Bradley Longcor III, KeShaun Thomas lead Quincy past Cardinal Ritter in Illinois-Missouri boys basketball matchup
HIGHLAND, ILLINOIS – The Quincy Blue Devils have enjoyed their bi-state matchups with Missouri schools so far this season.
Quincy, the No. 12 team in the SBLive Illinois Power 25 rankings, earned its fourth win over a Show-Me State squad in the past few weeks as the Blue Devils used a strong second half to defeat Cardinal Ritter 62-49 on Saturday afternoon at the Highland Shootout.
"We're making steps in the right direction and when we do take steps back – whether it's full games, quarters, possessions – we're able to learn from those," Quincy coach Andy Douglas said. "So I was really proud of our guys. (We) get out to a lead, they climb back and then still be able to carry some energy into the second half to pull away."
Quincy (15-1) got big games from junior guard Bradley Longcor III and junior forward KeShaun Thomas.
Longcor, who was named the game's most valuable player, scored 17 points on 5-of-11 shooting, including three 3-pointers, and dished out a game-high eight assists. Thomas, a 6-foot-6 forward, recorded a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds – both game-bests.
The Blue Devils used a strong start to jump out to a 17-10 lead after one quarter, but the teams were tied 25-25 at halftime and then 36-36 after three quarters.
Quincy pulled away from Cardinal Ritter (3-8), ranked fourth in the SBLive Missouri Power 25, in the fourth quarter. The Blue Devils outscored the Lions 26-13 in the final frame.
Douglas said his team's confidence was the difference in the second half.
"We started playing a little passive once pressure started picking up," Douglas said. "Then we had guys who just stepped up and made plays. Brad Longcor obviously had a really good game offensively. Defensive, KeShaun (Thomas) was huge for us. Ralph Wires made some big plays for us. I thought the difference in the second half was Tyler Sprick. Tyler played a little timid in the first half, at times, and then second half he comes out and plays a little more aggressive. Just an overall good team win."
Junior guard Clayton Jackson, who has committed to Lindenwood University, led Cardinal Ritter with 11 points. Senior guard Derrick Rivers added 10 points. Quenton Parker, a senior guard, had a team-high nine rebounds and seven points.
Quincy (Illinois) - Cardinal Ritter boys basketball
To get live updates on your phone - as well as follow your favorite teams and top games - you can download the SBLive Sports app: Download iPhone App | Download Android App
- Nate Latsch | latsch@scorebooklive.com | @SBLiveMiz
