boisterous crowd to The Pit. A…

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Photo gallery: Class 2A volleyball sectional featuring Quincy Notre Dame and Macomb

The Macomb student section dressed up for Halloween during Monday night's Class 2A volleyball sectional semifinal in Farmington, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

FARMINGTON, Ill. — The sectional championship showdown prep volleyball fans have anticipated for the past month is about to happen. Quincy Notre Dame and Macomb sidestepped their sectional semifinal opponents Monday night and will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday for the title of the Class 2A Farmington Sectional. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman took…

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Photo gallery: Canton softball team wins Class 1 state championship, beating Polo 4-2

The Canton softball team celebrates after recording the final out against Polo in the Class 1 state championship game Saturday in Springfield, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mary Chiles

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Canton softball team is back to being the undisputed best. The Tigers defeated previously undefeated Polo 4-2 Saturday in the Class 1 state championship at the Killian Softball Complex, capturing the second state title in program history. The Tigers won the state title in 2017 and have six state trophies in…

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Photo gallery: Central football team rolls past Dupo 66-0 in Class 1A first-round playoff game

The Central football team had 12 different backs run the ball in Saturday's 66-0 victory over Dupo in the first round of the Class 1A playoffs in Camp Point, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — One of the best defenses throughout the state in Class 1A lived up to that billing Saturday as the Central football team steamrolled Dupo 66-0 in a first-round playoff matchup. Check out this photo gallery of images from Central photographer Mike Pritchard:

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Photo gallery: QND volleyball team beats Illini West in Class 2A regional championship

The Quincy Notre Dame volleyball players celebrate winning the Class 2A QND Regional championship Thursday night at The Pit with a 25-13, 25-17 victory over Illini West. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — For the seventh time in the last eight seasons, the Quincy Notre Dame volleyball team can call itself a regional champion. This time, the Raiders gave their seniors a lasting memory in their final game at The Pit. QND beat Illini West 25-13, 25-17 to advance to the Farmington Sectional, where the Raiders…

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Photo gallery: QND soccer team beats Bloomington Central Catholic in Class 1A super-sectional

Quincy Notre Dame's Jake Hoyt, left, marks a Bloomington Central Catholic attacker during Wednesday's Class 1A Chillicothe Super-Sectional in Chillicothe, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

CHILLICOTHE, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team earned a spot in the state final four for the eighth time in program history, beating Bloomington Central Catholic 5-1 Wednesday night in the Class 1A Chillicothe Super-Sectional. The Raiders (17-6-2) advance to face Elmhurst Timothy Christian (16-9) at 7 p.m. Friday at the EastSide…

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Photo gallery: Quincy Notre Dame beats Mendota for Class 1A boys soccer sectional championship

The Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer team celebrates the 16th sectional championship in program history after beating Mendota 7-1 Saturday in the Class 1A sectional title game in Mendota, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

MENDOTA, Ill. — Gusting winds blowing right in the face of the Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer players did little to diminish the Raiders’ pursuit of a state championship. QND moved one step closer to that goal with a 7-1 victory over Mendota on Saturday in the Class 1A Mendota Sectional championship. Check out this…

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Photo gallery: Quincy High School faces Quincy Notre Dame in girls volleyball

Quincy Notre Dame's Lilly Marth, left, and Faith Kientzle react to winning a point during Monday night's match against Quincy High School at the QHS gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Monday night’s crosstown showdown continued the mission to find a cure for breast cancer, and the atmosphere in the QHS gym as the Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame girls volleyball teams squared off proved to be electric. Here is a look at the images captured by Muddy River Sports Editor Matt…

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Photo gallery: Quincy High School vs. Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer at Flinn Stadium

Players from the Quincy Notre Dame and Quincy High School boys soccer teams watch a corner kick sail over the goal during the first half of Wednesday night's game at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The intensity was the same as the previous matchup, but in the second installment of the crosstown showdown between the Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer teams, goal-scoring opportunities were at a premium. The scoreless draw was the first tie for both squads, and Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman…

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Photo gallery: QND beats QHS in first of two crosstown showdowns

The Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer players await a corner kick during the first half of their crosstown showdown at Advance Physical Therapy Field. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The first crosstown showdown of the fall provided the intrigue and competitive grit that has made the Quincy High School vs. Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer rivalry so intense for the better part of the last four decades. The Raiders won 4-3 on Tanner Anderson’s goal with four minutes remaining in regulation at…

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Photo gallery: Action from Sunday’s doubles finals in Quincy Open Tennis Championships

Riley Beckler fixes the score placards during the men's open doubles division championship match Sunday at the Greeman Tennis Center in Reservoir Park. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Here is a look at the action from Sunday’s finals in the doubles portion of the Quincy Open Tennis Championships at the Greeman Tennis Center in Reservoir Park through the lens of Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman’s camera.

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Photo gallery: Opening day of Hannibal Y Mens Club Mississippi Mud Volleyball Tournament

The Hannibal Y Mens Club 43rd annual Mississippi Mud Volleyball Tournament began Thursday in Hannibal, Mo. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Mathew Kirby, an award-winning photographer from America’s hometown, spent time Thursday capturing images of the opening day of the Hannibal Y Mens Club 43rd annual Mississippi Mud Volleyball Tournament, which takes place in conjunction with the 67th annual National Tom Sawyer Days. Here is a photo gallery of Kirby’s pictures:

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

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

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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Photo gallery: QND baseball team beats Beardstown for Class 2A regional championship

The Quincy Notre Dame baseball team prepares to pose for a team picture with the Class 2A regional championship plaque after beating Beardstown 6-2 on Monday at Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial Ballfield. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame baseball team kept the good times rolling, winning its 22nd consecutive game with a 6-2 victory over Beardstown in the Class 2A regional championship at Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial Ballfield. Took a look at how Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured the action through his camera lens:

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