Competitive play in WB6 loss shows progress QHS softball team is making

Quincy High School catcher Kate Mettemeyer gets set for a pitch during Thursday's Western Big 6 Conference matchup with Sterling at the QHS field. | Samantha Carmean photo

QUINCY — From Darrell Henze’s perspective, the glass remains half full. Sure, the Quincy High softball coach watched his club drop a 15-6 Western Big 6 Conference game on a breezy Thursday afternoon to undefeated Sterling, but Henze was far from despondent.  The Blue Devils, now 3-3 overall and 0-2 in the conference, are working…

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Photo gallery: QHS baseball, softball teams play side-by-side with home games

Quincy High School right-hander Joe Schroeder delivers a pitch during Thursday's game against Palmyra at the QHS field. | Samantha Carmean photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School baseball team finally got the chance to play at home Thursday, while the QHS softball team dove into Western Big 6 Conference play in its own backyard. The baseball team improved to 2-2 with a 15-0 victory over Palmyra featuring Evan Sohn and Joe Schroeder setting the stage at…

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Blue Devils end demanding stretch with one-goal conference victory and earn day of rest

Quincy High School forward Breighlyn Thomas scored the Blue Devils' lone goal in a 1-0 victory Tuesday night against United Township at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Does having survived playing five games in five days without a loss earn the Quincy High School girls soccer team a day of rest come Wednesday? “Oh, hell yes,” Blue Devils coach Travis Dinkheller said. Quincy finished its physically taxing stretch Tuesday night with a 1-0 victory over United Township in Western Big…

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Second-half surge carries Blue Devils to three-goal victory in crosstown showdown

The Quincy High School girls soccer players celebrate Taylor Routh's goal in the 47th minute Monday night in the crosstown showdown against Quincy Notre Dame at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Travis Dinkheller is saving his fire-and-brimstone speech for another day, but the passionate plea the Quincy High School girls soccer coach made at halftime Monday night resonated with his players. “His message was very clear,” junior midfielder Bri Lannerd said. “We needed to show up in the second half.” The Blue Devils did…

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

Quincy High School forward Kenzie O'Brien, left, and Quincy Notre Dame goalkeeper Aly Young collide on a ball played into the box during the opening minutes of the second half Monday night at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — For the first time in a quarter century, the Quincy High School girls soccer team will have the chance to sweep its crosstown rival, beating Quincy Notre Dame 4-1 in Monday night’s matchup at Flinn Stadium. The teams square off again next Monday at Advance Physical Therapy Field. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt…

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Quarter century of memories: After assistant coach suffers heart attack, Blue Devils ‘had to do it for Coach Q’

Jose Quintero spent 11 seasons as an assistant coach with the Quincy High School boys basketball program. | Photo courtesy QHS Hall of Fame

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and with this being his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: December 29, 2001 — Quincy 76, Chicago Julian 67 QUINCY — During…

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Fit to be tied: Blue Devils play to pair of scoreless draws, Raiders end tourney with stalemate

Quincy High School defender Ava Soltwedel, right, pokes the ball away from Ladue Horton Watkins forward Darci Levinson during Saturday's game at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Noticeably irked after allowing a goal in the final two minutes Friday night against Hannibal, the Quincy High School girls soccer team’s defenders vowed it wouldn’t happen again. A spirited effort Saturday ensured it didn’t. The Blue Devils withstood a late push from Ladue Horton Watkins to finish off the second of two…

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Photo gallery: QHS, QND girls soccer teams wrap up play in QHS Tournament

Quincy High School midfielder Rian Moore, right, takes possession away from Ladue Horton Watkins defender Taylor Babb during Saturday's game in the QHS Tournament at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Ahead of the first crosstown showdown of the season coming Monday at Flinn Stadium, the Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer teams wrapped up play in the QHS Tournament on Saturday with both battling to a tie in their final games. QHS and Ladue Horton Watkins held each other scoreless…

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Blue Devils get tough stretch started right, grind out one-goal victory against Pirates

Quincy High School's Taylor Routh, center, and Sydney Welsh, right, react to Welsh scoring the first goal against Hannibal on Friday night in the QHS Tournament at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Knowing how taxing a five-games-in-five-days stretch will be, especially when two of those are rivalry games, the Quincy High School girls soccer team couldn’t afford to start things on the wrong foot. Sydney Welsh didn’t let that happen. The sophomore midfielder put herself in the right spot at the right time to redirect…

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Photo gallery: QHS girls soccer team opens own tournament with victory over Hannibal

Quincy High School girls soccer coach Travis Dinkheller talks with forward Taylor Routh on the sideline during Friday night's game against Hannibal at Flinn Stadium. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School girls soccer team finished off the first night of its two-day tournament with a 2-1 victory over Hannibal at Flinn Stadium. Ladue Horton Watkins beat Quincy Notre Dame 3-0 and Cape Girardeau Notre Dame beat Springfield 2-0 in the other games. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured the…

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Quarter century of memories: Wires’ buzzer-beater sinks Kahoks in sectional semifinal

Quincy High School guard Ralph Wires, right, reacts to making the game-winning shot at the buzzer in the Class 4A sectional semifinals against Collinsville in 2022. | Matt Schuckman photo

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and with this being his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: March 1, 2022 — Quincy 34, Collinsville 32 QUINCY — There are…

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JWCC’s Talton finds ‘great fit for me’ as he commits to play at Division I Lindenwood

After a stellar freshman season at John Wood Community College, former Quincy High School standout Jeremiah Talton has committed to play at NCAA Division I Lindenwood University. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Looking back now, the sidestep Jeremiah Talton took on his path to an NCAA Division I college basketball program might have been the best thing for him. Lindenwood University gets to see the benefits of that for the next three years. The John Wood Community College freshman swingman and former Quincy High School…

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Optimism is high as QHS softball team returns bevy of offensive weapons

Quincy High School softball coach Darrell Henze, left, talks to his team between innings during a game last season. | Muddy River Sports file photo

QUINCY — Quincy High School softball coach Darrell Henze says his approach to the game has changed as the years have passed. “I’ve tried to mellow out and adapt to each team, dealing with the different personalities and what motivates each of the players,” he said. That kind of outlook may come in especially handy…

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Photo gallery: QHS baseball team suffers loss at Belleville West

Quincy High School baseball coach Rick Lawson, left, gives a fist bump to first baseman Jansen Lawson after the third inning Wednesday against Belleville West in Belleville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Paul Baillargeon, Archview Photo

BELLEVILLE, Ill. — The Quincy High School baseball team made strides. One week after suffering a 9-0 loss to Belleville West, the Blue Devils squared off with the Maroons again Wednesday afternoon and suffered a 5-2 loss after allowing four runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. Quincy led 2-1 going to the bottom…

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Controlling possession and pace enables Blue Devils to open season with WB6 victory

QUINCY — Quincy High School girls soccer coach Travis Dinkheller expected his team to be able to control possession and pace of play based on everything he’d seen throughout the preseason. Still, he remained curious how it would look against Western Big 6 Conference opponent. Ten minutes into Tuesday night’s season opener against Moline at…

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Ready to play games that ‘mean something,’ Blue Devils embark on quest to claim championships

Quincy High School junior midfielder Bri Lannerd, left, led the Blue Devils with 14 goals and 10 assists last season. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Hanging out together after their Blue-White intrasquad scrimmage last week, the Quincy High School girls soccer players found themselves yearning to play a game that mattered. “It was just so fun being out there,” junior midfielder Rian Moore said. “We just want it to be real. We want it to mean something.” Tuesday…

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Schuckman: Staley, Vashon and other Quincy Shootout participants complete their legacy moments

Kansas City Staley coach Chris Neff, left, and Falcons completed a 30-win season Saturday night by winning the Missouri Class 6 state championship. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Through the course of two January days and 13 games played at Blue Devil Gym during the fifth Quincy Shootout, some of the best prep basketball talent regionally and nationally was on display. But as those teams left with more than a month remaining in each of their seasons, a lingering question existed.…

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Quarter century of memories: Wallace inspires Blue Devils to whitewash Crimsons in sectional championship game

Former Quincy High School boys basketball coach Loren Wallace motivated the Blue Devils and guided them to a 40-point drubbing of Jacksonville in the Class AA sectional championship game in 2000. | Submitted photo

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and with this being his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: March 10, 2000 — Quincy 76, Jacksonville 36 QUINCY — What exactly…

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Tough start defensively as QHS baseball team falls in season opener on road

BELLEVILLE, Ill. — Struggles defensively put the Quincy High School baseball team in a precarious position Wednesday. The Blue Devils committed eight errors, leading to nine unearned runs, as they dropped their season opener 9-0 to Belleville West. The Maroons managed just five hits, but three came in the pivotal fourth inning when two errors…

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Quarter century of memories: Rupert’s 3-point barrage brings QHS sideline to life

Quincy High School assistant coach Tom Lepper gives Jack Rupert a bear hug after Rupert hit the last of his four consecutive 3-pointers against Sterling on Feb. 19, 2021. | Submitted photo

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and with this being his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: February 19, 2021 — Quincy 67, Sterling 35 QUINCY — Imagine the…

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Quarter century of memories: Shoot, Blue Devils rekindle Blue Devil Gym magic in comeback against Webster Groves

Former Quincy High School guard Aaron Shoot led a spirited fourth-quarter comeback against Webster Groves (Mo.) in the marquee game of the inaugural Quincy Shootout in 2018. | Submitted photo

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and with this being his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: January 27, 2018 — Webster Groves 58, Quincy 55 QUINCY — The…

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Quarter century of memories: Douglas’ debut as QHS head coach is ‘special, truly special’

Quincy High School coach Andy Douglas has won more than 160 games in nine seasons at the helm. | Matt Schuckman photo

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and with this being his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: November 27, 2014 — Quincy 65, University City 40 QUINCY — Nine…

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Quarter century of memories: Watson’s triple-double, Bush’s all-around effort carry Blue Devils to regional championship

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and with this being his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: March 2, 2007 — Quincy 71, Springfield Southeast 55 QUINCY — The…

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Quarter century of memories: Forbes ties 3-point record, sets career scoring high in Blue Devil Gym

Zach Forbes scored a career-high 38 points and tied the Quincy High School boys basketball team's single-game 3-point record with seven made treys against Hinsdale South in January 2010. | Photo courtesy QHS Hall of Fame

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and with this being his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: January 23, 2010 — Quincy 81, Hinsdale South 62 QUINCY — Mention…

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Quarter century of memories: Victory No. 2,000 happening at Blue Devil Gym makes perfect sense

The 2017-18 Quincy High School boys basketball team accomplished many things, including winning the 2,000 game in program history. | Submitted photo

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and with this being his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: December 9, 2017 — Quincy 61, Springfield 39 QUINCY — The countdown…

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Blue Devils unable to muster fight needed to rally, bow out with sectional semifinal loss

Quincy High School guard Bradley Longcor III, left, dribbles around O’Fallon guard Jalen Smith during the Class 4A Moline Sectional semifinal played at Alton High School on Tuesday night in Alton, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

ALTON, Ill. — Camden Brown quickly pinpointed the issue. “We didn’t have any fight in us,” he said. Forced into a corner, the Quincy High School boys basketball team could not withstand O’Fallon’s constant surges. The Blue Devils did not convert shots, did not rebound and did not consistently get defensive stops, resulting in a…

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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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Quarter century of memories: Fairley’s buzzer-beater results in wild ride out of Blue Devil Gym

Mason Fairley, left, played for the Quincy High School boys basketball team from 2010-13 and hit a pair of buzzer-beating game-winners as a sophomore, including one that resulted in an upset of 20-win Neuqua Valley. | Submitted photo

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and with this being his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: February 19, 2011 — Quincy 68, Neuqua Valley 66 QUINCY — Mason…

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Blue Devils’ Longcor, Fohey earn first-team All-Western Big 6 Conference honors

Quincy High School sophomore guard Bradley Longcor III, left, and junior forward Taylor Fohey were first-team selections for the All-Western Big 6 Conference boys and girls basketball teams, respectively. | Matt Schuckman photos

QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys basketball team’s second-place finish in the Western Big 6 Conference led to three players earning all-conference honors. Meanwhile, the QHS girls placed two players on the All-WB6 squad. Sophomore guard Bradley Longcor III garnered first-team plaudits, while sophomore forward Keshaun Thomas was a second-team selection and junior guard…

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‘You have to stay with it’: Blue Devils rally from 14-point deficit to win regional championship

Quincy High School guard Tyler Sprick reacts to making the go-ahead 3-pointer with two minutes remaining in regulation Friday night in the Class 4A regional championship game against Collinsville at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Tyler Sprick said he never looked at the scoreboard, but he was fully aware of the situation the Quincy High School boys basketball team faced. No one went as far as to call it dire, but there was trepidation. Blindsided at the start of Friday night’s Class 4A Quincy Regional championship game as…

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

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

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

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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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Schuckman: Gem City basketball teams set new standard with all reaching 20-victory plateau

Quincy Notre Dame senior guard Blair Eftink, center, and the Raiders are part of the winning culture within the Gem City as all four high school basketball programs reached the 20-victory plateau this season.

QUINCY — What transpires over the next three weeks will help define how the 2022-23 prep basketball season in the Gem City is remembered. Already it’s been historic. It could become legendary. The Quincy High School and Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball teams open regional play Wednesday, both harboring high hopes while knowing significant hurdles…

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Battling bronchitis, Uppinghouse dominates final two matches to place third in Class 3A state meet

Quincy's Owen Uppinghouse celebrates after pinning Lyons's Gunnar Garelli in their third-place match at 160 pounds in Class 3A at the IHSA individual wrestling state finals in State Farm Center in Champaign on Saturday. | Photo courtesy of PhotoNews Media/Chris Johns

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — After placing third in the 160-pound division in Class 3A at the Illinois High School Association Class 3A individual state wrestling tournament, Quincy High School’s Owen Uppinghouse is ready for a break. And some sleep. Uppinghouse won four out of five matches this week at State Farm Center to finish with a…

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Loss to top seed in semifinals forces Quincy’s Uppinghouse to focus on third-place medal

Quincy's Owen Uppinghouse wrestles Hersey's Aaron Hernandez during their match on Friday morning at the IHSA individual wrestling state finals on Friday in Champaign. | Photo courtesy of PhotoNews Media/Chris Johns

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Quincy High School’s Owen Uppinghouse hopes of winning a state championship game to an end on Friday night.  Now, the focus is on capturing a third-place medal. Uppinghouse lost to undefeated and top-seeded Ethan Stiles of Conant by pinfall in 3:03 in the semifinals of the 160-pound division in the Illinois High…

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Uppinghouse advances to 160-pound quarterfinals with 1-0 decision; four other local wrestlers in loser’s bracket

Quincy's Owen Uppinghouse, top, wrestles Marist's Ricky Ericksen during their Class 3A 160-pound match at the IHSA individual wrestling state finals on Thursday in Champaign. | Photo courtesy of PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Quincy High School’s Owen Uppinghouse didn’t score a point until the third period, but it was the only point he needed. Uppinghouse won his first-round match in the 160-pound weight class at the IHSA Class 3A state wrestling meet in Champaign by a 1-0 decision over Marist’s Ricky Ericksen. An escape 15 seconds…

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Illinois boys basketball state rankings: Quincy climbs one spot in Class 4A, Camp Point Central jumps two spots in Class 1A

Camp Point Central's Drew Paben goes up for a shot during a game against West Hancock in the Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament in December. | File photo by David Adam

Here are the Associated Press boys prep basketball polls with rank, team, first-place votes, record and total points. Class 4A School W-L Pts Prv 1. Lisle (Benet Academy) (14) 28-1 149 1 2. Moline (1) 28-3 134 2 3. Joliet West 25-5 115 3 4. Kenwood 24-6 101 4 5. Hinsdale Central 28-3 88 5…

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Strong second half helps QHS girls notch 20th victory in regional semifinal over Collinsville

Asia Seangmany, shown in this file photo from a game last month, scored 11 points for the Quincy High School girls basketball team on Tuesdays night at Alton. | Matt Schuckman

ALTON, Ill. — A little energy can go a long way. The Quincy High School girls basketball team proved that Tuesday night when it rallied in the second half to defeat Collinsville 45-39 in a Class 4A regional tournament semifinal game at Alton High School. Taylor Fohey scored 14 points and Asia Seangmany 11 to…

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Blue Devils close regular season, pull away in second half to avoid upset at Galesburg

Ralph Wires, shown handling the basketball in a game last month against Lincoln, led Quincy with 14 points in Tuesday night's game against Galesburg. | David Adam

GALESBURG, Ill. — The Quincy High School boys basketball team’s fourth straight victory was accompanied by an emphatic stamp midway through the second half. The Blue Devils strung together 12 straight points at the end of the third quarter and beginning of the fourth to pull away from upset-minded Galesburg and register a 66-55 Western…

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‘Wow, what a night’: Seniors lead Blue Devils to victory in final regular-season home game

Quincy High School senior forward Sam Mulherin, left, looks to pass the ball to avoid pressure from Jacksonville during Saturday night's game at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — First came the rain, followed by the thunder and then a bellywasher of emotion. “Crazy,” a smiling Sam Mulherin called it. Perfect seemed to be an apt description, too. “It couldn’t have been a better night,” said Bryson Bowen, one of three seniors on the Quincy High School boys basketball team who played…

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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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QHS sends two, Macomb advances three to state wrestling tournament

NORMAL, Ill. — A pair of Quincy High School wrestlers battled their way to the first state tournament berths of their careers, and they’ll be joined in Champaign by a trio of Macomb wrestlers. Owen Uppinghouse finished second at 160 pounds in the Class 3A Normal Community Sectional, while Bryor Newbold finished third at 182…

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Blue Devils reach another milestone victory in style by dunking Maple Leafs

Camden Brown led the Quincy High School boys basketball team to a Western Big 6 Conference victory over Geneseo on Friday night at Blue Devil Gym. | Muddy River Sports file photo

QUINCY — A milestone moment needed a signature start and an emphatic finish. Camden Brown and Milton Whitfield delivered on both fronts. Brown’s breakaway dunk 30 seconds into Friday night’s Western Big 6 Conference game got the Quincy High School boys basketball team rolling. Then Whitfield provided a steal and flush to punctuate a 66-28…

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Quarter century of memories: Technicals, ejections lead to Douglas getting one-night audition as head coach

Quincy High School boys basketball coach Andy Douglas, standing, made his stand-in coaching debut against Peoria Central on the road in 2009. | Muddy River Sports file photo

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and with this being his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: January 17, 2009 — Peoria Central 53, Quincy 46 QUINCY…

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Quarter century of memories: Blue Devils’ Anders teaches Panthers to show respect by going on two-minute scoring binge

Patrick Anders, shown here playing defense against Chicago Crane in the QHS Thanksgiving Tournament, helped the Quincy High School boys basketball team win a Western Big 6 Conference championship in 2001. | Photo courtesy QHS Hall of Fame

Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman began covering the Quincy High School boys basketball program during the 1998-99 season, and with this being his 25th season following the Blue Devils, he put together a list of his 25 most memorable games. Here is today’s installment: February 23, 2001 — Quincy 69, United Township 62 QUINCY…

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Illinois boys basketball state rankings: Quincy slips to No. 10, Camp Point Central rises to No. 7

The Central boys basketball team moved up two spots to No. 7 in this week's Class 1A state poll. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

Here are the boys prep basketball polls with rank, team, first-place votes, record and total points. Class 4A School W-L Pts Prv 1. Lisle (Benet Academy) (12) 26-1 120 1 2. Moline 25-3 106 2 3. Joliet West 23-5 94 3 4. Kenwood 22-5 85 4 5. Hinsdale Central 25-3 57 7 6. Brother Rice…

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Schuckman: Taking trip down memory lane leads to list of 25 memorable QHS basketball games spanning 25 years on the beat

QUINCY — It started exactly where you would expect. Blue Devil Gym. A quarter of a century ago, I covered my first Quincy High School boys basketball game as the beat writer for the Quincy Herald-Whig — a 68-63 victory over Galesburg featuring J.D. Summers with 20 points and the Blue Devils going 23 of…

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‘I’m going to have some colorful shoes’: Fohey’s career-best scoring barrage carries QHS to victory, earns her family bragging rights

Quincy High School's Taylor Fohey puts up a shot over Hannibal's Katelyn Ferguson-Minor during Tuesday night's game at Korf Gym in Hannibal, Mo. | Photo courtesy Max Bennett

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Make no mistake, as the game progressed, Taylor Fohey knew how many points she had. And how many she needed. “I was aware,” Fohey said afterward, almost sheepishly. The 5-foot-11 junior forward finished with a career-best 32 points — not to mention 10 rebounds — in leading the Quincy High School girls…

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Clay’s trey sparks final rally as Blue Devils come away with WB6 victory over Rocks

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — Dom Clay’s confidence in himself is matched by the confidence his Quincy High School boys basketball teammates have in him. So when his 3-point attempt from the right corner rattled out with less than three minutes remaining in regulation and the Blue Devils and Rock Island tied at 52, Quincy’s Tyler…

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Three individual champions nearly guide QHS wrestling squad to regional crown, 11 grapplers advance to sectionals

Quincy High School's Gavin Schumacher pins Collinsville's Devin Habermehl in the first period to win the Class 3A regional championship at 220 pounds Saturday in Alton, Ill. | Photo courtesy Matt Kamp, Edwardsville Intelligencer

ALTON, Ill. — The Quincy High School wrestling team is going to need more than a van for its travel purposes next weekend. A bus should suffice. The Blue Devils are sending 11 wrestlers to the Class 3A Normal Community Sectional after a stellar showing Saturday at the Alton Regional. Quincy crowned three individual regional…

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Tuning it out, dialing it in: Moline ignores Blue Devil Gym’s fervor, uses defense to silence QHS in battle at top of WB6

Quincy High School guard Bradley Longcor III, left, looks to make a move around Moline's Brock Harding during Friday night's Western Big 6 Conference game at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Dominique Clay’s fist-pumping reaction to Tyler Sprick’s 3-pointer drove the decibel level inside Blue Devil Gym to arguably its peak Friday night. The Moline boys basketball players simply ignored it. “That’s because we have a bunch of seniors,” Maroons coach Sean Taylor said. Their response screamed of experience. Despite falling behind by as…

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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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WB6 title hopes at stake when Blue Devils, Maroons square off at Blue Devil Gym

Quincy High School's Tyler Sprick, left, pressure Moline's Brock Harding during their Western Big 6 Conference matchup at Wharton Field House in Moline, Ill., on December 16. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Sitting in the bleachers of what at that moment was a relatively empty Blue Devil Gym, Camden Brown gazed around as he envisioned what Friday night’s crowd might be like. “Hopefully it’s sold out,” he said. It should be. The Quincy High School boys basketball team puts its Western Big 6 Conference title…

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Illinois boys basketball state rankings: Quincy sits No. 8 in Class 4A ahead of showdown with Moline

Tyler Sprick and the Quincy High School boys basketball team is ranked No. 8 in Class 4A and will face No. 2 Moline on Friday night in Western Big 6 Conference play at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

Here are the Illinois boys prep basketball polls with rank, team, first-place votes, record, total points and previous ranking. Class 4A School W-L Pts Prv 1. Lisle (Benet Academy) (11) 24-1 110 1 2. Moline 22-3 97 2 3. Joliet West 20-5 83 3 4. Kenwood 19-5 74 4 5. Brother Rice 23-3 64 6…

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Retribution is hers: Schreacke leads Raiders to victory in final crosstown showdown appearance

Quincy Notre Dame senior all-state guard Abbey Schreacke scores a left-handed layup during the second half of Tuesday night's 57-35 victory over Quincy High School at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — What took place once wasn’t going to happen twice. Abbey Schreacke made that abundantly clear. By scoring six of the game’s first 12 points Tuesday night and showcasing the variety of skills that make her the best player on the floor, the all-state senior guard put the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team…

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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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Schuckman: QHS girls basketball players share opinions on gym space, upgrades and ceremonies

Quincy High School forward Taylor Fohey, left, and her teammates listen to Blue Devils coach Brad Dance during a timeout during a game against Galesburg at the QHS gym earlier this season. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Mike Dade’s passionate plea to the Quincy School board last week asking for equal treatment for the boys and girls basketball programs succeeded in one important regard. It created conversation, opinion and debate. His speech also missed the mark in one very important aspect. He wasn’t a true voice for the players themselves.…

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Three of a kind: QHS wrestling team finishes second in WB6 behind three individual champs

Quincy High School's Owen Uppinghouse controls Sterling's Thomas Tate during their 160-pound championship match Saturday during the Western Big 6 Conference championships at the QHS gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Perfection, maturity and optimism. Therein lies what the Quincy High School wrestling program’s three Western Big 6 Conference individual champions put on display Saturday. Owen Uppinghouse stayed perfect, finishing the regular season with a 36-0 record as he won the 160-pound title. Bryor Newbold defeated a returning WB6 champion and reversed a loss…

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Blue Devils push back after ragged start, earn WB6 road victory

STERLING, Ill. — Finally, the Quincy High School girls basketball players said enough was enough. Following Thursday night’s loss at Galesburg that dropped the Blue Devils a game out of first place in the Western Big 6 Conference standings, they allowed Sterling to open Saturday’s league game at Musgrove Fieldhouse on a 16-4 run. “They…

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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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Thomas, Blue Devils power way through second half to set up showdown with Maroons

Quincy High School sophomore forward Keshaun Thomas scored 18 points in the second half Friday night, guiding the Blue Devils to a 57-45 victory over Sterling in Western Big 6 Conference action. | File photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

STERLING, Ill. — Saddled to the bench for the duration of the second quarter Friday night, Keshaun Thomas bottled his frustration and was anxious to unleash it. The Sterling boys basketball team felt the brunt of that. Thomas, Quincy High School’s 6-foot-6 sophomore forward, scored 11 of the Blue Devils’ 14 points in the third…

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Illinois boys state basketball rankings: Quincy holds at No. 8 in C lass 4A

The Quincy High School boys basketball team is ranked No. 8 in the latest Associated Press Class 4A state poll. | Matt Schuckman photo

Here are the boys prep basketball polls with rank, team, first-place votes, record, total points and previous ranking. Class 4A School W-L Pts Prv 1. Lisle (Benet Academy) (12) 22-1 120 3 2. Moline 20-3 94 4 3. Joliet West 18-5 84 T8 4. Kenwood 17-5 83 1 5. Whitney Young 18-5 79 2 6.…

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Blue Devils keep effort clean, head into matchup with Golden Warriors after dispatching Pioneers

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — Andy Douglas didn’t want to take the air out of the ball entirely. The Quincy High School boys basketball coach wasn’t going to play his starters longer than necessary either. The 80-35 victory over Rock Island Alleman on Tuesday night at Don Morris Gym proved to be a study in how…

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Coaches offer thoughts on high-level play, incredible atmosphere of Quincy Shootout

Fans filled Blue Devil Gym for the Quincy Shootout, which brought together a bally-hooed collection of high school basketball talent from across the nation. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman had the opportunity throughout the two-day Quincy Shootout to visit with prep basketball coaches from teams across the country who have made Blue Devil Gym a January destination. Their overwhelming sentiment? The Shootout is a you-must-experience-this event. Here’s what they had to say:

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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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Age of awareness: Falcons use maturity, physicality to hand Blue Devils first home loss

Kansas City Staley's Larry Parker, left, leaps to impede Quincy High School guard Bradley Longcor III's path to the basket during Saturday's game in the Quincy Shootout at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The difference between seniors and sophomores is so much more than two years of age. “I think our guys are starting to understand that,” Quincy High School boys basketball coach Andy Douglas said. How can he be sure? He listened to several of the Blue Devils, including sophomore guard Bradley Longcor III and…

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‘And it was nothing but net’: Mulherin’s first career 3-pointer punctuates Blue Devils’ WB6 victory

Quincy High School's Camden Brown, right, and Bradley Longcor III, center, go to congratulate and joke with teammate Sam Mulherin, left, after the senior forward made his first career 3-pointer, which beat the third-quarter buzzer Friday night against United Township at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Sam Mulherin could say he’s one and done. But why do that? The Quincy High School senior forward relished making a buzzer-beating 3-pointer — the first 3-point attempt of his high school basketball career — so much so he’s ready to put his perfect shooting percentage on the line with another try. “Oh,…

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Overtime victory moves QHS girls basketball team into logjam atop WB6 standings

Quincy High School forward Taylor Fohey, left, scored with 13 seconds remaining in overtime to lift the Blue Devils to a 31-29 victory over Rock Island Alleman on Thursday night at Blue Devil Gym. | Muddy River Sports file photo

QUINCY — When asked if Quincy might just be the team of destiny in this season’s Western Big 6 Conference girls basketball championship pursuit, Taylor Fohey thought long and hard before answering. Then she smiled. “I feel it coming,” said the 6-foot junior who dropped through the game-winning basket in the Blue Devils’ 31-29 overtime…

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Rock Island Alleman will not field varsity football team next fall

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — Seven of the eight Western Big 6 Conference football programs suddenly have an open date on their schedules for next fall. Wednesday, at a meeting of WB6 principals and athletic directors in Galesburg, Rock Island Alleman informed the rest of the league it will not field a varsity football team in…

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From top to bottom of lineup, Blue Devils pitch in to defend own invitational wrestling championship

Quincy High School junior Owen Uppinghouse celebrates his semifinal victory in the 160-pound class during Saturday's Quincy Invitational at the QHS gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The beauty of playing host to a high school wrestling tournament is the opportunity to compete in a packed-to-hilt gym full of familiar faces the way the Quincy High School gym was Saturday. “Every seat was filled,” QHS junior Owen Uppinghouse said. The drawback is what awaits in the aftermath. “I was kind…

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‘These are the games we need’: Brown’s three-point play highlights late comeback by Blue Devils

Quincy High School's Camden Brown goes up to score the game-tying basket with 22 seconds remaining in Saturday night's game against Lincoln at Blue Devil Gym. Brown was fouled on the play by Payton Cook, and he made a free throw to put the Blue Devils ahead for good. | David Adam photo

QUINCY — Playing the Lincoln Railsplitters is about as entertaining for the Quincy High School boys basketball team as shaving your head with a cheese grater. “I think anybody will say that Lincoln is like the least fun team to play all year long,” junior guard Ralph Wires said. “We want to run, but they…

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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: Lincoln vs. Quincy boys basketball

Ralph Wires, left, and Dominique Clay put defensive pressure on Lincoln's Ki'on Carson during Saturday night's basketball game at Blue Devil Gym. | David Adam photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys basketball team scored eight of the game’s final nine points to defeat Lincoln 43-40 on Saturday night at Blue Devil Gym. MRN Editor David Adam captured some of the action below:

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Blue Devils finish first half of WB6 slate in thick of title chase with chance to repeat as champs

Quincy High School's Dominique Clay, center, knocks the ball away from Galesburg's Gino Williams during the first half of Friday night's Western Big 6 Conference game at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Outside of the obvious scenario — that would be to beat Moline — the Quincy High School boys basketball players know what needs to happen over the second half of the Western Big 6 Conference season for them to repeat as league champions. The Blue Devils must replicate Friday night’s performance. They imposed…

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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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Schuck on a Truck: QHS wrestlers discuss Quincy Invitational

Quincy High School wrestlers Owen Uppinghouse, left, and Bryor Newbold, center, joined Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman for this episode of "Schuck on a Truck." | Muddy River Sports photo

QUINCY — Owen Uppinghouse, Bryor Newbold and the Quincy High School wrestlers have spent most of their season flatbacking opponents. Coming off a victory in the 29-team Murdale Invitational last weekend in Carbondale, Ill., the Blue Devils get the chance to showcase their depth and talent in front of a home crowd at the Quincy…

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Defensive plays in overtime turn tide in QHS’s favor in knocking off state-ranked Geneseo

GENESEO, Ill. — The energy expended defensively finally paid off. Neither the Quincy High School girls basketball team nor Geneseo scored in the first 2 ½ minutes of overtime Wednesday night, but Leah Chevalier’s steal that led to a layin with 1 minute, 24 seconds to play changed everything. The Blue Devils scored on back-to-back…

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Illinois boys basketball state rankings: QHS hangs at No. 10, Southeastern and Central remain in Class 1A poll

Southeastern coach Brett Ufkes and the Suns are sixth in the latest Class 1A state poll. | Matt Schuckman photo

Here are the Illinois boys prep basketball polls with rank, team, first-place votes, record and total points: Class 4A School W-L Pts Prv 1. Kenwood (8) 14-2 116 2 2. Whitney Young (4) 14-4 110 1 3. Lisle (Benet Academy) 18-1 93 3 4. Moline 15-2 83 5 5. Joliet West 15-4 67 6 6.…

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Blue Devils’ bench brigade embraces opportunity for playing time with right approach

GENESEO, Ill. — None of the Quincy High School boys basketball players played more than 13 minutes Tuesday night, nor did they log a single minute of the second half. None of them complained about it either. The starters staked the Blue Devils to an insurmountable lead, exited the game in the second quarter and…

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Controlling tempo allows QHS boys basketball players to bring ‘Run, Devils, Run’ back to life

Quincy High School guard Camden Brown pushes the ball up the court in transition during the Blue Devils' 66-36 victory over Springfield on Saturday night in Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The idea of reprising “Run, Devils, Run” doesn’t necessarily marry with Keshaun Thomas’ strengths, and the 6-foot-6 sophomore forward doesn’t always keep pace with his more fleet-of-foot Quincy High School boys basketball teammates. “Ahh, it’s hard sometimes,” Thomas said. Yet, he’s fully in favor of a return to the more fast-paced mantra. “Yes,…

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QHS wrestlers continue building postseason momentum, win 29-team Murdale Invitational

The Quincy High School wrestling team had three individual champions and captured the team title of the 61st Murdale Invitational on Saturday in Carbondale, Ill. | Submitted photo

CARBONDALE, Ill. — The depth of the Quincy High School wrestling team is leading to some historic results. Saturday, that trend continued. The Blue Devils had three individual champions and three runners-up as they won the team championship of the 61st Murdale Invitational, topping the 29-team field by more than 50 points. Quincy finished with…

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Fourth-quarter flurry enables Blue Devils to fight way past Rocks for critical WB6 victory

Quincy High School's Dominique Clay lays the ball in off the glass during Friday night's Western Big 6 Conference game against Rock Island at Blue Devil Gym. | Photo courtesy Mathew Kirby

QUINCY — The words rolled from Bradley Longcor III in matter-of-fact fashion. “We’re a good team,” the Quincy High School sophomore said. And more times than not, good teams find ways to win games. Friday night at Blue Devil Gym was a classic case in point. Fueled by a scintillating second half at both ends…

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Illinois boys basketball state rankings: Central moves into Class 1A poll, QHS sits No. 10 in Class 4A

The Central boys basketball team's third-place finish at the Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament helped them move into the Class 1A state poll at No. 6 this week. | Matt Schuckman photo

Here are the boys prep basketball polls with rank, team, first-place votes, record and total points. Class 4A School W-L Pts Prv 1. Whitney Young (14) 12-4 140 4 2. Kenwood (1) 12-2 134 1 3. Lisle (Benet Academy) 16-1 110 8 4. Rolling Meadows 16-1 103 6 5. Moline 12-2 90 2 6. Joliet…

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Schuckman: All-in, all-together approach of QHS wrestling family saves memorable holiday trip

Quincy High School wrestling coach Phil Neally, left, and assistant coach Donnie Peters share a laugh during a match against Pittsfield at the QHS gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The commitment needed to prepare the Quincy High School wrestlers for a post-Christmas trip to Florida extended far beyond the wrestling room. That made the realization the Blue Devils’ flights on Southwest Airlines on December 26 had been canceled all the more disheartening. “It took the families, not just the parents but the…

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Determined to dominate: QHS wrestlers lose only one match in sweeping duals from QND, Pittsfield

Quincy High School junior Owen Uppinghouse, left, works to pin the shoulders of Pittsfield's Ethan Thompson to the mat during their 160-pound match Wednesday night at the QHS gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Owen Uppinghouse understands most of the Quincy High School wrestling team’s duals can’t compare to a crosstown showdown when it comes to energy and enthusiasm. “When you’re wrestling people from down the street, it tends to be different,” he said. Wednesday night was different, except in one regard. The Blue Devils’ determination for…

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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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JWCC Prairie State Profile: Quincy’s Meyers ready to become area’s first NCAA Division I triathlete

Quincy High School senior Alexandria Meyers, left, shown here during the USA Triathlon nationals last July, verbally committed to become an NCAA Division I triathlete at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. | Photo courtesy Glenn Meyers

QUINCY — Joella Baker wasted no time leaving a lasting impression. Not long after the veteran triathlete was named the head coach of Duquesne University’s fledgling women’s triathlon program, she received an email from Quincy High School senior Alexandria Meyers expressing interest in competing for the Dukes. “When I heard who the coach was at…

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Energy shift goes against Blue Devils as Generals repeat as tourney champions at Collinsville

Quincy High School guard Ralph Wires tries to corral a loose ball during Friday's championship game of the 38th Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic against Decatur MacArthur at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — The most unfortunate thing to happen to the Quincy High School boys basketball team Friday night was for time to run out in the first quarter. The brief interlude between quarters was exactly what Decatur MacArthur needed. The Blue Devils opened the championship game of the 38th Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic…

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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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Pair of hard-fought victories put Blue Devils in position to play for tournament championship

Quincy High School guard Camden Brown drives to the basket during Thursday's semifinal matchup with Rockford East in the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — It has taken the Quincy High School boys basketball team a decade to get back to where it could possibly end what is now a quarter-century drought. A shot at redemption comes with it, too. The Blue Devils will play for the championship of the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic for the…

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Schuckman: Blue or black doesn’t matter as long as jersey is worn with respect and pride

Sophomore guard Dominique Clay, right, dishes a pass during the Quincy High School boys basketball team's game against Collierville (Tenn.) in the quarterfinals of the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic on Thursday at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Shock. That’s what Dominique Clay’s expression screamed. He wasn’t alone in his jaw-dropping assessment. “I had the same look, too,” Camden Brown said. After the Quincy High School boys basketball team dispatched Collierville (Tenn.) 62-48 in Thursday’s quarterfinals of the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic, the Blue Devils were headed to the…

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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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Strong start, tepid finish leaves Blue Devils yearning to play better as tourney path continues

Quincy High School guard Camden Brown soars towards the basket during the first half of Wednesday’s game against Alton in the first round of the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville, Ill. | Photo courtesy Tim Vizer Photography

COLLINSVILLE, Ill. — Andy Douglas had a pocket full of excuses if he needed any. The Quincy High School boys basketball coach refused to let the Blue Devils use them. A scintillating first half devolved into less-than-ideal execution in the second half Wednesday night in the opening round of the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic,…

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QHS girls split first two games at Dixon tourney

DIXON, Ill. — The strong decision-making, aggressiveness and confidence Quincy High School girls basketball coach Brad Dance enjoyed seeing from the Blue Devils on Tuesday morning dissipated to a more stagnant effort in the afternoon. It’s why QHS split its first two games in the Dixon KSB Holiday Classic. The Blue Devils opened with a…

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Schuckman: Highly successful Rumble on the River could benefit from participation from QHS, QND boys teams

QUINCY — Chris Duesdieker earned the right to sit and smile. As the 16th and final game of the 15th annual Rumble on the River headed to the fourth quarter Wednesday night with a pair of state-ranked teams — Southeastern, No. 1 in Illinois Class 1A, and Bunker, No. 3 in Missouri Class 1 —…

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QHS QND Hoops highlights

QUINCY — Video genius Frank Cann takes you to Blue Devil Gym to look at Friday night’s Quincy vs. Quincy Notre Dame basketball game.

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‘We turned it up’: Second-half defensive lockdown gives Blue Devils edge over Raiders in crosstown showdown

Quincy High School's Camden Brown, left, and teammate Bradley Longcor III, right, react to a play in the second half of Saturday night's crosstown showdown at Blue Devil Gym. QHS beat Quincy Notre Dame 60-43. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A simple suggestion is all it took. Needing to inject more life into his team — Quincy High School led Quincy Notre Dame 29-23 at halftime of Saturday night’s boys basketball showdown but had been rather lackluster defensively the first 16 minutes — Blue Devils coach Andy Douglas listened to an idea assistant…

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

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

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

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