Posts Tagged ‘Quincy Notre Dame’
Photo gallery: QND soccer team scores early, often to run away from Macomb
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer team scored five goals in the first 10 minutes of Wednesday’s game against Macomb at Advance Physical Therapy Field and rolled to a 10-0 victory. Sage Stratton recorded a hat trick and Jaden Tchapda scored her first varsity goal for the Raiders. Stratton finished a Lilly Schuette…
Read MoreRaiders rack up hits in six-inning victory over Saukees
PITTSFIELD, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame baseball team just keeps hitting. The Raiders collected 12 hits, scored in four of the six innings played Wednesday and rolled to a 14-4 victory over Pittsfield. The Raiders have scored 10 or more runs in eight of their 12 games this season and have collected 10 or…
Read MoreKurk’s first career home run is grandiose as Raiders open lengthy road trip with shutout
RUSHVILLE, Ill. — Colin Kurk’s home-run trot got interrupted. The No. 9 hitter in the Quincy Notre Dame baseball team’s lineup, Kurk cracked what everyone believed to be a grand slam to left-center field in the top of the fifth inning Monday against Rushville-Industry. However, he pulled up rounding second as one umpire called it…
Read MoreStratton ties assist record with four in first half as Raiders roll to victory over Grayhounds
BURLINGTON, Iowa — Sage Stratton’s remarkable start to her prep career — three seasons, three state trophies — now includes a prestigious individual honor. The sophomore tied a Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer program single-half record. Saturday, during an 7-1 victory over Burlington, Stratton assisted on four first-half goals, while scoring one herself. The midfielder…
Read MorePower-packed punch: Tollerton’s opposite-field home run ignites Raiders’ response to early deficit in victory over Titans
QUINCY — No one associated with the Quincy Notre Dame baseball program realized the left-handed hitting Tucker Tollerton had enough pop in his bat to drive a ball over Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial Ballfield’s high fence in left field. Not even Tollerton himself. “I didn’t think I had that much power the opposite way,” he…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND exacts measure of revenge with victory over Chatham Glenwood
QUINCY — A six-run loss to Chatham Glenwood last April was one of only three setbacks the Quincy Notre Dame baseball team suffered last season. That didn’t sit well with the Raiders. Saturday, a five-run first inning propelled the Raiders to a 9-5 victory over the Titans at Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial Ballfield. “We had…
Read More‘I had a job to do’: Miller focuses on taming Hannibal’s hitters, not missed opportunity while pushing QND to one-run victory
QUINCY — Bob Seger sang it a half-century ago, but the words remain meaningful today. In fact, Dalton Miller carried their theme to the mound with him in the top of the seventh inning Wednesday. Turn the page. Leading Hannibal by a run in the bottom of the sixth inning at Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial…
Read MoreRaiders taking ‘lot of positive steps’ as three-goal victory over Pirates indicates
HANNIBAL, Mo. — Mark Longo is confident the best is yet to come for Quincy Notre Dame’s girls soccer team. “We’re still a long way from where we need to be, but we’ll be OK,” said Longo, now in his 33rd season as Raiders coach. Longo had just watched QND down Hannibal 5-2, erupting for…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND, Hannibal baseball teams square off in one-run game
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame baseball team’s 4-3 victory over Hannibal on Wednesday at Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial Ballfield proved neither is going to be an easy out in the postseason, not when solid pitching and opportunistic play offensively are at the core. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured the action from Wednesday’s…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND, Hannibal engage in physical battle on Veterans sports complex soccer pitch
HANNIBAL, Mo. — The physical play of the Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer team and the second-half intensity of the attack brought about by senior forward Lia Quintero and sophomore forward Makalya Patton led to a 5-2 victory over Hannibal on Wednesday at Veterans Field. Photographer Mathew Kirby put together this photo gallery from the…
Read MoreBunte’s effort in circle, Raiders’ ability to play with ‘speed and power’ leads to victory over Rockets
QUINCY — Perched at first base, Addi Zanger gets a daily bird’s-eye view of Caitlin Bunte in the pitcher’s circle. Most games, it can be a little monotonous, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. “I don’t really do anything,” Zanger said with a chuckle. “She rolls us a lot of ground balls which is…
Read MoreRaiders find success can be blowing in the wind with another offensive outburst
QUINCY — Put on a pitch limit Saturday, Quincy Notre Dame right-hander Tyler Dance knew he needed to be efficient and aggressive. Being backed by a born-to-hit lineup made that easy. Dance threw three scoreless innings, his teammates collected 17 hits and the QND baseball team capped a run-filled week with a 19-0, four-inning victory…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND baseball team muscles up in windy conditions to dispatch Jacksonville
QUINCY — Blustery conditions at Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial Ballfield didn’t alter the Quincy Notre Dame baseball players’ approach at the bat. The Raiders simply keep on swinging. QND collected 17 hits, including five for extra bases, in a 19-0 whitewashing of Jacksonville on Saturday. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured the action for…
Read More‘I knew I had to prove myself’: Kenning owns strike zone, Raiders bounce back with complete effort
QUINCY — Taking the mound one night after four pitchers combined to walk seven batters and uncork five wild pitches in the Quincy Notre Dame baseball team’s first loss of the season, Evan Kenning knew what he was up against. “The pressure was kind of on to throw strikes,” he said. “I knew I had…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND baseball team bounces back with victory over Palmyra at The Ferd
QUINCY — Humbled by Monday’s loss to Hersey, the Quincy Notre Dame baseball team responded with Evan Kenning striking out 10 batters over five innings and Brady Kindhart and Alex Connoyer each hitting a home run in Tuesday’s 10-2 victory over Palmyra at The Ferd. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman put together this photo…
Read MoreQND softball team capitalizes on scoring chances, Bunte powers Raiders to victory over Mustangs
MENDON, Ill. — Opportunistic or powerful describes the Quincy Notre Dame softball team’s offense depending on the situation. In the first inning of Tuesday’s West Central Conference game against Unity, the Raiders seized the moment as Brooke Boden followed an error that put runners at the corners by stroking a two-run double to right field.…
Read MoreSecond-half surge carries Blue Devils to three-goal victory in crosstown showdown
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS beats QND in first of two girls soccer crosstown showdowns
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…
Read MoreFit to be tied: Blue Devils play to pair of scoreless draws, Raiders end tourney with stalemate
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…
Read MoreRaiders capitalize on opportunities, hold opposing bats at bay in sweeping season-opening twinbill
QUINCY — Strong pitching, clutch hitting and solid defense. Put those three together and you end up with the results the Quincy Notre Dame softball team enjoyed Saturday during its season-opening games at The Backyard. The Raiders saw Carly Gilker and Caitlin Bunte combine to throw a one-hitter in a 5-0 victory over Calhoun and…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QHS, QND girls soccer teams wrap up play in QHS Tournament
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…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND softball team opens season by sweeping pair of games at The Backyard
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame softball team put together strong pitching performances and opportunistic at-bats to beat Calhoun 5-0 and Illini West 13-2 on Saturday in its season-opening games at The Backyard. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured some of the action for this photo gallery:
Read MoreRaiders suffer first loss of season, unable to find energy against Rams in QHS Tournament opener
QUINCY — Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer coach Mark Longo decided to give his players an opportunity to recharge Thursday, holding a meeting instead of a light practice after playing back-to-back days. “Even at that meeting, I could tell they were tired,” he said. Friday, little changed. The Raiders were outhustled and outplayed in a…
Read MoreQuintero’s goal in second overtime lifts Raiders to road victory over Helias
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — After playing 90 scoreless minutes, the Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer team needed just 30 seconds to end the drought. Lia Quintero scored off a rebound a half-minute into the second overtime Wednesday, lifting the Raiders to a 1-0 victory over Jefferson City Helias at the Crusader Athletic Complex. It is…
Read MoreStupavsky, Raiders get charge out of opening season with first-inning outburst
QUINCY — As much as he felt like he barreled the ball and put a legitimate charge into it, Michael Stupavsky could tell where it was headed. Foul territory. “After I hit that one, I wanted that back,” the Quincy Notre Dame baseball team’s senior catcher said of the ball he hit in the first…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND baseball team opens season with victory over Illini West
QUINCY — A seven-run outburst in the bottom of the first inning, three-plus innings of relief from a sophomore right-hander making his varsity debut and the first victory for new Quincy Notre Dame baseball coach Rich Polak made Tuesday’s game against Illini West complete. The Raiders won 8-3 at Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial Ballfield, and…
Read MorePatton’s hat trick helps Raiders avenge loss from last season, shut out Eagles in home opener
QUINCY — Makayla Patton believes passing, persistence and patience are going to lead to scoring opportunities for the Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer team. “It’s what we’re doing really well so far this season,” the sophomore forward said. Tuesday, in the home opener at Advance Physical Therapy Field, the Raiders also added precision to mix.…
Read MoreQND softball team ready to chase another regional title with potent lineup still intact
QUINCY — Eric Orne says the Quincy Notre Dame softball team is more interested in the long haul, rather than immediate dividends. “We hope to be playing our best ball in May,” said Orne, beginning his 26th campaign as QND’s head coach. “We’ve got a strong schedule designed to help us get ready for the…
Read MoreChampionship aspirations: Depth, talent, know-how give QND baseball players confidence they can chase state title
QUINCY — Dalton Miller admits the luxury of experience and camaraderie enjoyed by the Quincy Notre Dame baseball team can get taken for granted. “We’ve been playing together for so long it’s a security I’ve become numb to almost,” the senior first baseman said. “Sometimes I can’t say I appreciate the security of my teammates…
Read MoreQuintero records hat trick in second game back from injury, Raiders whitewash another opponent
RIVERTON, Ill. — Welcome back, Gearshift. Lia Quintero, the Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer team’s senior forward who has said her gameday hairstyle resembles a gearshift, is showing no signs of being slowed by the knee injury she suffered in the final minutes of last season’s Class 1A state semifinal victory. After scoring twice in…
Read MoreSchuck on a Truck: QND girls basketball team celebrates its Class 2A third-place state finish
QUINCY — With spring break taking place on the backend of the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team’s third-place finish at the Class 2A state tournament, the Raiders had to wait an extra week for their fire truck ride and welcome home celebration. The time lapse gave the Raiders time to appreciate all they had…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND celebrates girls basketball team’s Class 2A third-place state finish
QUINCY — With spring break scheduled immediately after the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team won the third-place trophy at the Class 2A state tournament at Illinois State University’s Redbird Arena, the welcome home celebration had to be put on hold. Tuesday, the Raiders finally were able to enjoy their fire truck ride and the…
Read MoreReigning state champion Raiders open season with strong second-half effort
HILLSBORO, Ill. — The title defense began somewhat slow. In 32-degree weather, what else would you expect? The Quincy Notre Dame girls soccer team, the reigning Class 1A state champion, led 1-0 at halftime of Monday’s season opener with sophomore Lilly Schuette scoring her first goal with the Raiders six minutes before the break. In…
Read MoreTitle defense no easy task, but QND girls soccer team’s experience makes defending crown possible
QUINCY — Watching the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team fall short of its goal of defending its Class 2A state championship made the QND girls soccer players realize a very important fact. Repeating isn’t easy. So as the Raiders embark on their own title defense — the reigning Class 1A state champions who went…
Read MoreCapping it the right way: QND rebounds from semifinal loss to win third-place game
NORMAL, ill. — Denied their chance at making history, the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball players wouldn’t be denied their shot at redemption. An opportunity to reminisce came with it, too. Forced to play the third-place game of the Class 2A state tournament less than three hours after losing to Breese Mater Dei in the…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND beats Chicago Butler to finish third at Class 2A state tournament
NORMAL, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team found a way to push their tears and frustration aside following a loss in the semifinals of the Class 2A state tournament and rebounded for a 66-57 victory over Chicago Butler College Prep late Thursday evening at Illinois State University’s Redbird Arena. Muddy River Sports…
Read MoreQND’s dream of back-to-back state titles gets dashed with semifinal loss to Mater Dei
NORMAL, Ill. — The coaching adage “you can’t teach size” needs to come with a addendum. It would read, “You can’t always combat it either.” The Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team discovered how true that can be Thursday. Forced to contend with Breese Mater Dei’s Alyssa Koerkenmeier — a 6-foot-5 sophomore forward — and…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND loses to Breese Mater Dei in Class 2A state semifinals
NORMAL, Ill. — The chance to defend its Class 2A state championship eluded the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team after the Raiders fell 61-54 to Breese Mater Dei in Thursday’s semifinals of the state tournament at Illinois State University’s Redbird Arena. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman put together this gallery of images he…
Read MoreMUDDY RIVER BREAKDOWN: The postseason herd thins
Matt Schuckman and Ben Marth breakdown the heavy area postseason hoops action this week and talk about how Eric Orne and his Quincy Notre Dame dynasty should be recognized.
Read MoreQND’s Schreacke is top vote-getter once again for Associated Press Class 2A all-state team
QUINCY — Only two girls basketball players across Illinois were named first-team all-staters on every ballot submitted by the Associated Press panel of voters. It’s no surprise Abbey Schreacke was one of them. The Quincy Notre Dame senior guard was the leading vote-getter in Class 2A for the second straight year after guiding the top-ranked…
Read MoreAfter disastrous first half, Raiders’ valiant comeback comes up short in sectional semifinal
PLEASANT PLAINS, Ill. — Sure, the players on the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team were pleased with their play in the second half. The Raiders got as close as 10 points with 5:09 remaining, but Normal University High made 8 of 10 free throws in the final three minutes to seal a 72-49 victory…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Raiders’ 11-game winning streak snapped by No. 3-ranked Normal U High
PLEASANT PLAINS, Ill. — The No. 3-ranked Normal University High boys basketball team raced to a 30-7 lead after one quarter and led by as many as 30 points in a 72-49 victory over Quincy Notre Dame in the Class 2A sectional semifinals on Friday night at Pleasant Plains High School. MRN Editor David Adam…
Read MoreReturn to Redbird: Raiders blanket Chiefs with defensive pressure, earn spot in Class 2A final four
MACOMB, Ill. — The realization they’d achieved a significant goal meant a larger one is now within the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball players’ reach. It also means the Raiders must maintain a workmanlike effort with everything they do. They made it abundantly clear that’s how they will approach the Class 2A final four after…
Read MoreRaiders’ balance offensively puts Chiefs’ defense in bind in super-sectional matchup
MACOMB, Ill. — A year ago, Tristan Pieper had to watch somewhat from afar as the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team won the Class 2A state championship. “The very top of the student section,” Pieper said of her seat in Redbird Arena. The view will be quite different this year. “Of course, it will,”…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND wins Class 2A super-sectional and advances to final four at Redbird Arena
MACOMB, Ill. — A 15-0 run over the final five minutes of the first half put the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team in complete control of its 51-23 victory over Deer Creek-Mackinaw in the Class 2A Macomb Super-Sectional on Monday night at The Hangar, earning the Raiders a spot in the final four. Muddy…
Read MoreHoyt delivers on cue as Raiders beat Titans to capture Class 2A regional championship
QUINCY — Jake Hoyt made sure the playful razzing he received ended with an exclamation point. At Friday’s pregame shootaround, the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball coaches ran a set play for their senior point guard to shoot a 3-pointer and Hoyt missed the first attempt. “We teased him a little bit,” Raiders coach Kevin…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND boys run winning streak to 11 with regional title victory at home over West Hancock
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team won the Class 2A regional championship on Friday night at the Pit with a 63-46 victory over West Hancock. It was the Raiders’ second victory over the Titans in the last 10 nights. MRN Editor David Adam captured some of the images from the game.
Read MoreFreshmen don’t wither in spotlight, help QND girls capture sectional title over Central-Southeastern
PLEASANT PLAINS, Ill. — Central-Southeastern girls basketball coach Matt Long was asked any advice he has for the seven teams left in the Class 2A state tournament for how to beat Quincy Notre Dame. “It’s only happened once,” he said succinctly. “Good luck.” The No. 1-ranked Raiders took early command of Thursday night’s sectional championship…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Winning streak for QND girls hits 26 straight after sectional title
PLEASANT PLAINS, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team, the defending Class 2A state champion, won its 26th consecutive game on Thursday night with a 44-29 decision over Central-Southeastern in the sectional championship at Pleasant Plains High School. MRN Editor David Adam captured some of the images from the game.
Read MoreRaiders’ size, experience takes over in second half, carries them into regional championship game
QUINCY — A combination of size and experience can carry a team. It’s what helped lift the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team to a sectional championship appearance a year ago. Wednesday night’s start to the postseason showed the Raiders are banking on it again. Senior post players Jake Wallingford and Alex Connoyer dominated on…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND, West Hancock advance to championship of Class 2A regional
QUINCY — A little more than a week after the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team secured its 20th victory of the season by beating West Hancock, the Raiders will have to do so again to keep their season alive. QND advanced to the championship game of the Class 2A QND Regional with a 75-47…
Read MoreOne for the Road: QND girls play first game outside Adams County in 45 days, steamroll Hillsboro in sectional semifinal
PLEASANT PLAINS, Ill. — After playing 13 consecutive games in Adams County, Quincy Notre Dame coach Eric Orne thought his team needed to pack its bags and hit the road. The Raiders were 16-0 at The Pit this season, concluding with an emotional and demanding 54-43 victory over Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin in the championship game…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND girls have little trouble with Hillsboro, reach sectional title game
PLEASANT PLAINS, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team went on a 30-6 run in the first half, then opened the second half with a 19-2 run as they had no problem defeating Hillsboro 67-30 in the semifinals of the Class 2A Sectional at Pleasant Plains High School on Tuesday night. MRN Editor…
Read MoreSchuckman: Gem City basketball teams set new standard with all reaching 20-victory plateau
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…
Read MoreRaiders learn lesson, rally to edge Keokuk in overtime in regular season finale
KEOKUK, Iowa — A trip to Wright Fieldhouse in Keokuk and a 69-65 overtime victory provided the Quincy Notre Dame Raiders boys basketball team with an important lesson with postseason play starting. “One thing we learned is that you can’t come out flat starting tomorrow,” Raiders coach Kevin Meyer said. “You’ve got to come out…
Read MoreEftink’s steal and score provides fourth-quarter spark as QND girls advance to sectional
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team was in unexpected trouble. The No. 1-ranked team in Class 2A led comfortably 47-31 with about five minutes left in the third quarter of Thursday night’s regional championship game at The Pit. However, Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin went on a 14-2 run, culminated by Caroline Lambert’s backdoor…
Read MoreAdam: ‘I’m going to miss it a lot’; Schreacke, Eftink cherish final game at The Pit
QUINCY — A range of emotions washed over the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team in a matter of moments on Thursday night. First was a sense of relief after the Raiders thwarted an upset bid by Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin, which got as close as four points in the fourth quarter before the hosts won…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND girls knock off Sacred Heart-Griffin to win regional on home court
The Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team posted a 54-43 victory over Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin on Thursday to claim their 30th regional championship in school history. QND (31-1) advances to Tuesday’s 6 p.m. semifinal in the Class 2A sectional at Pleasant Plains. MRN Editor David Adam captured some of the scenes from Thursday.
Read MoreConnoyer finds hole in West Hancock defense, scores 19 points to help Raiders win 20th game
QUINCY — In the aftermath of Quincy Notre Dame’s 20th victory of the season on Tuesday night, Charlie Lavery was quick to point out the importance of his senior teammate Alex Connoyer. “Without him, we’re in trouble,” Lavery said. Connoyer scored 11 of his game-high 19 points in the third quarter to help the Raiders pull…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Quincy Notre Dame boys pull away in second half to beat West Hancock
The Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team pulled away in the second half to defeat West Hancock 73-56 on Senior Night at The Pit. Muddy River News Editor David Adam captured some of the action.
Read MoreTop-ranked Raiders roll to regional victory over West Hancock; Illini West’s upset bid thwarted by No. 7 SHG
QUINCY — One down. Six to go. The Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team opened its quest for a second straight state championship with a 79-33 victory over West Hancock in the Class 2A regional semifinals Monday night at The Pit. Granted, QND (30-1) was a heavy favorite, but there was no chance of overconfidence…
Read MorePhoto Gallery: Scenes from West Hancock vs. QND in Class 2A regional semifinal
The Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team opened its quest for a second straight state championship with a 79-33 victory over West Hancock in the Class 2A regional semifinals Monday night at The Pit. MRN Editor David Adam captured images from the game.
Read MoreCrim: QND’s quest to repeat bookends four decades of championship success that began with 1983 title team
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team begins its quest this week for a second consecutive Illinois Class 2A state championship and seventh overall in program history. Only Chicago Marshall with eight has captured more titles since the first girls champion was crowned in 1977. Adding to the potential legacy of another first-place…
Read MoreRaiders share scoring wealth in whitewashing of Rockets in WCC road game
RUSHVILLE, Ill. — The unselfishness that leads to offensive balance was on display Saturday night, and it’s going to have to become a hallmark of the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team in order for the Raiders to make a deep postseason push. The Raiders had four players finish in double figures, saw 11 different…
Read MoreQND girls take down another state-ranked foe as primer for their state championship defense
QUINCY — The physical toll playing a schedule loaded with state-ranked opponents doesn’t seem to have bothered the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team one iota. Some of the Raiders even relish playing — and winning — those rough-and-tumble affairs. “I like physical games,” QND senior guard Blair Eftink said. “I think it gives everyone…
Read MoreSecond-quarter shutout shows Raiders how dominant they can be defensively
QUINCY — Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball coach Kevin Meyer could have waited another 35 seconds until the first quarter ended to address the issues he saw with how the Raiders were interacting defensively. It wouldn’t have had the same impact. So when Liberty coach Greg Altmix used a timeout with 34.8 seconds remaining in…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND girls, boys win Friday night games at The Pit
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team wrapped up its regular season with a 52-47 victory over Jefferson City (Mo.) Helias on Friday night at The Pit. Shortly thereafter, the QND boys earned a 66-37 West Central Conference victory over Liberty. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured the action sitting courtside. Here…
Read MoreIllinois girls basketball state rankings: Four area teams sit in top five in final regular-season poll
Here are the girls prep basketball polls with rank, team, first-place votes, record and total points. Class 4A School W-L Pts Prv 1. Fremd (4) 27-2 65 1 2. Bolingbrook (1) 24-3 62 2 3. Alton (1) 27-1 56 4 4. Geneva (1) 24-3 55 3 5. Kenwood 25-4 39 5 6. O’Fallon 27-4 33…
Read More‘There’s no time to waste’: Schreacke’s quick start, Raiders’ overwhelming effort sends message
QUINCY — It took six seconds to deliver a message every girls basketball team in the Class 2A Pleasant Plains Sectional had to hear. The defending state champion isn’t in the mood to relinquish the throne. Abbey Schreacke won the opening tip, rolled into the frontcourt, took a pass from Quincy Notre Dame teammate Ari…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND girls gain measure of revenge by beating Brimfield
QUINCY — Although it became nothing more than a momentary blip on the way to a state championship, the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball players never forgot what it was like to suffer a 24-point loss at Brimfield late in the regular season in 2022. It made Tuesday night’s 67-37 victory over the Indians, the…
Read MoreRaiders earn opportunity to rest and recover after winning fourth game in five-day span
MENDON, Ill. — An overloaded stretch of games came at an opportune time for the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team. Now that a four-games-in-five-days binge is complete — the Raiders won all four of those games — they’ve earned the chance to recover, regroup and re-energize themselves for another barrage of challenges heading into…
Read MoreShort-handed Suns no match for revved-up Raiders over final three quarters
AUGUSTA, Ill. — The Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team could sympathize watching Southeastern all-state senior forward Danny Stephens walk to mid-court during Monday’s senior night festivities in street clothes, unable to play in the highly anticipated showdown between two of the area’s top teams. “We just went through it,” QND coach Kevin Meyer said.…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Scenes from Saturday’s Superfan Shootout at The Pit
QUINCY — Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent Saturday inside Quincy Notre Dame’s The Pit watching the KHQA-American Family Insurance Superfan Shootout unfold. Here are some of the images he captured throughout the day:
Read MoreRyner, Hoge capture regional championships for Bombers, 12 other wrestlers advance to sectionals
MACOMB, Ill. — A pair of Macomb wrestlers won Class 1A regional titles and led a brigade of area wrestlers who qualified for the Clinton Sectional. Bombers senior Max Ryner improved to 45-2 with his championship at 195 pounds, while Macomb senior Carter Hoge will take a 42-6 record to sectionals after winning the title…
Read MoreHammer time: QND girls use 3-point barrage in first three minutes to put South Shelby on its heels
QUINCY — Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball Eric Orne left Abbey Schreacke with something to think about. “He told me before the game to just drop the hammer,” Schreacke said. When the Raiders won the opening tip against South Shelby in Saturday’s marquee matchup of the KHQA-American Family Insurance Superfan Shootout at The Pit, the…
Read MoreInside, outside, upside, down: Ability to run offense through Connoyer in paint allows Raiders to roll Bearcats in Shootout finale
QUINCY — Alex Connoyer established a trend the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team needs to follow if its season is going to last another five weeks. Starting with the first time he touched the ball Saturday night through his final offensive possession in the 67-40 victory over Cairo (Mo.) Northeast at The Pit, the…
Read MoreGem City dandy: Raiders’ Schreacke becomes top-scoring player at either Quincy high school
QUINCY — For Abbey Schreacke, the distractions tied to individual accomplishments have officially been laid to rest. She now can fully concentrate on trying to help the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team win a second straight Class 2A state championship. The 6-foot-1 wunderkind scored 22 points Friday night to lead the Raiders to an…
Read MoreWallingford’s return helps Raiders kickstart Shootout weekend with victory over Indians
QUINCY — The gentle giant is back. Jake Wallingford, the soft-spoken big man with an even softer jump shot, is once again an integral part of the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team. The 6-foot-8 senior made his season debut Friday night, helping QND to a 70-42 victory over Payson Seymour in the KHQA-American Family…
Read MoreIllinois girls basketball state rankings: QND, CSE, Brown County, Unity all remain in polls
Here are the Illinois girls prep basketball polls with rank, team, first-place votes, record, total points and previous ranking. Class 4A School W-L Pts Prv 1. Fremd (3) 24-2 55 2 2. Bolingbrook (2) 22-3 51 4 3. Geneva (1) 21-3 50 3 4. Alton 25-1 48 1 5. Kenwood 23-4 33 8 6. O’Fallon…
Read MoreRetribution is hers: Schreacke leads Raiders to victory in final crosstown showdown appearance
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 MorePhoto gallery: QHS, QND girls basketball teams square off at Blue Devil Gym
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 MoreIllinois girls state basketball rankings: Brown County, Unity sit back-to-back at Nos. 4 and 5
Here are the girls prep basketball polls with rank, team, first-place votes, record, total points and previous ranking. Class 4A School W-L Pts Prv 1. Alton (7) 24-0 79 2 2. Fremd 22-2 69 3 3. Geneva (1) 19-3 59 4 4. Bolingbrook 21-3 58 1 5. Normal Community 23-2 37 6 6. Whitney Young…
Read MoreSurging at right time gives Raiders momentum with plenty of practice on horizon
QUINCY — The stage at which the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team found itself — both in Tuesday night’s game and its season — screamed of a need for momentum. Charlie Lavery provided it. With QND leading Illini West 24-23 with 2 minutes, 10 seconds remaining in the first half at The Pit, the…
Read MoreQND underclassmen seize opportunity for playing time, develop some long-term confidence
QUINCY — The day is coming, and the underclassmen on the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team are keenly aware of it. Abbey Schreacke, Blair Eftink and the rest of the seniors who have engineered a remarkable run of success for Class 2A’s defending state champion and current No. 1-ranked team will graduate. That’s when…
Read MoreRaiders win 15th straight game as Schreacke is ‘just a force we never stopped’
QUINCY — For the second game in a row, the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team raced out to a 20-point lead. And for the second game in a row, a lack of focus set in. The lead never dipped below double digits as the Raiders knocked off Bloomington Central Catholic 67-51 Saturday afternoon at…
Read MoreDefensive traction not enough to turn tide in QND’s favor in setback against Father Tolton
QUINCY — The traction gained repeatedly on defense didn’t translate to offensive efficiency, handcuffing the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team in its comeback effort Friday night. Despite holding Columbia (Mo.) Father Tolton to a pair of fourth-quarter field goals, the Raiders managed just three field goals themselves, resulting in a 49-41 loss in the…
Read MoreBig leads force top-ranked Raiders to dig deep to stay focused and energetic
QUINCY — Maybe this was inevitable. Coming off a 53-point victory and riding the momentum of a double-digit win streak, the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team built a 21-point halftime lead Thursday night against Illini West. That’s when it happened. Complacency set in. The Raiders, ranked No. 1 in Class 2A, were never in…
Read MoreSaints fend off Raiders’ comeback, set stage for potential sectional rematch
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — Until we meet again. That’s how Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball coach Kevin Meyer approached Monday’s 79-71 loss to Bloomington Central Catholic in the final game of the MLK Shootout at Cvengros Gym. Using history as a barometer, these two private schools could be on a collision course for another sectional showdown.…
Read MoreQND girls click on all cylinders, completely dismantle Rock Island to reach 20-victory plateau
QUINCY — Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball coach Eric Orne felt it was only a matter of time before an opponent witnessed the best his team had to offer. Rock Island can testify to how good that can be. The top-ranked team in Class 2A pitched a first-quarter shutout on its way to a one-sided…
Read MorePhoto gallery: Championship matches of Quincy wrestling invitational
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 MoreSeniors help guide Raiders’ rally against Farmers, enable QND boys to capture pair of victories
BLOOMINGTON, Ill. — The doubleheader sweep the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team needed to set up an epic Monday matinee was in jeopardy from the start late Saturday afternoon. By the end, though, the Raiders had found a way to survive. Alex Connoyer’s putback of a missed free throw with 32 seconds remaining in…
Read MoreWith baseball in his blood, Polak brings passion to new role as QND’s skipper
QUINCy — Rich Polak was where you’d expect him to be on a wintry Thursday night. Throwing pitches and teaching swing mechanics. “Baseball is my life,” he said. It’s his livelihood and his passion, too. So for the owner of Complete Game Training Academy, coaching the game comes naturally. His fit as the new Quincy…
Read MoreAll eyes on them: Top-ranked Raiders match hype of return home with balanced scoring in victory
QUINCY — After seeing the volleyball team’s creative use of The Pit’s videoboards, which were installed last spring, the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball players wanted to have their turn implementing hype videos. Initially, Raiders coach Eric Orne hedged. “He told us we had to earn it with the December stretch that we had and…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND girls basketball team returns to The Pit against Rochester
QUINCY — Playing its first game on its home floor in more than a month gave the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team the chance to re-engage with its home crowd and showcase the kind of balanced scoring needed to succeed in the postseason. The Raiders accomplished that with a 51-41 victory over Rochester. Muddy…
Read MoreIllinois girls basketball state rankings: QND stays atop Class 2A, Unity and Brown County in top five
Here are the Illinois girls prep basketball polls with rank, team, first-place votes, record and total points: Class 4A School W-L Pts Prv 1. Geneva (5) 14-2 72 2 2. Fremd (2) 17-1 67 1 3. Bolingbrook (1) 14-1 62 4 4. Alton 17-0 61 6 5. Normal Community 18-0 38 5 6. Maine South…
Read More‘All I know is it was close’: Officials rule Hoyt’s 3-pointer comes split-second late as Raiders fall
HIGHLAND, Ill. — Jake Hoyt was very diplomatic with his answer when asked if the 3-pointer he launched as time expired beat the buzzer. “All I know is that it was close,” he said. Close enough for a debate. With the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team trailing Highland by three points and 2.5 seconds…
Read MoreSchreacke, Raiders return to action with vengeance, topple another state-ranked foe
BREESE, Ill. — Rebounding for his all-state guard while she shot around at The Pit on Friday, Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball coach Eric Orne noticed something a little different. Abbey Schreacke got her groove back. Not that she ever truly lost it, but playing 14 games in the first 21 days of December had…
Read MoreRaiders continue to zero in on letting defense dictate success, quiet Saukees’ offense
QUINCY — The scoreboard lacked the zero the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball players yearned to see. A goose egg in the scorebook sufficed. The Raiders held Pittsfield without a field goal in the first quarter Friday night at The Pit, allowing only a single Adam Musgrave free throw while building a 13-1 advantage. The…
Read MorePhoto gallery: QND boys basketball team faces Pittsfield at The Pit
QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team won its fourth straight game Friday night, beating Pittsfield 52-30 after allowing the Saukees just 15 points through the first three quarters. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman captured the action through his camera lens. Check out his photo gallery:
Read MoreRaiders nearly post first-quarter shutout, start taxing weekend by overwhelming Wildcats
BARRY, Ill. — As the minutes dwindled and the lead grew Thursday night, Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball coach Kevin Meyer could sense a growing challenge among his players. The Raiders wanted to pitch a first-quarter shutout. For nearly seven minutes, they did. QND raced to a 23-0 lead before Mason Smith ended Western’s scoring…
Read More