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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

‘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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

‘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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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.…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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.…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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.…

Read More

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:

Read More

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:

Read More

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…

Read More

‘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,…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

‘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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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:

Read More

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…

Read More

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.…

Read More

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,…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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,…

Read More

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…

Read More

‘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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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

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

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

Read More

School of Hard knocks: Maroons guard makes critical plays to hand Blue Devils first loss

Moline guard Brock Harding, right, ties to fight off pressure from Quincy High School guard Ralph Wires during Friday's Western Big 6 Conference game at Wharton Field House in Moline, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

MOLINE, Ill. — Not even the most foolhearted Quincy High School boys basketball fan was gullible enough to believe Brock Harding wouldn’t eventually put his stamp on Friday night’s Western Big 6 Conference showdown. “We knew he had only two points at halftime,” Quincy junior swingman Camden Brown said. “You know he’s going to score…

Read More

Schuckman: Blue Devil Gym featured in IBCA’s 2023 Unique Gyms of Illinois calendar

Quincy's Blue Devil Gym is being featured in the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association's 2023 Unique Gyms of Illinois calendar. | Matt Schuckman photo

The middle of December brings holiday gift ideas, All-American game goals and memories of a game played more than 30 years ago … Two venerable high school basketball gyms in Illinois and arguably the two most historic within the Western Big 6 Conference are being featured in the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s 2023 Unique Gyms…

Read More

QHS golfers push Birdies for Brain Cancer fundraiser beyond expectations, raise $29,000

Quincy Public Schools superintendent Todd Pettit, left, and Quincy High School principal Jody Steinke, right, presents the QPS Spirit and Pride Award to four QHS golfers — from left to right, Gabriel Gold, Sophia Gold, Saya Geisendorfer and Issa Geisendorfer — for organizing the Birdies for Brain Cancer fundraiser. | Submitted photo

QUINCY — The goal seemed modest and attainable, with the four Quincy High School golfers who organized the “Birdies for Brain Cancer” fundraiser believing they could raise $5,000. Yet, as the pledges began mounting, they changed their expectations. “We thought $8,000 would be a better goal,” Sophia Gold said. Little did they realize they could…

Read More

Blue Devils fend off Statesmen with emphatic closing kick, turn attention to tough weekend

WEBSTER GROVES, Mo. — The signs this youthful, yet talented Quincy High School boys basketball team is maturing come in glimpses where momentum is teetering or the Blue Devils’ unbeaten record is threatened. Another of those moments came Tuesday night. A 13-point second-half advantage against the defending Missouri Class 5 state champion had dwindled to…

Read More

Late start, intriguing draw for Blue Devils at Collinsville Praririe Farms Holiday Classic

Quincy High School's Tyler Sprick, left, and Dominique Clay hope to help the Blue Devils chase the championship at the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic later this month. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy High School boys basketball team’s path to the championship of the Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic is filled with obstacles. That starts with playing the final game of the opening round. The Blue Devils (7-0) drew Alton (1-6) in the 9 p.m. game in the first round, the last of eight…

Read More

‘We have to do us’: Blue Devils overcome lackluster first half against Bulldogs with game-clinching run

Quincy High School guard Bradley Longcor III, right, starts the offense during the first half of Saturday's game against Batavia at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The chatter, the comparisons and the hype the state-ranked Quincy High School boys basketball team continues creating could be a detriment if the Blue Devils allow those things to infiltrate the team-first mentality. “If we just do us, the best in us will come out,” sophomore guard Bradley Longcor III said. When the…

Read More

Blue Devils survive less-than-Sterling effort to remain tied for first in Western Big 6

Quincy High School's Keshaun Thomas, left, and Dominque Clay, right, defend Sterling's Andre Klaver during the first half of Friday's Western Big 6 Conference game at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Andy Douglas let his ears be his guide. “If we can come out the first few possessions and our communication is great, it’s probably going to be a good night defensively,” the Quincy High School boys basketball coach said. “Tonight, it wasn’t. We didn’t talk.” So the fact Sterling opened the second half…

Read More

Blue Devils’ second-half effort takes shine off Silver Streaks’ undefeated WB6 record

Quincy High School's Asia Seangmany, right, puts up a shot during the second half of Thursday night's Western Big 6 Conference matchup with Galesburg at the QHS gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Too many turnovers and too few defensive rebounds made for way too long of a second quarter Thursday night for the Quincy High School girls basketball team. At halftime, the Blue Devils made certain to change that before the outcome was too far gone. Asia Seangmany buried a 3-pointer from the left corner…

Read More

Blue Devils spread scoring wealth in WB6 victory over Pioneers

Quincy High School guard Bradley Longcor III, right, scored 14 points to lead the Blue Devils to a lopsided victory over Rock Island Alleman in Western Big 6 Conference play Tuesday night at Blue Devil Gym. | Muddy River Sports file photo

QUINCY — Let’s be honest. Brutally honest. The Quincy High School boys basketball team probably could have put 100 points on the scoreboard — and with relative ease — during Tuesday’s Western Big 6 Conference game against overmatched and outmanned Rock Island Alleman at Blue Devil Gym. Instead, state-ranked QHS settled for a 65-28 victory…

Read More

Area Distributors Area Player of the Week: QHS wrestler Owen Uppinghouse

Quincy High School's Owen Uppinghouse, wrestling at 160 pounds, is undefeated this season with seven pins in nine matches. | Submitted photo

QUINCY — Owen Uppinghouse isn’t taking long to assert his dominance. The Quincy High School 160-pound senior wrestler went 6-0 last week with only two of his four matches stretching beyond the first period. Last Thursday at home, Uppinghouse pinned Fort Madison’s Emmett Kruse in 3 minutes, 37 seconds. He was even better at the…

Read More

Southeastern sits No. 1 in initial Class 1A state poll, Quincy High School is No. 8 in Class 4A

Southeastern coach Brett Ufkes has the Suns off to a 5-0 start and ranked No. 1 in the initial Class 1A state poll. | Photo courtesy Steve Davis

QUINCY — Having the best small-school player in the state leading the charge has put the Southeastern boys basketball team in the crosshairs. Having an abundance of talented underclassmen has done the same for Quincy High School. The initial Associated Press state basketball rankings prove that. The Suns checked in at No. 1 in Class…

Read More

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

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

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

Read More

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

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

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

Read More

2022 Quincy Blue Devil Sports Hall of Fame inductee: John Groves, friend of sport

John Groves has been involved behind the scenes with Quincy High School athletics for more than four decades. | Submitted photo

QUINCY — A 1968 graduate of Quincy High School, John Groves has been a loyal supporter and contributor for more than 50 years. Groves began helping his father, Jerry Groves, when he started the first formal “Chain Gang” for the QHS football team in 1960. John took over those duties from his father in 1982…

Read More

2022 Quincy Blue Devil Sports Hall of Fame inductee: Tom Berry, coach

Tom Berry served as an assistant coach with the Quincy High School boys basketball and soccer programs before guiding the QHS girls basketball program to new heights. | Submitted photo

Editor’s note: The Quincy Blue Devil Sports Hall of Fame will hold its induction ceremony at approximately 6:30 p.m. Saturday between games in the 51st QHS Thanksgiving Tournament at Blue Devil Gym. QUINCY — A  1963 graduate of Quincy High School who played baseball and basketball through his sophomore year, Tom Berry chose to have…

Read More

2022 Quincy Blue Devil Sports Hall of Fame inductee: Matea Simovic, athlete

Matea Simovic won 140 matches in her high school tennis career. | Submitted photo

Editor’s note: The Quincy Blue Devil Sports Hall of Fame will hold its induction ceremony at approximately 6:30 p.m. Saturday between games in the 51st QHS Thanksgiving Tournament at Blue Devil Gym. QUINCY — One of the most successful girls tennis players in Quincy High School history, Matea Simovic was a four-time state qualifier, three-time…

Read More

Chills and thrills: Blazing start, defensive stranglehold catapult Blue Devils to victory in season opener

Quincy High School junior swingman Camden Brown defends at the point of the Blue Devils' 1-2-2 zone during Thursday's game against Dixon in the 51st Thanksgiving Tournament at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The lights go down, the flames go up and everyone in Blue Devil Gym awaiting the Devil’s arrival feels the chills. The players aren’t immune to that, no matter how focused on the game they might be. “I would think any abnormal person would say no they don’t feel anything,” said Tyler Sprick,…

Read More

Family first: Harmann’s cousin showcases depth of ability in helping Blue Devils dispatch Dukes

Quincy High School guard Tyler Sprick slaps hands with a teammates as they go back on defense after Sprick scored in the second half of Thursday night's game against Dixon in the 51st QHS Thanksgiving Tournament. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The exuberant kid who tagged along every opportunity he had when Chris Harmann went to Blue Devil Gym during a decade spent as a Quincy High School boys basketball assistant coach has matured That wasn’t a good thing for Harmann’s Dixon club. Tyler Sprick, a QHS junior guard and Harmann’s cousin, turned Thursday’s…

Read More

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

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

Read More

Handling expectations: Blue Devils staying humble, focused as hype builds around them

Quincy High School boys basketball coach Andy Douglas, center, shares a laugh with several of his players during a break in practice at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — As the Quincy High School boys basketball team trudged through another preseason practice, those responsible for the sound system in Blue Devil Gym tested the acoustics, the decibel levels and the clarity for pregame introductions. “They started playing everything and I got chills,” senior guard Reid O’Brien said. The Blue Devils also were…

Read More

2022 Quincy Blue Devil Sports Hall of Fame inductee: Jared Anders, athlete

Jared Anders was a two-time state medalist in the pole vault at Quincy High School and enjoyed an All-American career at Missouri S&T. | Submitted photo

Editor’s note: The Quincy Blue Devil Sports Hall of Fame will hold its induction ceremony at approximately 6:30 p.m. Saturday between games in the 51st QHS Thanksgiving Tournament at Blue Devil Gym. QUINCY — Jared Anders followed in his family’s footsteps — straight to the Hall of Fame. A two-time state medalist as a pole…

Read More

Familiar face on Dixon sideline makes QHS Thanksgiving Tournament true holiday homecoming

Quincy High School coach Andy Douglas, right, discusses a play with sophomore forward Keshaun Thomas during practice leading up to this week's 51st QHS Thanksgiving Tournament at Blue Devil Gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — To the victor go the spoils. What exactly the spoils are Quincy High School boys basketball coach Andy Douglas isn’t divulging. Thursday night, in the opening game of the QHS Thanksgiving Tournament, the Blue Devils will square off against Dixon at 7 p.m. at Blue Devil Gym. It also pits two close friends…

Read More

QHS girls basketball team uses second-half rally to nearly topple reigning WB6 champion

Quincy High School guard Leila Dade, right, tries to shake a Geneseo defender in order to get the ball from teammate Taylor Fohey, left, during Tuesday night's Western Big 6 Conference game at the QHS gym. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The second-half rally and fight to the finish the Quincy High School girls basketball team engaged in Tuesday night had two components. “We totally changed our mindset,” Blue Devils senior guard Leah Chevalier said. “And a few people hit shots.” It was nearly enough to topple the reigning Western Big 6 Conference champion.…

Read More

Anderson, Venvertloh uphold family traditions, receive all-state soccer honors

Quincy Notre Dame senior forward Tanner Anderson delivers a corner kick during the Class 1A sectional semifinal against Serena in Mendota, Ill. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — All-state soccer honors are family traditions in the Anderson and Venvertloh households. The youngest brothers made sure tradition didn’t falter. Quincy Notre Dame senior forward Tanner Anderson and Quincy High School senior midfielder Carter Venvertloh recently were named to the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association all-state team, becoming the second and third…

Read More

Third-quarter blues: Lemont scores 21 straight points after halftime, knocks QHS out of playoffs

Quincy High School linebacker Sawyer Mulherin, left, and linebacker Kory Fletcher try to drag down Lemont's Nate Wrublik during Saturday's Class 6A second-round playoff game at Flinn Stadium. | Photo courtesy Libby Phelps, Quippi staff

QUINCY — Coming out of the halftime locker room, Quincy High School football coach Rick Little and his counterpart at Lemont, Bret Kooi, had to play a bit of a chess game. Kooi’s squad led 17-10. Little had first choice and elected to receive the second half kickoff. Kooi was left to decide whether he…

Read More

Schuckman: Empathy and respect create viral video moment between QHS, Glenwood football players

Quincy High School offensive lineman Cole Wagy, right, kneels down to console Chatham Glenwood linebacker Brock Rogers following last week's Class 6A first-round playoff game in Chatham, Ill. | Photo courtesy Derek Parris, Channel1450.com

QUINCY — Cole Wagy saw beyond the jersey, the helmet and the foe and took note of a fellow football player’s heartache. At that moment, the Quincy High School offensive lineman walked over, knelt down and put his right arm around his ailing adversary. “I didn’t even know his name,” Wagy said. Names aren’t necessary…

Read More

Taking what they’re given: Blue Devils rack up 585 yards, record second playoff victory in school history

The Quincy High School football team's sideline celebrates at the end of Friday night's 49-42 victory over Chatham Glenwood in the opening round of the Class 6A playoffs in Chatham, Ill. | Photo courtesy Samantha Carmean

CHATHAM, Ill. — It’s not supposed to look that easy, especially in the playoffs. The Quincy High School football team racked up 585 yards of total offense, and sophomore quarterback Bradyn Little threw for a school-record 428 yards and four touchdowns as the Blue Devils won a playoff game for just the second time in…

Read More