Quincy High School basketball boasts an illustrious legacy. Over its history, they have won many regional and sectional championships while making five State tournament appearances.
Quincy is an arrogant boy who’s full of himself. His jump shot and sense of humor make him stand out until he meets Monica next door, who also boasts excellent jumping ability and dry wit. The two instantly fall for each other and form an unlikely romance.
History
Quincy High School boasts an illustrious basketball legacy and has produced numerous outstanding players over time. For example, during the 1980s, varsity girls won 11 consecutive championship games! Coaches such as Laura Gabriel (former captain and three-time All-Star), Jenni Kies, and Carol Cleaveland all led outstanding programs during that era – Laura won her division at District 20 Tournaments while Jenni also took on her own.
Both Gabriel and Kies went on to play at Roger Williams University; Kies continued playing at MIT before eventually becoming an educator for Quincy Public Schools.
Quincy boys coach John Ramponi faces an uphill task as he takes over a Presidents team that finished last season 1-19 and forfeited its final two games due to an after-school fight between one junior and one senior that left two students injured, according to school superintendent Kevin Mulvey. That fight occurred Monday, Feb 13, after school – not around the time of a scheduled game that evening, according to Superintendent Mulvey.
McCaughey earned numerous honors while at Quincy High, including being named All-State, co-Player of the Year by Herald-Whig, and scoring 30 points against Liberty during a regional championship game in 1982. Additionally, he holds the Quincy varsity boys record for three-point field goals made.
While 1972 was undoubtedly an impressive team, perhaps the most memorable Quincy basketball teams are those that captured consecutive state titles between 1984 and 1986. Each won four state titles with multiple All-Staters such as guard Michael Payne and center Bruce Douglas from that 1984 team; 1985 included All-American forward Jimmie Ahearn leading all of which featured All-Staters Ken Spooner, Phil Judson, and Bill Schulz as All-Staters.
The 1988-89 team, led by All-American Mike Payne and Scottie Jackson as well as future NBA stars Derrick Rose and John Stockton – two future stars who would go on to achieve legendary status with Derrick Rose being Derrick Rose himself – completed an unblemished 33-0 campaign, setting a state-record winning streak that continues today and many coaches and players still consider this team one of Quincy High School history.
Coaches
Quincy High School coach Matt Ramponi understands this well. After taking over Quincy Presidents basketball program after it hit rock bottom with 1-19 finish due to a locker room fight that left two students injured last season, and replacing former coach Dave Parry, who had led it for 10+ years, Matt took on his new duties this season and has done an exceptional job of nurturing and inspiring his players.
QHS basketball teams have found great success over the years, claiming 34 Regional and 9 Sectional championships between them. Home games take place at The Pit – always an energetic venue filled with Raider pride!
Illinois basketball historians consider 1995’s game against Decatur McArthur a historic one: it marked the only instance ever seen where two sets of twins from different families all played on one varsity basketball team at once! Brandon and Brett Douglas of Quincy High School’s squad all participated that day!
Ayanna Douglas handled Geneseo’s hard haymaker during Thursday’s Western Big 6 Conference match like she does her forehands and backhands: calmly and without blinking an eyelid. The junior hitter never allowed this setback to alter her confidence or poise – as evidenced by her performance at the Ottawa Night Lights Invitational tournament on Friday.
After an early stumble, the Quincy High School girls tennis team quickly settled down to secure fourth place at the Ottawa Night Lights Invitational on Saturday with three medalists: seniors Kate Brown and Anika Reddy earned bronze in their respective divisions while freshman Madison Cochrane took home a silver.
Quincy Notre Dame football reached the brink of making history Saturday when they arrived at Flinn Stadium for their Class 7A state quarterfinal victory against top-ranked Chicago Mount Carmel in Class 7A state quarterfinal play.
Quincy High School boys’ soccer has one significant edge over most teams- an exceptional receiving corps. That could prove pivotal this weekend against O’Fallon as Quincy prepares to enter state playoffs.
Schedule
Quincy High School, Massachusetts’s largest high school, boasts an exceptional academic record that numerous organizations recognize. Students engage in extracurricular activities like literary magazines, musicals, and theater productions at Quincy High. Furthermore, music and art classes are also provided.
Baldwin School boasts one of the most entertaining pregame rituals in the state. Prior to the national anthem, all lights in the gym are dimmed except for one morning, which highlights the team from visiting a city or county; then, the pep band begins playing a haunting medley of Phantom of the Opera and Maynard Ferguson’s Conquistador before student sections and pink accents fill Blue Devil Gymnasium for an electrifying game experience!
On Saturday afternoon’s Class 7A second-round playoff game between Wheaton North and Quincy High School, it appeared Quincy would end its best season ever with another disappointing loss. Down 14-0 early, their vaunted offense seemed stuck in neutral while their stalwart defense struggled to stop Wheaton North’s attack.
Quincy Notre Dame girls’ basketball team claimed its regional title this year in style compared to last time when players from both teams were still feeling the effects of partying at The Pit.
Coach Rick Little has had plenty to be proud of this year with QND’s performance in the Western Big 6 Conference, especially their perfect 9-0 regular season record, first-ever Class 7A quarterfinal appearance, and no.1 ranking within their conference.
QND’s success is a testament to the hard work and commitment of both its team members and coaching staff. With key contributors returning next season, the Blue Devils should be in good shape to compete against some of the state’s premier teams.
Tickets
On Friday and Saturday nights during basketball season, thousands of Gem City citizens visit the Blue Devil Gymnasium at Baldwin School to watch games. When entering, fans are met with one of Illinois’s premier pregame rituals: when all but the light that illuminates their team is switched off before the national anthem begins. Once this light goes dark, an ominous mix from Phantom of the Opera and Maynard Ferguson’s Conquistador is performed by the pep band before hitting the hardwood for gameplay. This moment is intended to convey just how serious things will get before hitting the hardwood.
Quincy High School had high hopes going into Saturday night’s Class 7A second-round playoff game against O’Fallon; however, several mistakes led to them losing their 4-0 lead and ultimately falling. Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Sschuckman put together this photo gallery from the game.
Quincy High School boys soccer has a simple game plan: strive to become better every practice and each game. On Tuesday, this strategy paid dividends as the Blue Devils improved to 1-0 after beating Rock Island Alleman 2-1 at Flinn Stadium.
Quincy Senior High’s Theatre Department will conclude the 2022-23 school year with Tim Kelly’s Lizzie Borden of Fall River. Initially written for Broadway, this historical drama promises to dazzle audiences at 3322 Maine St. in Quincy.
Quincy Notre Dame Pom Team Wins 10th Title The Quincy Notre Dame Pom team managed an incredible comeback victory at Bank of Springfield Center to win their 10th Illinois Drill Team Association Class A Championship and beat back rival teams that had previously claimed titles, especially since Jennifer Duesterhaus saw her nine-year reign end last year. This victory brought extra joy for Duesterhaus as it broke her nine-year title drought!
Tickets to Quincy University men’s basketball games vary based on demand for each matchup, with courtside seats typically being the most costly and upper-level seats more economical. The website provides an interactive seating map tool that displays all available spots at home and away games.
