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Articles by Jeff Wendland
Moline duo inducted into ISU Hall of Fame
When the athletic director at Illinois State University made the calls to tell Kara (Nelson) Weisemeyer and Aisha (Praught) Leer they were going to be inducted into the Illinois State Athletics Percy Family Hall of Fame, he had no idea they were high-school friends. Weisemeyer, a softball star, was a 2006 Moline graduate; Leer, a world-class track athlete, was a 2008 MHS grad. "It was crazy, when he told me who else was being inducted, I was so excited about Kara making it," Leer said.
Blue Devils capitalize on tide-turning moments, beat Panthers yet again with offensive onslaught
EAST MOLINE, Ill. — Three plays changed everything for the Quincy High School football team. Sure the final score ended up 63-27 with the final 14 minutes played with a running clock, but the Blue Devils needed the tide-turning moments to shoot down United Township in Friday night’s Western Big 6 Conference matchup at the Soule Bowl.
Rock and roll: Blue Devils invoke running clock with overwhelming effort at Rocky in WB6 opener
QHSQuincySports Spotlight The Quincy High School football team takes the field to start an offensive possession during Friday night's game against Rock Island at Almquist Field in Rock Island, Ill. | Photo courtesy Bridgett Zanger ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — A good high school football team is usually driven by a handful of standouts. When you have a bushel of stars, great things come. Quincy High School is one of those kinds of teams.
Rock Island softball wins Class 4A state title
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Rock Island beats York to reach Class 4A state title game
Rock Island beats York to reach Class 4A state title game × You have run out of free articles. You can support our newsroom by joining at our lowest rate! Already a subscriber? Log in or Activate your account. Loading&hellp; {{html}} Thanks for being a subscriber. Sorry, your subscription does not include this content. Please call 800-660-2472 to upgrade your subscription.
3A & 4A Regional GameNight Guide
3A & 4A Regional GameNight Guide United Township's Daslah Geadeyean (10) goes up for a shot against Pekin's Tyler Durr (23) in the Illinois Class 4A regional at Wharton Field House on Tuesday. JESSICA GALLAGHER Class 4A Moline Regional United Township (13-18) vs. Normal West (13-19) Tonight: 7 p.m. at Wharton Field House. Twitter: @TDuckett_DA. Online: QCSportsNet.com GameNight: The Wildcats beat the Panthers 40-27 on Jan. 31 at the Panther Den.
Normal West's last run dooms Moline
In a game of runs, the Normal West Wildcats had the last one, ending Moline's season with a 40-37 loss in the semifinals of the Class 4A Moline Regional on Wednesday night at Wharton Field House. Neither team seemed to be able to stay in a groove, with one going on a six- or eight-point run only to have the other bounce right back with one of its own.
Normal West's last run dooms Moline
Normal West's last run dooms Moline In a game of runs, the Normal West Wildcats had the last one, ending Moline's season with a 40-37 loss in the semifinals of the Class 4A Moline Regional on Wednesday night at Wharton Field House. Neither team seemed to be able to stay in a groove, with one going on a six- or eight-point run only to have the other bounce right back with one of its own.
Rocks run away from LaSalle-Peru
Rocks run away from LaSalle-Peru Rock Island guards Amarion Nimmers, left, and Jordan Rice combined for 41 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in an 86-57 win over LaSalle-Peru in the Class 3A LaSalle-Peru Regional semifinals. JEFF WENDLAND LaSALLE — Trailing 27-20 midway through the second quarter, the Rock Island boys basketball team did not panic. Instead, the Rocks turned on the jets and rolled over LaSalle-Peru 86-57 in the first semifinal of the Class 3A LaSalle-Peru Regional.
Randle back in the NBA, signs with Warriors
Randle back in the NBA, signs with Warriors 1 of 2 Rock Island graduate Chasson Randle, playing last season with the Washington Wizards, signed a 10-day NBA Contract with the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. Rock Island graduate Chasson Randle, pictured playing last season with the Washington Wizards, signed a 10-day NBA Contract with the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday.
Rocks run away from LaSalle-Peru
Rocks run away from LaSalle-Peru Rock Island guards Amarion Nimmers, left, and Jordan Rice combined for 41 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in an 86-57 win over LaSalle-Peru in the Class 3A LaSalle-Peru Regional semifinals. Jeff Wendland LaSALLE — Trailing 27-20 midway through the second quarter, the Rock Island boys basketball team did not panic. Instead, the Rocks turned on the jets and rolled over LaSalle-Peru 86-57 in the first semifinal of the Class 3A LaSalle-Peru Regional.
A year of youth for Maroons
A year of youth for Maroons 1 of 4 Freshman Brock Harding has started all 30 games this season for a young Moline squad that opens regional play Wednesday at Wharton Field House against Normal West. Sophomore Kyle Taylor is also a season-long starter for the youthful Maroons, who take a 16-14 record into the postseason. Junior Ryne Schimmel leads Moline in scoring as the Maroons enter postseason play Wednesday against Normal West.
GameNight Guide
GameNight Guide Rock Island's Amarion Nimmers drives the ball past Moline's Kyle Taylor in the first half at Rock Island high school, Friday, Feb. 7, 2020, in Rock Island. GARY L. KRAMBECK Class 4A Moline Regional No. 6 UTHS (12-19) vs. No. 2 Pekin (17-7) Tonight: 7 p.m. at Wharton Field House. Twitter: @DLansman_DA. Online: QCSportsNet.com GameNight: The Panthers will look to pull an upset over a Dragons' team that has won six of their last seven games. ...
Rocks send Blue Devils limping into postseason
Posted: Feb. 29, 2020 1:00 am ROCK ISLAND, Ill. -- It was just kind of a weird night at the Rock Island Fieldhouse. From the starting lineups which included seven Rock Island introductions, to starting four post players and a swing guard to winding up with the seniors celebrating so long on the court after the game that the underclassmen were already dressed and on their way home before the seniors were done.
Rock Island seniors step up for win
Rock Island seniors step up for win It was just kind of a weird night at the Rock Island Fieldhouse. From the starting lineups which included seven Rock Island introductions, including senior student assistants Jacob and Jeremiah, to starting four post players and a swing guard to winding up with the seniors celebrating so long on the court after the game that the underclassmen were alright dressed and on their way home before the seniors were done.
WB6 boys' GameNight Guide
WB6 boys' GameNight Guide 1 of 2 United Township’s Dasiah Geadeyean (10) pops up for a shot with Moline’s Michael Galvin (22) blocking at Wharton Field House, Friday, Jan. 24, 2020 in Moline. Moline’s Kyle Taylor (3) looks to pass during its game against United Township earlier this season. The teams face off again Friday. Moline (15-14, 5-8) at UTHS (12-17, 5-8) Tonight: 7:30 p.m. at Panther Den. Twitter: @TDuckett_DA. Online: QCSportsNet.com GameNight: The Maroons enter play on a real slide.
Longevity a key to Rock Island success
Longevity a key to Rock Island success 1 of 2 Rock Island coach Thom Sigel gives out instructions to the team in the first half against Moline this season at Wharton Field House. Sigel has surrounded himself with a talented and stable crew of assistants including Damon Colvin (19 years), Chad Baker (16 years), Keith Beck (13th year) and Tony Johnson (9 years).
Western Big 6 names all-conference for girls basketball, bowling and wrestling
Western Big 6 names all-conference for girls basketball, bowling and wrestling Geneseo sophomore Kammie Ludwig, shown here in action against Galesburg, led the Western Big 6 Conference girls basketball players in scoring this past season. She was an All-Big 6 selection this week. STEVE DAVIS, Galesburg Register-Mail A balanced Western Big 6 basketball conference showed itself among the school's girls basketball coaches when they selected their All-Western Big 6 team.
Alleman girls basketball coach Delp steps down
Alleman girls basketball coach Megan Delp talks to her team during a 2017-18 game. Delp announced her resignation on Tuesday. GARY KRAMBECK She did just about everything as a player at Alleman High School, and Megan Delp hoped she could do the same as a coach for the Pioneers girls basketball team. After four seasons, however, Delp decided to step down as the head coach on Tuesday.
Alleman girls basketball coach Delp steps down
Alleman girls basketball coach Megan Delp talks to her team during a 2017-18 game. Delp announced her resignation on Tuesday. GARY KRAMBECK She did just about everything as a player at Alleman High School, and Megan Delp hoped she could do the same as a coach for the Pioneers girls basketball team. After four seasons, however, Delp decided to step down as the head coach on Tuesday.
Western Big 6 names all-conference for girls basketball, bowling and wrestling
Western Big 6 names all-conference for girls basketball, bowling and wrestling Geneseo sophomore Kammie Ludwig, shown here in action against Galesburg, led the Western Big 6 Conference girls basketball players in scoring this past season. She was an All-Big 6 selection this week. STEVE DAVIS, Galesburg Register-Mail A balanced Western Big 6 basketball conference showed itself among the school's girls basketball coaches when they selected their All-Western Big 6 team.
Alleman finds offense to win in regional
Alleman finds offense to win in regional ALEDO — A team that averaged just more than 42 points per game, the Alleman Pioneers figured things out at the right time. Getting everyone in the offense and shooting 69 percent from the field, the Pioneers handled Sherrard 71-58 in the opening game of the Class 2A Mercer Country Regional on Monday. The Pioneers (4-27) advance top tonight's semifinal at 7 p.m. against Rockridge.
Rock Island grad Chrislyn Carr drives Texas Tech
Rock Island grad Chrislyn Carr drives Texas Tech 1 of 3 Texas Tech guard Chrislyn Carr has gone from a scorer as a freshman to a true point guard for the Red Raiders. Carr had an all-around game on Sunday in a 77-74 win at Iowa State with 14 points, nine assists, eight rebounds and five steals. Texas Tech coach Marlene Stollings talks to Chrislyn Carr during a game against Baylor earlier this season. Stollings believes Carr is her coach on the court, running the show for the 16-9 Red Raiders.
Rock Island grad Chrislyn Carr drives Texas Tech
Rock Island grad Chrislyn Carr drives Texas Tech 1 of 3 Texas Tech guard Chrislyn Carr has gone from a scorer as a freshman to a true point guard for the Red Raiders. Carr had an all-around game on Sunday in a 77-74 win at Iowa State with 14 points, nine assists, eight rebounds and five steals. Texas Tech coach Marlene Stollings talks to Chrislyn Carr during a game against Baylor earlier this season. Stollings believes Carr is her coach on the court, running the show for the 16-9 Red Raiders.
Maple Leafs hold off Blue Devils' charge
Posted: Feb. 22, 2020 1:10 am GENESEO, Ill. -- The Geneseo boys basketball team needed something good to happen. It got it. After losses to Galesburg and Rock Island by a combined 59 points heading into Friday's Western Big Six Conference game against Quincy High School, the Maple Leafs were searching for a different look. Holding on for dear life, Geneseo held off a scrappy Quincy squad 53-49. "We needed to find our confidence again," Geneseo coach Brad Storm said.
Geneseo gets back on track, beats Quincy
Geneseo gets back on track, beats Quincy GENESEO — The Geneseo Maple Leafs boys' basketball team needed something good to happen. They got it. After losses to Galesburg and Rock Island by a combined 59 points heading into Friday's Western Big 6 Conference game against Quincy, the Leafs were searching for a different look. Holding on for dear life, Geneseo held off a scrappy Quincy squad 53-49. "We needed to find our confidence again," Geneseo coach Brad Storm said.
Rock Island can't withstand Peoria toughness
Rock Island bolted out to a 9-2 start in the third quarter and grabbed a 29-25 lead. Key to that run was senior Hannah Simmer, who had no points and five rebounds at halftime. She had nine points and seven rebounds in the quarter that ended with Peoria up 35-34. "I don't know what it is about the second half," said Simmer, who finished with 13 points and 20 rebounds.
Rock Island can't withstand Peoria toughness
Rock Island can't withstand Peoria toughness 1 of 3 Rock Island's Hannah Simmer holds on to a rebound as Peoria's Kammie Hess grabs more arm than ball on a rebound during the first half of Thursday's Class 3A Galesburg Regional championship game. The Rocks dropped a 53-43 decision.
RI, Geneseo get another chance; Moline looks for another upset
RI, Geneseo get another chance; Moline looks for another upset North Scott's Reagan Schoening, left, and Moline's Cierra McNamee go to the floor after a loose ball in the first half of their nonconference game at Wharton Field House earlier this month. GARY L. KRAMBECK The Geneseo and Rock Island girls basketball teams believe they have a little unfinished business to take care of tonight. The Moline girls believe one good upset deserves another.
RI, Geneseo get another chance; Moline looks for another upset
RI, Geneseo get another chance; Moline looks for another upset North Scott's Reagan Schoening, left, and Moline's Cierra McNamee go to the floor after a loose ball in the first half of their nonconference game at Wharton Field House earlier this month. GARY L. KRAMBECK The Geneseo and Rock Island girls basketball teams believe they have a little unfinished business to take care of tonight. The Moline girls believe one good upset deserves another.
Rock Island defense swarms Galesburg
Rock Island defense swarms Galesburg Rock Island’s Jamyah Winter shoots a shot during the Rocks’ 50-34 win over Galesburg in a Class 3A regional semifinal on Tuesday at John Thiel Gymnasium in Galesburg. STEVE DAVIS, REGISTER-MAIL GALESBURG — It had to feel like there were eight, nine or maybe even 10 Rock Island Rocks on the court Tuesday night. At least that is how it looked like for the Galesburg Silver Streaks.
Simmer steps up to become Rock Island's 'Batman'
Simmer steps up to become Rock Island's 'Batman' 1 of 2 Rock Island's Hannah Simmer (23) goes up for a shot against Canton during the annual Rock Island/Milan Booster Thanksgiving Classic tournament earlier this season. Rock Island's Hannah Simmer (23) pops up for a shot while playing against Bettendorf, in the annual IHMVCU Shootout Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, at Augustana College in Rock Island. Hannah Simmer was a role player her first two seasons as a varsity basketball player for Rock Island.
Girls regional GameNight
Girls regional GameNight Geneseo’s Kammie Ludwig gets past Galesburg’s Kadynce Lydic for a layup during the Maple Leafs’ 67-43 win over the Silver Streaks in Western Big 6 play Wednesday night at John Thiel Gymnasium in Galesburg. STEVE DAVIS, Galesburg Register-Mail Class 3A at Galesburg Galesburg (18-3) vs. RI (22-9) Tonight: 7:30 p.m. at John Thiel Gym. Twitter: @jaydub_DA. Online: QCSportsNet.com GameNight: Tonight's first semifinal is No. 1 seed Peoria High vs.
Simmer steps up to become Rock Island's 'Batman'
That determination continues in what Simmer wants to happen starting in the postseason Tuesday against Galesburg at the Class 3A Galesburg Regional. "Our success starts with defense first," she said. "We win by playing hard on defense. On offense, we have to think winning thoughts.
Huge third quarter keys Rock Island past Geneseo
Huge third quarter keys Rock Island past Geneseo 1 of 3 Rock Island's Amarion Nimmers (11) tries to duck under Geneseo's Isaiah Rivera (2) for a bucket during Friday's Western Big 6 Conference game at Geneseo High School. Rock Island's Jordan Rice (2) was all by himself on this breakaway bucket against Geneseo in Friday's Western Big 6 Conference game at Geneseo High School. The Rocks won 81-45.
Huge third quarter keys Rock Island past Geneseo
Huge third quarter keys Rock Island past Geneseo 1 of 3 Rock Island's Amarion Nimmers (11) tries to duck under Geneseo's Isaiah Rivera (2) for a bucket during Friday's Western Big 6 Conference game at Geneseo High School. Rock Island's Jordan Rice (2) was all by himself on this breakaway bucket against Geneseo in Friday's Western Big 6 Conference game at Geneseo High School. The Rocks won 81-45.
WB6 boys' GameNight Guide
WB6 boys' GameNight Guide Geneseo's Kyle Traphagen works his way up the court, protecting the ball from Rock Island's Jordan Rice during their first meeting in December at the Rock Island Fieldhouse. Geneseo won that meeting 76-62. The two play again tonight in Geneseo, each playing to keep alive their Western Big 6 Conference title hopes. MEG MCLAUGHLIN RI (17-7, 7-4) at Geneseo (18-7, 8-3) Tonight: 7:30 p.m. at Geneseo HS. Twitter: @jaydub_DA.
Rock Island's now and future combine to beat United Township
Rock Island's now and future combine to beat United Township Rock Island's Imari McDuffy (2) goes up for a shot against Metro during the annual Rock Island/Milan Booster Thanksgiving Classic tournament Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, at Rock Island High School. MEG MCLAUGHLIN/ The Rock Island Rocks showed off the present and the future of the girl's program all in one game on Thursday.
Rock Island's now and future combine to beat United Township
Rock Island's now and future combine to beat United Township Rock Island's Imari McDuffy (2) goes up for a shot against Metro during the annual Rock Island/Milan Booster Thanksgiving Classic tournament Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019, at Rock Island High School. MEG MCLAUGHLIN/ The Rock Island Rocks showed off the present and the future of the girl's program all in one game on Thursday.
Quincy girls are Dance-ing to success
Quincy girls are Dance-ing to success 1 of 2 Quincy's Asia Seangmany tries to dribble past United Township's Madison Gordon during a game earlier this season. With a win tonight against Geneseo, the Blue Devils will clinch at least a tie for second place in the Western Big 6. Jeff Wendland reporter Quad-City Times / Dispatch-Argus There was a time — not so long ago — when the only question about Quincy's girls' basketball team was how much the Blue Devils would lose by. Those days are gone.
Quincy girls are Dance-ing to success
Quincy girls are Dance-ing to success 1 of 2 Quincy's Asia Seangmany tries to dribble past United Township's Madison Gordon during a game earlier this season. With a win tonight against Geneseo, the Blue Devils will clinch at least a tie for second place in the Western Big 6. Jeff Wendland reporter Quad-City Times / Dispatch-Argus There was a time — not so long ago — when the only question about Quincy's girls' basketball team was how much the Blue Devils would lose by. Those days are gone.
WB6 girls GameNight Guide
WB6 girls GameNight Guide United Township (10-17, 4-9) at RI (21-9, 9-4) Tonight: 7 p.m. at Rock Island High School. Twitter: @jaydub_DA. Online: QCSportsNet.com GameNight: The Panthers are continuing to make strides, including a two-win week in Western Big 6 play last Thursday and Saturday. "We are starting to get everyone playing their best in the last few weeks," UT coach Carie Walker said. ...
Price is right for Galesburg, wrong for Geneseo
Price is right for Galesburg, wrong for Geneseo 1 of 2 Geneseo’s Isaiah Rivera shoots a jump shot during the Maple Leafs’ 87-64 Western Big 6 Conference loss to host Galesburg on Tuesday night. GALESBURG — Two superstars players did what superstar players do. The difference was the sidekick for one also did a lot and that helped the Galesburg Silver Streaks run away with an 86-64 Western Big 6 Conference win over Geneseo at John Thiel Gym on Tuesday.
Geneseo's Ludwig takes 'huge jump'
Geneseo's Ludwig takes 'huge jump' Geneseo’s Kammie Ludwig is this week’s Illinois Pacesetter. Ludwig helped the Maple Leafs win their first Western Big 6 title last week. MEG MCLAUGHLIN GENESEO — When the basketball season started, Geneseo girls' coach Scott Hardison said he expected sophomore Kammie Ludwig to be a key performer for his team. He never, however, expected what he has seen so far.
Geneseo's Ludwig takes 'huge jump'
Geneseo's Ludwig takes 'huge jump' Geneseo’s Kammie Ludwig is this week’s Illinois Pacesetter. Ludwig helped the Maple Leafs win their first Western Big 6 title last week. MEG MCLAUGHLIN GENESEO — When the basketball season started, Geneseo girls' coach Scott Hardison said he expected sophomore Kammie Ludwig to be a key performer for his team. He never, however, expected what he has seen so far.
Price is right for Galesburg, wrong for Geneseo
Price is right for Galesburg, wrong for Geneseo 1 of 2 Geneseo’s Isaiah Rivera shoots a jump shot during the Maple Leafs’ 87-64 Western Big 6 Conference loss to host Galesburg on Tuesday night. GALESBURG — Two superstars players did what superstar players do. The difference was the sidekick for one also did a lot and that helped the Galesburg Silver Streaks run away with an 86-64 Western Big 6 Conference win over Geneseo at John Thiel Gym on Tuesday.
Geneseo's 'other guys' making the difference
Geneseo's 'other guys' making the difference 1 of 3 Geneseo's Bristol Lewis guards United Township's Darius Rogers, left, in a game last week. Geneseo's Kyle Traphagen (20) and Jacob McConnell (15) defend Rock Island's Amarion Nimmers in a December game. The Maple Leafs are a half game behind Galesburg for first place in the Western Big 6. Those two teams play tonight in Galesburg.
WB6 boys GameNight Guide
WB6 boys GameNight Guide Geneseo (18-6, 8-2) at Galesburg (23-3, 9-2) Tonight: 7:30 p. m. at John Thiel Gym. Twitter: @jaydub_DA. Online: wgil.com GameNight: The Silver Streaks routed the Maple Leafs 71-50 at Geneseo in early January. Since that time, Geneseo is 6-1 ... The Streaks hold a half-game edge over the Leafs ... Kyleb Meadows had a huge night for Galesburg in the first meeting, making six 3s and scoring 23 points ...
Geneseo's 'other guys' making the difference
Geneseo's 'other guys' making the difference 1 of 3 Geneseo's Bristol Lewis guards United Township's Darius Rogers, left, in a game last week. Geneseo's Kyle Traphagen (20) and Jacob McConnell (15) defend Rock Island's Amarion Nimmers in a December game. The Maple Leafs are a half game behind Galesburg for first place in the Western Big 6. Those two teams play tonight in Galesburg.
Rock Island holds off Moline in overtime
Rock Island holds off Moline in overtime 1 of 5 Rock Island's Solomon Gustafson goes up for a layup between Moline defenders Michael Galvin (22) and Ryne Schimmel during first-half action of Friday's Western Big 6 Conference game at Rock Island High School. The hosting Rocks won the game 62-60 in overtime. Moline's Kyle Taylor looks for a way to get past the defense of Rock Island's Colton Sigel during first-half action of Friday's Western Big 6 Conference game at Rock Island High School.
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