Local Talent Leaves Mark at Muddy River All-Star Games
QUINCY, IL — The all-stars of Northeast Missouri and West Central Illinois clashed in the annual Muddy River Showcase on Saturday, with the Illinois squads sweeping both contests at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. Four athletes from Lewis County took the floor in the event, joined by a future Culver-Stockton College Wildcat from Quincy, Illinois.
The Illinois girls pulled away early and cruised to an 88–55 win over the Missouri team, while the boys’ game was a high-scoring battle that ended in a narrow 89–82 Illinois victory. This marked the closest Missouri has come to winning in recent years, a sign of how far the squad has come against traditionally strong Illinois teams.
Canton’s Macy Glasgow and Highland’s Ellie Goehl teamed up for the Missouri girls, while Canton’s Preston Brewer and Tyler Frazier reunited one last time on the boys’ side. The Missouri boys were coached by Canton head coach Dalton Armontrout, with assistance from Doug Wilson and Andy Anderson.
Girls Game
Illinois jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, dominating the pace of play with full-court pressure and depth. Missouri showed signs of life in the third quarter, but the deficit was too much to overcome.
Canton’s Macy Glasgow was a bright spot, finishing with 10 points, two rebounds, and a perfect 4-for-4 at the free-throw line. Highland’s Ellie Goehl added five points and an assist, also converting both of her free throws.
Palmyra’s Clare Williams earned Missouri’s MVP honors with a double-double effort of 14 points, 10 rebounds, an assist, and three steals. Illinois was led by Reagan Reed of Illini West, who earned MVP with 21 points, nine rebounds, five steals, and an assist.
Boys Game
The boys’ contest was a back-and-forth thriller, with both teams trading baskets in a fast-paced, physical matchup. Illinois made key stops late to secure the 89–82 win, but Missouri’s performance drew praise for its intensity and execution.
“This is the closest game we’ve had in years,” said Coach Dalton Armontrout. “I’ve been coming and watching ever since it started. Our boys played well and that kind of started in the third quarter. But the boys battled. A lot of good kids battled back, and we did what we could. We made some shots at the end—it is what it is. But they played hard, and I was happy and glad to coach Tyler and Preston one last time, and to coach alongside Coach Anderson and Doug. They’re a fun group to be around, and I wish them nothing but the best.”
Canton’s Preston Brewer put together a strong all-around performance with 19 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and a steal. Tyler Frazier added eight points, six boards, and one assist.
The boys’ MVP for Missouri was Joey Laageman of Marion County, who finished with 21 points, five steals, and four rebounds. Illinois MVP Keshaun Thomas of Quincy High led all scorers with 24 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
Looking Ahead
One of the most exciting individual matchups of the night featured Preston Brewer (6’8”) going toe-to-toe with Keshaun Thomas (6’6”), a future Drury University Panther. Brewer is committed to Quincy University, setting the stage for a future rivalry in the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC).
“That was a heck of a battle,” said Coach Armontrout. “I thought Preston held his own. Keshaun did really well, and it was a great matchup to watch. Their paths will cross again, and I look forward to seeing that matchup down the road.”
Brewer echoed the sentiment after the game: “I’m actually looking forward to it. We battled all day, and I’m looking to battle for the next four years.”
Wires Headed to Canton
Another standout on the Illinois squad was Kamren Wires, who has committed to Culver-Stockton College in Canton. Wires posted seven points, four rebounds, three assists, and three steals off the bench and used the game as a chance to embrace his final moments of high school basketball.
“My whole goal was just to come out there and have fun with my guys one last time,” Wires said. “To meet some new people and learn how to play with a bunch of new people—like all of us are gonna have to do in college. Find new roles, adjust, and just put it all out there.”
Wires also spoke highly of Culver-Stockton head coach Dorian Hobbs, who played a major role in his college decision.
“Coach Hobbs reminds me so much of my elementary coach, the one who really made me fall in love with the game. He got me at a low point in life with basketball, not really knowing what the next step was. He was the first coach to really believe in me. That made for an easy decision, especially knowing I can pursue my dream while also going to nursing school.”
As he prepares for life in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC)—one of the toughest conferences in NAIA—Wires says he’s ready for the challenge.
“My work ethic is what’s going to carry me. I’ve already looked at last year’s first- and second-team all-conference guys. I just want to show I belong. I’ll be up there early, getting my workouts in, and doing whatever’s asked of me. I want to come in as a freshman and look like one of the older guys. I want to be one of those dudes.”
