Illinois boys basketball state rankings: Blue Devils bump to No. 3, Titans hang in at No. 10

Senior forward Keshaun Thomas, right, and the Blue Devils improved one spot in the Class 4A state poll this week, checking in at No. 3. | Matt Schuckman photo

CHICAGO — Here are the latest Associated Press Illinois boys basketball state rankings, as voted on by a panel of sportswriters and sportscasters from throughout the stat. First-place votes are in parenthesis: Class 4A Rank School Total Points Previous 1. Kenwood (4) (5-0) 112 3 2. Homewood-Flossmoor (6) (7-0) 97 2 3. Quincy (6-0) 81…

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Illinois boys basketball state rankings: QHS sits at No. 4 in Class 4A, West Hancock No. 8 in Class 2A

The Quincy High School boys basketball is ranked No. 4 in the Associated Press Class 4A state poll to open the season. | Matt Schuckman photo

CHICAGO — Here is a look at the first Illinois Associated Press boys basketball state rankings, as voted on by a panel of sports writers and sportscasters from throughout the state: Class 4A Rank School Total Points 1. Gurnee Warren (5) (4-0) 76   2. Homewood-Flossmoor (2) (4-0) 67   3. Kenwood (2-0) 63  …

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Etched in history: Chargers fight way back to postseason play with fifth straight victory

Illini West running back Nick Johnson, left, follows the lead block of Chase Yelton for yardage during Friday night's game against West Hancock in Hamilton, Ill. | Shane Hulsey photo

HAMILTON, Ill. — Friday was a light day in weight training class for Illini West senior wide receiver and defensive back Tre Niederman, but his thoughts weighed heavily on him. As Niederman walked the track at Fuzz Berges Field during that class — Illini West football assistant coach Michael Lafferty, who teaches the class, was…

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Photo gallery: QND girls golf team wins West Central Conference championship

Quincy Notre Dame's Nancy Scholz tees off during Tuesday's West Central Conference championships at Westview Golf Course. | Shane Hulsey photo

To purchase digital downloads or prints of Muddy River Sports photos,click here to visit our SmugMug site. QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame girls golf team conquered the elements Tuesday on its way to a West Central Conference title. The Raiders’ top four golfers posted a 333 on holes 10 through 27 at a damp…

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Chargers rally to knock off Panthers as Lady Suns Classic rolls toward championship Saturday

From left, Illini West's Reagan Reed, Kennedy Gunning and Abi White celebrate Gunning's shot on set point against Camp Point Central on Thursday night in the Lady Suns Classic in Augusta, Ill. | Shane Hulsey photo

AUGUSTA, Ill. — Kennedy Gunning’s reaction said it all. In a rematch of a three-set roller coaster that took place just nine days ago, Gunning delivered the game-winning kill for the Illini West volleyball team in a 20-25, 25-18, 15-11 victory over Camp Point Central in Lady Suns Classic pool play Thursday. Her subsequent celebration…

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Countdown to kickoff: Titans believe abundance of offensive weapons will lead to renewed success

West Hancock football coach Coy Dorothy, right, works with quarterback Bryce Varner during a practice for the upcoming season. | Shane Hulsey photo

Coverage of the West Hancock football program is brought to you by: HAMILTON, Ill. — A change in scheme yielded substantial offensive improvements for the West Hancock football team in 2023. If the Titans take a similar leap forward in 2024, it will be with a new quarterback who set a school record at wide…

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West Hancock’s Woodworth ready to have hand in helping Illinois girls win Muddy River Showcase

West Hancock's Lillie Woodworth recovered in time from a right hand injury suffered playing softball April 5 to play in this Saturday's Muddy River Showcase at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Shane Hulsey photo

QUINCY — Lillie Woodworth’s hand has healed, and she’s ready to go. That’s not good news for the Missouri all-stars. Two months after suffering a pair of broken bones in her right hand playing softball, the West Hancock all-state basketball player is back playing in open gyms at her future college home — Lincoln Land…

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School record, state medals highlight final day of Illinois girls track and field championships

Quincy High School's Sasha Betz competes in the 100-meter dash in the wheelchair division of the Illinois girls state track and field championships Saturday at O'Brien Stadium in Charleston, Ill. | Photo courtesy Clark Brooks, PhotoNews Media

CHARLESTON, Ill. — A school record to go along with a state medal isn’t too shabby of a way to end the season. The Camp Point Central girls 4×100-meter relay team accomplished that feat Saturday at Eastern Illinois University’s O’Brien Stadium, finishing in fifth place at the Class 1A state track and field championships.  The…

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Mustangs’ Barry qualifies for finals in three events at Class 1A state track championships

Mendon Unity sophomore Saylor Barry lands in the sandpit on one of her attempts in the long jump during Thursday's preliminaries in the Class 1A girls state track and field championships at O'Brien Stadium in Charleston, Ill. | Photo courtesy Clark Brooks, PhotoNews Media

CHARLESTON, Ill. — The Mendon Unity girls track and field program hasn’t had an individual or relay state champion in more than 40 years. Saylor Barry has given herself three chances to make history. The Unity sophomore qualified for the finals in three individual events during Thursday’s preliminaries in the Class 1A state championships at…

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Chargers’ Bentzinger qualifies for state track meet in four events, Titans’ Gooding breaks triple jump record

Illini West senior sprinter Ian Bentzinger qualified for the Class 1A state track and field championships in four events during Wednesday's Rushville-Industry Sectional. | Photo courtesy Illini West track and field

FARMINGTON, Ill. — Ian Bentzinger is sprinting his way toward a shot at a state championship, and the Illini West senior will have four chances at that. Bentzinger qualified for the Class 1A state track and field championships in four events during Wednesday’s Farmington Sectional, winning both the 100- and 200-meter dashes and running a…

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‘The ball is going to find you’: Hendrian’s play off bench gives Raiders needed lift

Quincy Notre Dame first baseman Noah Lunt stretches to catch a throw to force out West Hancock's Gage Scott in the top of the first inning Monday at Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial Ballfield. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Elliott Hendrian might as well have taken a flashing neon sign screaming “Hit it here” with him to second base. The baseball gods were well aware he was there. Quincy Notre Dame coach Rich Polak made an abrupt switch in the top of the fourth inning Monday, pulling starting second baseman Oliver Triplett…

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Photo gallery: QND, West Hancock square off in WCC baseball battle

West Hancock pitcher Gage Scott tags out Quincy Notre Dame's Abram Wiewel on a groundout in the fifth inning that allowed a run to score in the Raiders' 3-1 victory at Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial Ballfield. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A pitcher’s duel turned in the favor of the Quincy Notre Dame baseball team when the Raiders were able to manufacture a pair of runs in the fifth inning of Monday’s 3-1 victory over West Hancock in West Central Conference action at Ferd Niemann Jr. Memorial Ballfield. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman…

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Photo gallery: Competitive games highlight QND softball slam at The Backyard

Pittsfield's Lila Simon barehands a ball during Saturday's action at The Backyard at Quincy Notre Dame. | Shane Hulsey photo

QUINCY — The rain stayed away Saturday, which led to a competitive day of softball at The Backyard as four area teams took part in the Quincy Notre Dame softball slam. Muddy River Sports Writer Shane Hulsey spent time at The Backyard and put together this photo gallery:

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‘See ball, hit ball’: Simple approach with runners on base enables Raiders to pick up WCC victory

Quincy Notre Dame's Mara Becks, left, celebrates her RBI single in the fourth inning of Wednesday's game against West Hancock with first base coach Caitlyn Hickerson. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — Alyssa Ley tried not to let any grand illusions cross her mind. Stepping to the plate with the bases loaded in the fifth inning of a one-run game, the Quincy Notre Dame softball team’s junior shortstop roped a double the opposite way to right field to drive in two runs. Lauren Miller followed…

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Photo gallery: QND, West Hancock engage in key conference showdown at The Backyard

Quincy Notre Dame shortstop Alyssa Ley puts a tag on West Hancock's Camie Montgomery, who safely stole second base in the second inning of Wednesday's game at The Backyard. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A four-run fifth inning that featured back-to-back run-scoring hits to the opposite field lifted the Quincy Notre Dame softball team to a 6-1 victory over West Hancock in a West Central Conference matchup Wednesday at The Backyard. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent some time at The Backyard and put together this…

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CSE’s Miller leads brigade of area girls players receiving all-state honors from IBCA

Central-Southeastern junior forward Lauren Miller received Class 2A first-team all-state honors from the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association. | Addi Zanger photo

QUINCY — Lauren Miller’s ability to create scoring opportunities for herself and her Central-Southeastern girls basketball teammates elevated her game to that of a first-team all-stater. The 5-foot-10 junior forward was named to the Class 2A all-state first team by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association, one of three CSE players to be honored by the…

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Down nine with 56 seconds to play, West Hancock throws scare at Pleasant Plains before losing in regional final

West Hancock's Gavin Grothaus dribbles along the baseline while guarded by Pleasant Plains' Grady Grisham during Friday night's Class 2A regional boys basketball championship game at Warsaw High School. In the background is West Hancock's Nolan Hurt, who caught a pass from Grothaus on the play and took a 3-point shot that would have tied the game but missed. | David Adam photo

WARSAW, Ill. — The West Hancock boys basketball team was facing near-certain defeat when it trailed by nine points with 56 seconds remaining. Thirty-six seconds later, the Titans had a chance at a miracle. Pleasant Plains’ Owen Johnson missed two free throws with 33.8 seconds, and the Wildcats had the ball trailing 60-57. Gavin Grothaus…

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Photo Gallery: Three-point shooting woes prove costly for Titans in championship game

West Hancock's Nolan Gooding stands dejectedly on the floor while members of the Pleasant Plains boys basketball team celebrate after Friday night's Class 2A regional championship game at Warsaw High School. | David Adam photo

WARSAW, Ill. — After racing to an 11-3 lead in the first quarter, the West Hancock boys basketball team missed 11 straight 3-pointers to fall behind by as many as 15 points. A late comeback failed in a 64-60 loss to Pleasant Plains in the Class 2A regional championship game Friday night at Warsaw High…

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West Hancock turns to defense to grind out victory over Illini West in regional semifinals

Illini West's Colby Robertson tries a scoop shot under the outstretched arm of West Hancock's Cooper Knowlers during a semifinal game in the Class 2A regional at Warsaw High School on Wednesday night. | David Adam photo

WARSAW, Ill. — The West Hancock boys basketball team could never quite find its shooting touch from the perimeter in the season’s rubber match against Illini West. Fortunately, its defense showed up when it mattered most. Hunter Froman’s steal and layup with five minutes remaining gave the Titans their first lead since late in the…

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Photo Gallery: West Hancock gains edge in county rivalry by knocking Illini West out in postseason

West Hancock's Gage Scott pulls up for a shot while Illini West's Wesley Robertson defends during the semifinals of the Class 2A regional at Warsaw High School on Wednesday night. | David Adam photo

WARSAW, Ill. — A pair of Hancock County rivals made their third meeting of the season a memorable one. The West Hancock boys basketball team outlasted Illini West 44-39 in the semifinals of the Class 2A Warsaw Regional on Wednesday night. It gave the Titans a 2-1 edge in the season series. MRN Editor David…

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Allensworth’s career night carries Raiders past Titans, forges ties for WCC championship

Quincy Notre Dame sophomore guard Jace Allensworth scored a career-high 30 points in Tuesday night's 68-64 victory over West Hancock at Warsaw, Ill. | Muddy River Sports file photo

WARSAW, Ill. — Fittingly, it was Jace Allensworth who sealed the Quincy Notre Dame boys basketball team’s 68-64 victory Tuesday night over West Hancock. Allensworth, a 6-foot sophomore guard, swished a pair of free throws with 11 seconds remaining to cap a brilliant offensive night for himself and punctuate an impressive turnaround for the Raiders.…

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SHG clamps down defensively after first quarter, knocks West Hancock out of postseason

West Hancock's Lillie Woodworth, left, drives the baseline during the first quarter of Monday's Class 2A regional semifinal against Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin at Camp Point, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — The West Hancock girls basketball team opened Monday night’s Class 2A regional semifinal game with an impressive 16-point first quarter against Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin. Unfortunately, the Titans only scored 16 more points the rest of the game. Sacred Heart-Griffin’s defense and a ball-control offense in the fourth quarter combined to eliminate…

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Photo gallery: CSE, SHG pick up Class 2A regional semifinal victories

The Central-Southeastern girls basketball players await the playing of the national anthem prior to Monday's Class 2A regional semifinal against Pittsfield in Camp Point, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — The top-seeded Central-Southeastern girls basketball team and fourth-seeded Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin remained on a collision course as both won Class 2A regional semifinals Monday night at Central High School. The Panthers beat Pittsfield 51-28 and the Cyclones upended West Hancock 42-32. Freelance photographer Mike Pritchard shared this photo gallery from semifinal…

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Siegfried’s driving basket with two seconds left caps West Hancock comeback at KHQA Superfan Shootout

KIPP Academy's Carl Johnson gets his hand on the ball as West Hancock's Lewis Siegfried drives to the basket during Friday night's high school boys basketball game in the KHQA Superfan Shootout at the Pit. | David Adam

QUINCY — The final play was designed to go to Gage Scott, but when the ball eventually went into the hands of Lewis Siegfried, West Hancock coach Jeff Dahl knew his team was in good hands. Siegfried scored on a driving layup with two seconds to play, giving the Titans a 58-56 victory over the…

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Moore-to-Blewett basket late in game propels Central boys past West Hancock

Central's Gavin Blewett pulls up for a shot over two West Hancock defenders during Friday night's boys basketball game in Warsaw. | Photo courtesy of Keith Yex

WARSAW, Ill. — Camp Point Central guard Nick Moore launched a seeing-eye pass from the top left corner of the key, aimed directly at Gavin Blewett, who was wide open about five feet to the right of the basket. Blewett reeled in the laser-like toss, took one step toward the hoop and calmly banked in…

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Bombers battle to erase deficit, come up short in Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament title game

MACOMB, Ill. — Two of the best defensive teams in the field squared off in the championship game of the Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament. As expected, it was a grind-it-out affair. Third-seeded Rockridge built a 10-point halftime cushion despite leading scorer Landon Bull spending the final 6:35 on the bench with two personal fouls and held…

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Big first quarter carries West Hancock, while Central-Southeastern relies on suffocating defense

Central-Southeastern's Claire Huston battles for a loose ball during Thursday night's game against Fort Madison (Iowa) in the 16th Rumble on the River at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — A pair of girls basketball teams hoping to build momentum before tackling the challenging task of being the No. 1 seed in a holiday tournament gained a much-needed boost Thursday night. It just happened to come in vastly different ways. West Hancock, the No. 1 seed in the Beardstown Lady Tiger Classic, used…

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Photo gallery: West Hancock, Central-Southeastern cap Rumble on the River with victories

West Hancock's Lillie Woodworth fakes an inbounds pass during Thursday's game against Columbia (Mo.) Father Tolton in the Rumble on the River at John Wood Community College. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The West Hancock and Central-Southeastern girls basketball teams put a cap on the 16th Rumble on the River Holiday Shootout with victories Thursday night. The Titans beat Columbia (Mo.) Father Tolton 58-49 and the Panthers dispatched Fort Madison (Iowa) 49-16. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman spent the evening at John Wood Community…

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Prairie State Profile: Woodworth is enjoying grand time helping Titans succeed

West Hancock senior Lillie Woodworth celebrates scoring her 1,000th career point earlier this season. | Photo courtesy West Hancock athletics

HAMILTON, Ill. — Lillie Woodworth is part of the final class of high school student-athletes who had their careers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The West Hancock basketball standout played only nine games as a freshman when the Illinois High School Association altered its calendar and shrunk season lengths  in hopes of getting all fall,…

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Titans give Raiders tussle, but third-quarter run tilts game in QND’s favor

Quincy Notre Dame's Tristan Pieper was one of four players to score in double figures during Thursday night's victory over West Hancock at The Pit. | Muddy River Sports file photo

QUINCY — Tristan Pieper cut right to the chase in her postgame assessment of the Quincy Notre Dame girls basketball team’s 60-54 victory over West Hancock. “We knew they’d be strong,” said Pieper, a 6-foot sophomore who was one of four Raiders to score in double figures Thursday night at The Pit. In a game…

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One Keck of an effort: Raiders win home opener behind quality serve receive from junior libero

Quincy Notre Dame junior libero Kourtney Keck gets the offense started with a serve receive during the second set of Thursday night's sweep of West Hancock at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — As often as Kourtney Keck sprawled out in an attempt to dig up every shot that came her way, she was bound to leave The Pit on Thursday night with some floor burns. “A couple,” the Quincy Notre Dame volleyball team’s junior libero said. She shrugged that off. “That’s not unusual,” she said.…

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Photo gallery: QND volleyball team beats West Hancock in home opener at The Pit

Quincy Notre Dame's Delaney Beard shares a laugh with teammate Emma Hoing during Thursday night's two-set sweep of West Hancock at The Pit. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — The Quincy Notre Dame volleyball team finished off back-to-back victories on back-to-back nights with back-to-back sweeps. The Raiders beat West Hancock 25-8, 25-11 on Thursday night at The Pit to open the season 2-0. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman was at The Pit and put together this photo gallery:

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Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: West Hancock’s Alec Hymes

West Hancock swingman Alec Hymes will represent the Titans in the Muddy River Showcase, being played June 17 at John Wood Community College's Student Activity Center. | Matt Schuckman photo

The Muddy River Showcase featuring 40 of the area’s top senior basketball players from Illinois and Missouri takes place June 17 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game begins at 4 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 6 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door. WARSAW, Ill. — Alec…

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Hoyt delivers on cue as Raiders beat Titans to capture Class 2A regional championship

Quincy Notre Dame guard Jake Hoyt, left, drives around West Hancock's Bryan Gerhardt during Friday night's Class 2A regional championship game at The Pit. | David Adam photo

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…

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Titans earn chance for revenge, dispatch Bombers in regional semifinals to get shot at Raiders

West Hancock's Bryan Gerhardt looks to attack during Wednesday night's Class 2A regional semifinal against Macomb at Quincy Notre Dame's The Pit. | Photo courtesy Aaron Beaston, Day Off Media

QUINCY — Eight nights ago, Gavin Grothaus walked off the floor at The Pit with a bitter taste in his mouth. “That one kind of hurt,” the West Hancock sophomore said of the Titans’ 17-point loss to Quincy Notre Dame on Valentine’s Day at The Pit. Grothaus made sure he wouldn’t feel the same disappointment…

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Photo gallery: QND, West Hancock advance to championship of Class 2A regional

Quincy Notre Dame's Alex Connoyer sets himself to shoot a free throw during the first half of Wednesday night's Class 2A regional semifinal against Illini West at The Pit. | Photo courtesy Aaron Beaston, Day Off Media

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…

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Short stay on bench reinvigorates Genenbacher as he carries Panthers past Titans for third time

Central senior forward Isaac Genenbacher powers his way to the basket during Friday night's game against West Hancock in Camp Point, Ill. | Photo courtesy Mike Pritchard

CAMP POINT, Ill. — Central boys basketball coach James Barnett had a difficult decision to make. With his team obviously laboring in the midst of a third-quarter meltdown, Barnett opted to pull senior Isaac Genenbacher from the lineup.  Often the heart and soul of the Panthers at both ends of the floor, Genenbacher was struggling…

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

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

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

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Youthful, exuberant Chargers prepare to face Raiders for regional championship

Illini West's Reagan Reed, center, reacts to winning a point during Tuesday's Class 2A QND Regional victory over West Hancock at The Pit in Quincy. | Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — If pressed, Dakota Lafferty will admit, at times, it is difficult not to look toward next season. Considering her Illini West volleyball team will play Quincy Notre Dame for a Class 2A QND Regional title Thursday, what’s the deal, Dakota? “We don’t have any seniors,” she said. “We start two freshmen, three sophomores…

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Raiders continue offensive onslaught as winning streak reaches 13 straight games

Quincy Notre Dame junior Alex Connoyer allowed one hit over five innings in Thursday's 11-0 victory over West Hancock at the Ferd. Matt Schuckman photo

QUINCY — If rain cannot slow the Quincy Notre Dame baseball team’s offense, what can? Opposing pitchers are asking the same thing. Thursday at the Ferd, the Raiders scored in double digits for the fourth straight game and the 13th time this season while beating West Hancock 11-0. QND has outscored its opponents 49-3 in…

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Cornwell’s milestone home run puts cap on Raiders’ five-inning victory over Titans

Quincy Notre Dame's Eryn Cornwell hit a walk-off, two-run home run Wednesday against West Hancock which happened also to be her 100th career hit. Matt Schuckman file photo

QUINCY — A walk-off and a milestone. Not a bad way for Eryn Cornwell to end her day.  The Quincy Notre Dame senior softball standout followed Caitlin Bunte’s leadoff single in the fifth inning Wednesday with a two-run home run to left field at the Backyard, finishing off a 12-1 victory over West Hancock and…

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