Quincy Illinois loves her traditions. From parades to festivals to Blue Devil basketball, if it’s labeled a “Quincy Tradition” you know it’s good to go.

Blue Devil Basketball is cherished in this city, and for good reason. The Blue Devils are one of the winningest high school programs in the nation with well over 2000 wins, and named “National” high school champion by USA Today and others following an undefeated 1980-81 season.

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The level of success that is expected for Quincy High is pretty heady. Yes, the Devils are expected to win, but they are also expected to do it with unrelenting grit and style.

The home crowd is reminded of this during a pregame ritual at Blue Devil Gymnasium that exists in showmanship and spirit like no other place at any level. When the lights go down and the lit trident illuminates the court, the Blue Devil dances and high steps around the court bringing the audience to a frenzy before the local boys are introduced to thunderous applause. The whole space comes to life.

Many high school programs from across the country have ventured into this venue to experience the spectacle and endure a student section that would put most colleges to shame. To come into Blue Devil gymnasium and get a win over the team, the crowd, the energy and tradition within the shadow of Blue Devil teams past is a feather in any teams cap.

Should you have the opportunity to attend any Quincy High Blue Devil Varsity game, take it. You won’t forget it.

After seeing ESPN SportsCenter NEXT shout out the Blue Devil tradition one alumnus told me “I’m surprised this didn’t come up sooner.”

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