Dr. Naismith Visits the MHSAA Finals
April 4, 2013
The MHSAA Boys Basketball Finals, in just their 13th season in 1938, were treated to a visit by the man who knew the game better than anyone at the time – the inventor of the game, Dr. James Naismith.
He addressed a luncheon prior to the title games that year, and then presented the trophies and medals at the conclusion of each Lower Peninsula championship game at the Grand Rapids Civic Auditorium.
The MHSAA and Fox Sports Detroit – with an assist from the Brooklyn Exponent and Grand Rapids Christian High School (Class B champion that season and provider of the photo above) – told the story during this winter's Finals, the 75th anniversary of Naismith's visit.
More than 200 Reach Higher at Milford
July 30, 2014
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP – Groups of 103 boys and 98 girls attended the annual Reaching Higher showcases this month, July 16 and 23 at Milford High School.
The event, in its sixth year, aims to give athletes a vision of what it takes to become a college basketball player and also succeed in college life.
A total of 125 of each were initially invited to Reaching Higher by the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan, which coordinated with the MHSAA to host the event.
Forty-three college programs representing all three NCAA divisions and the NAIA also attended as athletes received on-court instruction from high school coaches from across the state and off-court instruction from a number of speakers who discussed topics ranging from leadership to recruitment to NCAA eligibility.
Scrimmages for both were officiated my MHSAA referees, who were observed and instructed by a group of veteran MHSAA officials.
Click the following links for photos from the events (Girls - Boys) and below for highlights from the various speakers' discussions.
PHOTOS: (Top) Muskegon Catholic Central's Christian Martinez makes a no-look pass during his team's scrimmage. (Middle) Participants warm-up before the beginning of drills at the girls showcase.