Posts Tagged ‘Quincy High School’
Blue Devils take care of business against Pioneers, set up showdowns with Maroons, Rocks to finish WB6 play
ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — For a moment Tuesday night, however brief it was, the Rock Island Alleman boys basketball team led state-ranked Quincy High School. Then the Blue Devils took possession of the ball, the lead and the game. Alleman sophomore guard Jack Wendt scored on a drive down the left side of the lane…
Read MoreBrown reaches 1,000-point plateau as Blue Devils lead Pirates from start to finish
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The Quincy High School girls basketball team bookended its opening salvo with 3-pointers from Madelyn Hamby and Myley Longcor. After that, Jada Brown took over. The Blue Devils rattled off a 12-2 run to start Tuesday night’s game against Hannibal at Korf Gym as Hamby scored the first seven points and Longcor’s…
Read MoreFriday night’s sluggish start becomes distant memory as Blue Devils race to 35-9 lead in rout
QUINCY — It wasn’t going to be a repeat performance. One night after being held to a lone field goal in the first quarter and to just 13 points in the opening half against United Township, the Quincy High School boys basketball team made sure there would be no need for any second-half heroics. Beginning…
Read MoreFive individual regional champions lead wrestling brigade into next week’s sectionals
QUINCY — The Quincy High School wrestling team qualified six grapplers for sectionals, while Quincy Notre Dame will be sending five wrestlers forward after top-three finishes Saturday as the postseason got started with regional action. Overall, five area wrestlers won individual regional titles and 24 advanced to sectionals. The Blue Devils, competing in the Class…
Read MoreBlue Devils battle back from first-half effort deemed ‘worst of all time’ to fend off Panthers
QUINCY — It is not an exaggeration to say the Quincy High School boys basketball team played its worst 16 minutes of the season Friday night. It’s not hyperbole either to suggest it was the worst half of the Blue Devils’ careers. They freely admitted it was a struggle beyond measure. “Worst of all time,”…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS avoids WB6 upset by going on 30-3 run to erase forgettable first half
QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys basketball team scored just three points in the first quarter Friday night against United Township and trailed 22-5 with three minutes to go in the first half, but the Blue Devils went on a 30-3 run to take control and post a 53-43 Western Big 6 Conference victory…
Read MoreHall of Fame QHS basketball player Gary Phillips passes away at age of 85
QUINCY — Gary Phillips didn’t return to his roots often, but when he did, the Quincy High School Hall of Fame basketball player was treated with legendary status. Even if he shied away from it. A star for the Blue Devils in the 1950s who became an All-American at the University of Houston and played…
Read More‘The heart they showed tonight was truly special’: Blue Devils rally from double digit deficit, earn Dance’s 100th win as QHS coach
QUINCY — Brad Dance may not have seemed overly excited when the final buzzer sounded or when he got recognized following his 100th career win as the Quincy High School girls basketball coach on Thursday, but the fashion in which the Blue Devils helped Dance reach the century mark made him proud. The Blue Devils…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS girls beat Alleman in WB6 action, giving Dance milestone moment as coach
QUINCY — The Quincy High School girls basketball team rallied to beat Rock Island Alleman 66-53 in Western Big 6 Conference play Thursday night at the QHS gym, giving coach Brad Dance his 100th victory with the Blue Devils. Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey was there and put together this photo gallery:
Read MoreIllinois boys basketball state rankings: Blue Devils slip to No. 3, Titans on edge of Class 2A top 10
CHICAGO — Here are the latest Illinois Associated Press boys basketball state rankings, as voted on by a statewide panel of sportswriters and sportscasters. First-place votes in parenthesis: Class 4A School Record Total Points Previous 1. Kenwood (11) 23-1 119 1 2. Homewood-Flossmoor 23-2 106 3 3. Quincy (1) 22-2 103 2 4. Bolingbrook (1)…
Read MoreRedemption road: Raiders travel across town to avenge loss to Blue Devils, take control from start
QUINCY — The need for redemption lasted 370 days. The Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball players refused to let it linger a day longer. Desperate to makes amends for last year’s 23-point loss to Quincy High School at The Pit in which they scored just 24 points, the state-ranked Raiders rattled off 10 of the…
Read MoreDurst heeds coach’s advice and lets it fly, scoring career-high 27 points in crosstown showdown
QUINCY — Jenna Durst didn’t feel the vibes. “I didn’t really think the first two I shot were very good,” the Quincy Notre Dame junior forward said of her 3-point attempts from the left wing and the top of the key in the first 35 seconds of Tuesday night’s game against the Quincy High School…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND takes lead for good in second quarter of victory over QHS
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team scored the first eight points of the second quarter Tuesday and never trailed again, building a 15-point second-half lead and fending off Quincy High School’s fourth-quarter charge for a 66-55 victory at Blue Devil Gym. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman sat courtside and put together…
Read MoreSchuckman: Milestone moments continue to pile up for QHS senior class
QUINCY — Crunching some numbers as the Quincy High School boys basketball players continue to reach milestones … • When Bradley Longcor III passed Jeff Klingler for third place on the program’s all-time scoring list, someone noticed and asked about Jack Kramer’s point total at No. 2. There was a discrepancy between Kramer’s Hall of…
Read MoreEfficient effort offensively, toughness defensively carry Blue Devils to Shootout victory over Red Devils
NORMAL, Ill. — The efficiency with which the Quincy High School boys basketball team runs its offense typically means a shot is going up after one, two or at most three passes. “Normally, We don’t normally get a reversal,” Blue Devils coach Andy Douglas said. The patience with which the Blue Devils played Saturday night…
Read MoreSterling’s putback as time expires costs QHS girls basketball team chance to pull another upset
STERLING, Ill. — Quincy High School girls basketball coach Brad Dance and the Blue Devils would have liked four extra minutes to attempt to topple state-ranked Sterling. A fraction of a second negated that opportunity. Off an inbounds play under the basket with 4.3 seconds remaining in regulation of a tied Western Big 6 Conference…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS boys basketball team never relinquishes lead in second half against Chaminade
NORMAL, Ill. — The Quincy High School boys basketball team led by as many as eight points in the second half of Saturday’s game at the Midwest Crossroads Shootout and never gave up the lead despite St. Louis Chaminade whittling the deficit to as little as two points. The Blue Devils held on for a…
Read MoreQHS wrestlers take second in WB6 with three grapplers winning individual titles
STERLING, Ill. — The Quincy High School wrestling team had three individual champions and finished second in the team standings in the Western Big 6 Conference Tournament on Friday night at Homer B. Musgrove Fieldhouse. Geneseo won the conference title with 240 team points, followed by Quincy with 190 and Moline with 108.5. Quincy freshman…
Read MoreDouglas reminds Blue Devils to stay grounded after blowing out another WB6 opponent
QUINCY — Every contender wants a shot at the title. So as both the reigning Western Big 6 Conference champion and the No. 2-ranked team in the state in Class 4A, the Quincy High School boys basketball squad has to be prepared to make sure a prize fight doesn’t turn into a back-alley brawl. “Everybody…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Blue Devils stay undefeated in WB6 play with victory over Golden Warriors
QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys basketball team improved to 10-0 in the Western Big 6 Conference with Friday night’s 84-45 victory over Sterling at Blue Devil Gym, giving the Blue Devils a two-game lead in the league standings. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman sat courtside and put together this photo gallery:
Read MorePlan to replace lights at QHS baseball, softball fields began with independent inspection
QUINCY — A visual inspection of facilities and a phone call from a concerned neighbor put the process in motion that resulted in the lights coming down at both the Quincy High School baseball and softball fields. Neither facility will have lights for the spring season, news that became public last week as the light…
Read MoreLongcor’s trey gives Blue Devils confidence boost as they win first leg of three-game gauntlet
GALESBURG, Ill. — Quincy High School girls basketball coach Brad Dance dubbed it the “3A gauntlet.” Three games in six days against teams ranked in the top 11 in the state in Class 3A. “Yeah, that’s a challenge,” Dance said. The Blue Devils proved they’re up to the task. Myley Longcor buried a 3-pointer with…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: QHS senior Titus Petty discusses being the Blue Devil mascot
QUINCY — Titus Petty takes center stage — or in this case, center court — on Friday nights. The Quincy High School senior, who played defensive back on the record-setting football team, was selected to be this year’s Blue Devil mascot for the boys basketball team. That means he gets to wear the tights and…
Read MoreIllinois boys basketball state rankings: Blue Devils fall to No. 2 in Class 4A following Shootout loss
CHICAGO — Here are this week’s Illinois Associated Press boys basketball state rankings, as compiled by a statewide panel of sportswriters and sportscasters. First-place votes in parenthesis: Class 4A School Record Total Points Previous 1. Kenwood (11) 22-1 135 2 2. Quincy (2) 20-2 118 1 3. Homewood-Flossmoor (1) 22-2 108 7 4. Bolingbrook 22-3…
Read MoreBlue Devils follow through on promise to practice better in order to play better, hammer Silver Streaks
GALESBURG, Ill. — The Quincy High School boys basketball players’ action spoke just as loud as their words following Saturday’s loss — just the No. 1-ranked Blue Devils’ second loss of the season and first at home in nearly two years. They said a more focused attitude at practice would lead to better on-court results.…
Read MoreSchuckman: Underwood’s appearance, Wentura’s birthday, Stratman’s effort make Quincy Shootout memorable
QUINCY — The Quincy High School administration obliged. So did Brad Underwood. That turned the Quincy Shootout into a memorable moment for a vast number of fans. At some point early Saturday afternoon, Quincy boys basketball coach Andy Douglas learned Underwood, the head coach of the University of Illinois men’s basketball program, and Illini assistant…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Quincy Shootout provides memorable moments, high-level competition
QUINCY — The seventh Quincy Shootout is in the books. What will we remember from it? Brad Underwood’s appearance, Oak Park’s impressive play, Chris Cenac’s name, Blue Devil Gym packed to the rafters and so much more. A basketball junkie’s dream weekend was undoubtedly successful yet again. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent Saturday…
Read MoreQuincy Shootout schedule and scores
QUINCY — The seventh Quincy Shootout is taking place this weekend at Blue Devil Gym and The Pit. All games are being streamed on the Central Illinois Sports channel on YouTube. Here is the schedule: Friday’s games At Blue Devil Gym Sunrise Christian 76, Father Tolton 40 MVP — Sunrise Christian guard Jacob Walker, who…
Read MoreChance to make Shootout statement slips away from top-ranked Blue Devils in loss to Knights
QUINCY — This one stings, not because of the outcome but more so because of the preparation. When you’re the No. 1-ranked boys basketball team in the Illinois Class 4A state poll and you’re asked to defend your home court in a spotlight matchup in a ballyhooed event, you can’t coast through the week. It’s…
Read MoreShooting woes in fourth quarter, scoring drought cost QHS girls chance to win in return to Shootout
QUINCY — About the only thing any of the Quincy High School girls basketball players would change about their return to the Quincy Shootout field is the ending. The Blue Devils would like a redo on the fourth quarter, too. The Blue Devils led Millard North, of Omaha, Neb., by 11 points at the start…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS boys suffer setback in marquee game of Quincy Shootout
QUINCY — The top-ranked Quincy High School boys basketball team suffered its second loss of the season, falling 53-46 to Bishop O’Connell of Arlington, Va., in the marquee game of the seventh Quincy Shootout on Saturday night at Blue Devil Gym. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman sat courtside and put together this photo gallery:
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS girls basketball team battles Millard North to final buzzer
QUINCY — The Quincy High School girls basketball team saw its second-half lead evaporate, but the Blue Devils fought until the final seconds ticked away in a 56-52 loss to Millard North of Omaha, Neb., on Saturday during the seventh Quincy Shootout in Blue Devil Gym. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman sat courtside and…
Read More‘We have to come with energy’: Blue Devils prep for showdown with Knights by dispatching Maple Leafs
QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys basketball team wasn’t going to disrespect the opponent, the event or the sport with a nonchalant effort. There’s too much riding on this weekend to be anything less than focused. So despite knowing what the outcome of Friday night’s Western Big 6 Conference matchup with Geneseo could have…
Read MoreSchuckman: Blue Devils’ camaraderie and love for each other brings proper perspective to milestone moments
QUINCY — Andy Douglas called timeout as soon as the ball tickled the twine. He wasn’t letting this moment pass by. With less than four minutes remaining in the first quarter of Friday night’s Western Big 6 Conference matchup with Geneseo, Quincy High School senior guard Bradley Longcor III buried a 3-pointer from the left…
Read MoreQuincy High School softball coach suspended without pay after social media post
QUINCY — Quincy High School softball coach Darrell Henze was suspended Friday without pay pending a termination to be decided by the Quincy School Board at its February meeting for violating the school’s code of conduct for coaches. Henze said he was informed of the decision by Lisa Otten, the director of personnel for the…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Quincy Shootout kicks off with spirited play at Blue Devil Gym
QUINCY — The first night of the seventh Quincy Shootout produced what basketball fans have come to expect from the marquee event of the winter — high-level teams competing with energy and enthusiasm, college-level talent playing above the rim and games decided in the waning seconds. More of the same is expected Saturday, when nine…
Read MoreFrom A to Z: Deep dive reveals incredible talent coming to Quincy Shootout once again
QUINCY — The Quincy Shootout returns Friday with four games being played at both Blue Devil Gym and The Pit on Friday night and nine games taking place Saturday at Blue Devil Gym. Here’s an A-to-Z look at what to expect and what to be on the lookout for this weekend: A is for attendance,…
Read MoreIllinois boys basketball state rankings: Blue Devils stay No. 1 ahead of Quincy Shootout showdown
CHICAGO — Here are the latest Illinois Associated Press boys basketball state rankings, as compiled by a panel of sportswriters and sportscasters from across the state. First-place votes are in parenthesis: Class 4A School Record Total Points Previous 1. Quincy (8) 18-1 142 1 2. Kenwood (2) 20-1 126 2 3. Bolingbrook (3) 20-2 122…
Read MoreThree individual champions carry Blue Devils to team title of their own wrestling invitational
QUINCY — Evan Wakefield did not let an early three-point deficit deter him. Cale Mixer did not let the fact he had been pinned by the same opponent the day before deter him. And Clayton McClelland did not let more than two minutes of overtime or the gauze falling out of his bloody nose several…
Read MoreLongcor outscores Lincoln by himself as No. 1 Quincy caps perfect week with lopsided victory
QUINCY — Bradley Longcor III doesn’t glance at the scoreboard often during a game other than to check the time remaining and occasionally see what the score might be. “Just the time really,” he said. “To be honest, that’s it.” And he ignores the individual numbers shared on the big scoreboard on the south wall…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS completes three-game sweep of tradition-rich programs by beating Lincoln
QUINCY — First, down went Moline. Then Rock Island. And lastly Lincoln. The No. 1-ranked Quincy High School boys basketball team swept three tradition-rich foes this week, completing the trifecta Saturday night with a 51-21 victory over Lincoln at Blue Devil Gym. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman sat courtside and put together this photo…
Read MoreClamping down defensively allows top-ranked Blue Devils to crumble Rocks in WB6 showdown
QUINCY — The challengers continue to line up to take a crack at knocking the Quincy High School boys basketball team from its best-team-in-the-state perch. They keep failing for one very significant reason. The Blue Devils adjust, anchor down and get aggressive defensively. “I like our odds against anybody as long as we do what…
Read MoreBlue Devils’ Derhake, Panthers’ Lawson reach milestones on first night of Quincy Invitational
QUINCY — Two senior wrestlers entered Friday’s Quincy Invitational at 99 career wins and it did not take long for either of them to reach the century mark. Quincy High School’s Gunnar Derhake and Palmyra’s Luke Lawson each won their first-round matches to reach the 100-win plateau. At 165 pounds, Derhake defeated Pekin’s Trace Holmes…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Top-ranked Blue Devils win WB6 showdown with ninth-ranked Rocks
QUINCY — A second-quarter surge carried the top-ranked Quincy High School boys basketball team to a 56-44 victory over ninth-ranked Rock Island in Friday night’s Western Big 6 Conference showdown at Blue Devil Gym. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman sat courtside and put together this photo gallery:
Read MorePhoto gallery: First night of Quincy Invitational features milestones, nail-biting matchups
QUINCY — The Quincy Invitational brought a gym full of wrestlers to the Gem City and produced some epic matches on Friday’s first night of competition. The championship matches will take place Saturday afternoon at the QHS gym. Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey spent his evening matside and put together this photo gallery:
Read MoreIllinois boys basketball state rankings: Blue Devils remain No. 1 in Class 4A
CHICAGO — Here are this week’s Illinois Associated Press boys basketball state rankings as voted on by a statewide panel of sportswriters and sportscasters. First-place votes in parenthesis: Class 4A School Record Total Points Previous 1. Quincy (4) 16-1 80 1 2. Kenwood (2) 17-1 75 T2 3. Rich Township (2) 12-4 74 T2 4.…
Read MoreBlue Devils put end to Wharton jinx, take down Maroons on road for first time since 2017
MOLINE, Ill. — Dom Clay didn’t try to hide what this one meant. As the final seconds ticked away on Tuesday night’s 71-56 Western Big 6 Conference victory over the Moline boys basketball team at Wharton Field House, the Quincy High School senior guard stood near midcourt pumping his right arm in celebration. “It was…
Read MoreBlue Devils look to recharge themselves following overtime loss in Sophie Cunningham Classic
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Quincy High School girls basketball team plays only one game in the next 10 days, giving the Blue Devils a chance to recharge, refocus and recover. All are needed. Sunday’s 60-54 overtime loss to Strafford (Mo.) in the Sophie Cunningham Classic at Columbia College’s Southwell Complex marked Quincy’s third game in…
Read MoreThomas, top-ranked Blue Devils refuse to coast, keep energy high throughout victory over Senators
QUINCY — Keshaun Thomas despises the idea of coasting into halftime. “Everybody has to go out there and hustle their hardest, no matter how much we’re up,” said Thomas, the 6-foot-6 senior forward with a relentless motor who has helped the Quincy High School boys basketball rise to No. 1 in the Class 4A state…
Read MoreBlue Devils overcome sluggish start as Longcor, Byquist spark rally to beat Panthers in overtime
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The moment nearly swept the Quincy High School girls basketball team away. Playing in the Sophie Cunningham Classic at Columbia College’s Southwell Complex on Saturday, the Blue Devils had the opportunity to meet Cunningham, the former Mizzou standout and current Phoenix Mercury guard, and experience what it is like to play in…
Read MorePhoto gallery: No. 1-ranked Blue Devils complete weekend sweep by beating Senators
QUINCY — The No. 1-ranked team in the state isn’t showing any signs of taking it easy on anyone. The Quincy High School boys basketball team — No. 1 in Class 4A — built a 22-point lead by halftime Saturday night and cruised to an 80-56 victory over Springfield at Blue Devil Gym. Quincy improved…
Read More‘We were locked in’: Blue Devils respond to loss with gusto, dispatch Pioneers in WB6 play
QUINCY — In the locker room after the Quincy High School boys basketball team’s 59-56 loss to Vashon on Jan. 4 — the Blue Devils’ first setback of the season — the attention turned to how to move forward. Four seniors — Dom Clay, Bradley Longcor III, Kamren Wires, and Keshaun Thomas — stood up…
Read MorePhoto gallery: No. 1-ranked QHS overwhelms Alleman with array of offensive weapons
QUINCY — The top-ranked Quincy High School boys basketball team scored the first 10 points Friday night and never let up in a 90-34 victory over Rock Island Alleman in Western Big 6 Conference play at Blue Devil Gym. Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey was courtside and put together this photo gallery:
Read MoreSchuckman: No. 1 ranking is sign of respect, but doesn’t change Blue Devils’ approach to improving
QUINCY — Andy Douglas’ one-word response to learning the Quincy High School boys basketball team is the No. 1-ranked squad in the Associated Press state poll for the first time in more than four decades told a small part of the story. His reaction to what it means moving forward illustrated the bigger part. The…
Read MoreIllinois boys basketball state rankings: Blue Devils open 2025 as No. 1 team in Class 4A
CHICAGO — Here are the Associated Press boys basketball state rankings as compiled by a statewide panel of sportswriters and sportscasters. First-place votes in parenthesis: Class 4A Rank School Total Points Previous 1. Quincy (6) (13-1) 90 T2 2. Kenwood (3) (14-1) 80 1 (tie) Rich Township (1) (9-4) 80 NR 4. Bolingbrook (15-2) 74…
Read MoreScouting the State: No. 1 boys basketball team in Illinois remains open to debate
QUINCY — Who is the No. 1 boys basketball team in the state of Illinois? A handful of candidates have tried to state their case. The Associated Press will release its first state polls of 2025 on Wednesday with Quincy High School potentially being the top-ranked team in Class 4A. There have already been two…
Read More‘They made more plays’: Blue Devils suffer first loss to top-ranked Wolverines at Highland Shootout
HIGHLAND, Ill. — There was optimism amid disappointment Saturday night, which is a sign the Quincy High School boys basketball team will be better because of this. For starters, the Blue Devils were adamant a single loss will not derail them. “We are still hungry and not satisfied where we are right now,” senior guard…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Blue Devils push top-ranked Wolverines to final possession before losing
HIGHLAND, Ill. — The Quincy High School boys basketball team led four-time defending Missouri Class 4 state champion St. Louis Vashon with five minutes to play in Saturday’s marquee game of the Highland Shootout, but the Wolverines used a closing kick to secure a 59-56 victory. Freelance photographer Tim Vizer was courtside and put together…
Read MoreStart to finish, Blue Devils maintain command in first victory of new year
QUINCY — Mark this victory down as comfortably easy. The Quincy High School girls basketball team’s 63-42 victory over Springfield Southeast did not quite qualify as a blowout, but neither was it a nailbiter. “It felt a lot closer than a 21-point game, but at several points it seemed like we were going to blow…
Read MoreBlue Devils complete their mission to finally win title at Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic
COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Mission accomplished. After losing back-to-back years in the championship game of the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic, the Quincy High School boys basketball players set a goal — actually they made it their mission — to win the title this season as a springboard into 2025. In fact, almost two months ago…
Read MoreHoliday notebook: Blue Devils head into new year undefeated for first time since 1991-92 season
COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — The fifth Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic championship the Quincy High School boys basketball team won has some striking similarities to one of the previous four. In 1991, the Blue Devils waltzed to the title, beating four opponents by an average of 15.5 points and hammering Jacksonville 55-40 in the championship game.…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Blue Devils win fifth title in 40-year history of Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic
COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — The Quincy High School boys basketball team won its first Christmas holiday tournament championship since 1997, beating The Woodlands Christian Academy (Texas) 68-47 on Sunday night in the title game of the 40th Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic at Vergil Fletcher Gym. Photographer Tim Vizer put together this photo gallery from the…
Read More‘We stay locked in’: Blue Devils handle foul trouble with right approach as Wires, Thomas lead way to semifinal victory
COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — When a timeout was called midway through the third quarter Saturday night, Kamren Wires gathered his Quincy High School boys basketball teammates and delivered an important message. Let it go, he told them. “He brought all the guys in and was like, ‘Hey, quit complaining about fouls. Quit whining to the officials.…
Read MorePinpoint passing leads to sharp shooting as QHS girls wrap up Classic with impressive victory
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The first three quarters of Saturday afternoon’s game at the Shirk Center in the State Farm Holiday Classic showed just how good the Quincy High School girls basketball team can be. One moment halfway through the fourth quarter showed how fragile that success is. The Blue Devils posted a 61-42 victory over…
Read MorePhoto gallery: State-ranked QHS wins pair of games to reach title tilt at Collinsville
COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — The Quincy High School boys basketball team, ranked second in Class 4A, will play in the championship game of the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic for a third straight year when the Blue Devils face The Woodlands Christian (Texas) at 8 p.m. Sunday at Vergil Fletcher Gym. The Blue Devils reached the…
Read MoreWorkmanlike effort gets Blue Devils through first round without worry at Collinsville
COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — By now, the Quincy High School boys basketball players have discovered how much of a challenge it is to make reality match increasingly high expectations. The Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic has taught them that. This is the fourth consecutive season the Blue Devils have reached Christmas either undefeated or with just…
Read MoreWolfpack’s perimeter shooting holds Blue Devils at bay in quarterfinal loss in Bloomington
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — No matter what the Quincy High School girls basketball team did, Chicago St. Ignatius always had an answer. Typically, it was in the form of a 3-pointer. Sally Kennedy’s 3-pointer at the halftime buzzer Friday night gave the Wolfpack a four-point halftime edge, while Reganne Reardon bookended a tide-turning 10-2 run in…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS boys basketball team opens with 22-point victory at Collinsville tourney
COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — The pursuit of its first holiday tournament championship in nearly 30 years is well underway after the Quincy High School boys basketball team dispatched McCluer (Mo.) North 68-46 on Friday afternoon in the 40th Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic at Vergil Fletcher Gym. Freelance photographer Tim Vizer set up courtside and put…
Read MoreBlue Devils clamp down defensively in third quarter to separate themselves from Tigers
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — If the State Farm Holiday Classic organizing committee had chosen to incorporate the shot clock for this year’s tournament, the Quincy High School girls basketball team’s nine-point halftime lead Thursday night could have been substantially more. “I bet we force another four or five turnovers,” QHS coach Brad Dance said. “Our defense…
Read MoreBlue Devils’ mission is simple: Win elusive Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic title
QUINCY — Following an emotionally charged weekend that saw the Quincy High School boys basketball team win a pair of games to improve to 9-0, the Blue Devils were given Sunday off to rest and recharge. Not that any of them planned to take advantage of it. “I know guys are already talking about being…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: QHS quarterback Bradyn Little discusses record-setting season earning him Player of the Year
QUINCY — Bradyn Little’s name is littered all over the record books. The Quincy High School senior quarterback established new single-season records in every passing category this fall, throwing for 4,130 yards with 263 completions and 47 touchdowns. Each one of those marks ranks among the top 10 single-season performances in Illinois High School Association…
Read MoreSchuckman: Thomas takes place among QHS legends by rising to top of rebounding charts
QUINCY — Keshaun Thomas discovered remaining stoic was no easy chore. Prior to the tip of Saturday night’s game against Quincy Notre Dame at Blue Devil Gym, the Quincy High School boys basketball coaching staff decided to honor the 6-foot-6 senior forward for becoming the school’s all-time leading rebounder, a mark established 44 seasons ago…
Read More‘You can’t stop it’: QHS goes on second quarter tear to turn crosstown showdown into rout
QUINCY — Anyone who caught sight of Quincy High School boys basketball coach Andy Douglas on the sideline after the Blue Devils forced a turnover on Quincy Notre Dame’s third possession of Saturday night’s game might have been a little perplexed. Douglas stomped his left foot, slammed his right fist into his left hand and…
Read More‘They’re just really good’: Raiders learn firsthand why Blue Devils are among state’s top-ranked teams
QUINCY — There wasn’t much Quincy Notre Dame’s Beau Etink could say about the Raiders’ crosstown counterparts other than the painstakingly obvious. “It’s quite simple. They’re just really good,” Eftink said. The few words Eftink used to describe the state-ranked Quincy High School boys basketball team couldn’t have been more accurate. After a relatively back-and-forth…
Read MoreBlue Devils secure 200th victory of Dance’s coaching career by dominating Pirates
QUINCY — Brad Dance is a proven success as a girls basketball coach. As a math wiz, however, Dance may need to sharpen his skills. Moments after his Quincy High School team had dominated Boonville 55-29 on Saturday during the final day of the week-long 17th Rumble on the River at John Wood Community College,…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS, QND boys basketball teams square off in crosstown showdown
QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys basketball, ranked second in Class 4A, showed its well deserving of a high ranking as it steamrolled Quincy Notre Dame in the second quarter Saturday night at cruised to a 70-40 victory at Blue Devil Gym. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman sat courtside and put together this…
Read MoreSecond-half turnaround carries second-ranked Blue Devils to WB6 road victory
EAST MOLINE, Ill. — Andy Douglas laughingly joked the Quincy High School boys basketball program may be financially responsible for any locker room damages that occurred Friday night, insinuating there had been an uproar at halftime. Neither the Blue Devils’ head coach nor any of his staff took out any shower heads or locker doors,…
Read MoreBlue Devils find nice rhythm offensively, answer every one of Bearcats’ challenges
QUINCY — Brad Dance is finding himself in the holiday spirit, and he wants the stockings of all of the Quincy High School girls basketball players to be filled with good vibes. “I told the girls we have to start finding the positives in things,” the Blue Devils coach said. Friday night, there was nothing…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS, QND girls and Monroe City boys win Rumble on the River matchups
QUINCY — The Monroe City boys basketball team made sure Friday night wasn’t an Illinois sweep. After the Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball teams earned victories in the 17th Rumble on the River at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center, Monroe City dispatched Payson Seymour 66-50 in the nightcap. Muddy…
Read MoreStrong second half defensively gets Blue Devils back to .500 mark in conference play
QUINCY — The first half was far from a masterpiece, but the final product looked significantly better. The Quincy High School girls basketball team put the pedal to the metal in the second half of Thursday’s Western Big 6 Conference tilt with United Township, outscoring the Panthers 36-10 in the final 16 minutes on its…
Read MoreIllinois boys basketball state rankings: Blue Devils move to No. 2 in Class 4A, Titans climb to No. 8 in Class 2A
CHICAGO — Here are the latest Association Press boys basketball state rankings, as voted on by a panel of sportswriters and sportscasters from throughout the state. First-place votes are in parenthesis: Class 4A Rank School Total Points Previous 1. Kenwood (8) (8-0) 88 1 2. Quincy (1) (7-0) 69 3 (tie) Bolingbrook (8-1) 69 4…
Read More‘It’s a pretty special thing’: Thomas breaks single-game rebounding record as Blue Devils roll
STERLING, Ill. — Quincy High School boys basketball coach Ryan Brown set forth a challenge for senior forward Keshaun Thomas heading into Friday night’s Western Big 6 Conference game against Sterling. Brown implored Thomas to come away with 20 points and 20 rebounds. “When he told me, I took it to heart to go out…
Read MoreBlue Devils’ offense goes quiet as Silver Streaks build big enough lead to survive WB6 battle
QUINCY — The offense went silent for too long. The Quincy High School girls basketball team staked itself to a seven-point lead in Thursday night’s showdown with state-ranked Galesburg midway through the second quarter before everything went awry. The Blue Devils scored just two points over the final 5 minutes, 24 seconds of the first…
Read MoreIllinois boys basketball state rankings: Blue Devils bump to No. 3, Titans hang in at No. 10
CHICAGO — Here are the latest Associated Press Illinois boys basketball state rankings, as voted on by a panel of sportswriters and sportscasters from throughout the stat. First-place votes are in parenthesis: Class 4A Rank School Total Points Previous 1. Kenwood (4) (5-0) 112 3 2. Homewood-Flossmoor (6) (7-0) 97 2 3. Quincy (6-0) 81…
Read MoreSluggish start, stellar finish defensively enables Blue Devils to dispatch Bombers
QUINCY — Quincy High School’s girls basketball team received the perfect wake-up call Wednesday night. A bit painful, but perfect. “We came out flat, and Macomb punched us right in the mouth,” Blue Devils coach Brad Dance said. Macomb dominated the first quarter, racing to a 16-9 lead, but those opening eight minutes wound up…
Read MoreBlue Devils continue to inch closer to putting together complete ‘A’ effort
QUINCY — If that was the Quincy High School boys basketball team’s B — or even C — game, the rest of the Western Big 6 Conference must be shaking in their boots at the thought of the Blue Devils bringing their A game. The state-ranked Blue Devils led by as many as 50 points…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Blue Devils overwhelm Silver Streaks to improve to 2-0 in WB6 play
QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys basketball team took care of one of its mid-week chores Tuesday night, dispatching Galesburg 82-39 in the first Western Big 6 Conference game at home this season. Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey was courtside and put together this photo gallery:
Read More‘We weren’t frustrated’: Slow start doesn’t deter Blue Devils from steamrolling another opponent
QUINCY — There were no alarms sounding, no distress flags being raised. The Quincy High School boys basketball team needed a full first quarter Saturday night for its offense to find a comfortable second gear, but once it did, it became obvious — and rather quickly — it was not a matter of if the…
Read MoreLast-second shot doesn’t fall, but struggles throughout fourth quarter doom Blue Devils
QUINCY — The Quincy High School girls basketball team executed the play. The shot just did not go in. The Blue Devils trailed Sterling 48-46 with six seconds left during Saturday’s Western Big 6 Conference clash at the QHS gym. On an inbounds play underneath the Sterling basket, Quincy sophomore guard Myley Longor got the…
Read MoreBlue Devils navigate first road trip with no issues, start WB6 play with lopsided victory
GENESEO, Ill. — Although he has a veteran starting lineup, Quincy High School boys basketball coach Andy Douglas understood the first road trip for a new varsity roster could present some challenges. “The schedule is just different and you don’t know how guys will react,” Douglas said. The Blue Devils handled it like pros. Quincy…
Read MoreSimple is as simple does: Blue Devils settle in, take care of business against Maple Leafs
QUINCY — Once the Quincy High School girls basketball team quit trying to do too much, it proved to be too much for Geneseo. The Blue Devils scored two quick baskets before turning the ball over five times in the opening 3 minutes, 19 seconds of Thursday night’s Western Big 6 Conference game at the…
Read MoreSchuckman: Roberts offers encouragement, mentorship to youthful QHS wrestlers
QUINCY — Eli Roberts isn’t ready to commit to a coaching career. “Might be a little too early to say that,” he said with a smile. But it’s not a stretch to think the Quincy High School senior wrestler could be the next to join the ranks of former Blue Devils who have ventured into…
Read MoreIllinois boys basketball state rankings: QHS sits at No. 4 in Class 4A, West Hancock No. 8 in Class 2A
CHICAGO — Here is a look at the first Illinois Associated Press boys basketball state rankings, as voted on by a panel of sports writers and sportscasters from throughout the state: Class 4A Rank School Total Points 1. Gurnee Warren (5) (4-0) 76 2. Homewood-Flossmoor (2) (4-0) 67 3. Kenwood (2-0) 63 …
Read MoreFreshmen set tone, veterans follow their lead as QHS wrestlers dominate Fort Madison in home dual
QUINCY — As the newcomers picked up victory after victory in quick and efficient fashion Tuesday night, the old guard on the Quincy High School wrestling team knew the pressure was on to perform. “I can’t get outdone out here,” senior Eli Roberts said with a chuckle. “I have to keep that line moving and…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS wrestlers enjoy success up and down lineup in lone home dual
QUINCY — The energy from a sizable crowd mimicked the energy and enthusiasm the Quincy High School wrestlers brought to the mat Tuesday night in their 64-15 victory over Fort Madison (Iowa) in the Blue Devils’ lone home dual of the season. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman sat matside and put together this photo…
Read More‘We played as one’: Blue Devils feed off each other to win fifth consecutive Thanksgiving title
QUINCY — Quincy High School boys basketball coach Andy Douglas burned a timeout only 2 minutes, 45 seconds into Saturday night’s championship game of the 53rd QHS Thanksgiving Tournament for two reasons. Stem the tide and send a message. Burbank St. Laurence scored the game’s first seven points and was emotionally gaining steam before the…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Blue Devils beat Vikings to win 53rd QHS Thanksgiving Tournament
QUINCY — Bradley Longcor III and the rest of the Quincy High School boys basketball players have made it abundantly clear they don’t like to lose at home. The Blue Devils ran their homecourt win streak to 18 straight games with Saturday’s 69-47 victory over Burbank St. Laurence and secured the championship of the 53rd…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS, QND induct newest members into Halls of Fame during Saturday ceremonies
QUINCY — The Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame athletic departments held their Hall of Fame induction ceremonies Saturday night during their respective Thanksgiving weekend basketball tournaments. Inducted into the QHS Hall of Fame were Zach Burry, Kadi Fauble, Tom Lepper, Tiffany Terwelp-Smith and the 1994 boys soccer team. Inducted into the QND Hall…
Read MoreFlip the switch: Thomas, Blue Devils dominate inside to roll past Eagles and into title showdown
QUINCY — As the Quincy High School boys basketball team reviewed the film from Thursday’s season-opening victory, Blue Devils coach Andy Douglas offered a critique that struck a nerve with senior forward Keshaun Thomas. The 6-foot-6 Thomas needed to be more aggressive chasing rebounds. “It turns a switch on for me,” Thomas said. “I have…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Blue Devils power past Eagles and set up championship matchup at Blue Devil Gym
QUINCY — After watching Burbank St. Laurence stay undefeated after two nights of the 53rd QHS Thanksgiving Tournament, the Quincy High School boys basketball team needed to do the same. The Blue Devils did so emphatically, beating Dunlap 81-33 at Blue Devil Gym. That sets up a winner-take-all championship game between Quincy and St. Laurence…
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