HISTORY
Quincy, in a 2010 statistical report, was the fourth-winningest high school basketball program in the country, with 2,000 + wins since its first game on December 23, 1907.
Quincy holds some Illinois state records, including state tournament appearances (32), regional titles (59), sectional titles (32), state tournament games won (52), tournament games lost (33), tournament games played (89), and state trophies won (14).
The Blue Devils have claimed two Illinois state championships in their history. The first was in 1934, capping off a 31-2 season with a 39-27 victory over Thornton High School in the championship.
The second championship came in 1981. The Blue Devils were led by future Iowa standout Michael Payne and Illinois legend Bruce Douglas. The Devils compiled an astounding 33-0 record, winning their final four state tournament games by a staggering average of 28.25 points.
The Blue Devils were also named the National Champions of high school basketball by USA Today that year. The Blue Devils didn't lose again until the state semifinal game in 1982, compiling a 64-game winning streak, which was a record at the time.
TRADITION
On Friday and Saturday nights during basketball season, thousands of Gem City Citizens flock to Blue Devil Gymnasium in Baldwin School to watch the games. Quincy's pregame ritual makes it one of the better places to play in the state of Illinois.
Before the national anthem, all the lights in the gym are turned off. The visiting team's lineup is announced with a single light illuminating their team. After the fifth starter is announced, that light is extinguished, and the pep band begins to play an ominous medley of the theme from The Phantom of the Opera and Maynard Ferguson's
"Conquistador." Then, a student clad in blue shorts, a blue cape, and blue devil horns, emerges from the locker room carrying a flaming trident.
He scampers around the perimeter of the court, inciting loud cheers from the crowd. The devil stands at mid-court while the starting lineup is announced. As he goes back to the locker room, the lights are turned back on, and the players are ready for the opening tip-off.
Recently, Muddy River sportswriter Matt Schuckman authored a book entitled "Stand Up and Cheer: A Century of Blue Devil Basketball," chronicling the history of the program.
