Hoops on Film: 1961 Class D Boys Final
July 27, 2015
By John Johnson
MHSAA communications director
A battle of undefeated teams from schools both no longer in existence is highlighted this week as part of MHSAA.tv’s Hoops On Film Series.
From the late 1940’s to the mid 1970’s the Michigan High School Athletic Association shot portions of the action at its boys and girls basketball finals on 16mm film. The films were loaned out, primarily to the participating schools, to help them relive the moments of playing in a championship game.
While many of the old films have wandered astray over time, about 60 games still exist in the MHSAA archives. Anyone in possession of such a film is encouraged to contact John Johnson at the MHSAA Office ([email protected]) to discuss having the film converted to a digital format.
Some of the films only have portions of the second half and the post-game awards; some have most of the action. None of the films have sound. They range in length from 10 minutes to about an hour. A new film will be posted online each Monday through the week of August 17. DVD’s may be purchased directly from the MHSAA.tv Website – just click the Get DVD button below the player.
Here’s a look at this week’s game, with recap courtesy of MHSAA historian Ron Pesch:
Marquette Pierce 68, Freesoil 61 – 1961 Class D Boys Final - After 35 years as a coach in the Upper Peninsula, Vic Hurst was rewarded with his first MHSAA title as Marquette Pierce downed a determined Freesoil squad, 68-61, in a Class D battle of the undefeated. Dave Benson led the Warriors with 17 points, while teammates Dennis DeMerse and the Laurich brothers – Conrad and Larry – each added 15. The matchup came after each school's first Regional crown and ended up the only time either school would ever reach the Finals. Pierce would close after the 1961 season, and its only other Regional appearances came back-to-back in 1955 and 1956. Freesoil would win four more Regional titles during its history – three consecutive form 1966-68. The high school closed after the 2006-07 school year and was absorbed into the Mason County Eastern school district.
Previous releases:
1958 Class A Boys Final: Detroit Austin 71, Benton Harbor 68 - Watch
1976 Class D Girls Final: Lake City 58, Perkins 48 - Watch
1971 Class A Boys Final: Flint Northern 79, Detroit Kettering 78 - Watch
1954 Class A Boys Final: Muskegon Heights 43, Flint Northern 41 (OT) - Watch
1973 Class C Boys Final: Detroit East Catholic 50, Saginaw St. Stephen 49 - Watch
Catch Corley's Catch Again on NFHS
August 17, 2016
By John Johnson
MHSAA Communications Director
Donnie Corley’s game-winning catch for Detroit Martin Luther King against Lowell in the MHSAA Division 2 Football Finals last year will cap off a string of 30 Plays in 30 Days on the NFHS Network this week.
The 40-yard reception from Armani Posey in the corner of the end zone as time expired gave the Crusaders a 40-38 win over the Red Arrows, capping a 6-play, 95-yard drive over the final 37 seconds of the game. The clip will be available on the NFHS Network website on Thursday.
Seven more MHSAA schools made NFHS Network news this week, as their School Broadcast Programs were honored by the network. Calumet, Haslett and Montrose were among 41 schools to be ranked as Elite Schools in the program for 2015-16, and Comstock Park, Davison, Lake Orion and Mancelona were among 89 honored as Select Schools.
Select Schools were chosen for demonstrating excellent broadcasting skills, and Elite Schools not only displayed excellent broadcasting skills but also excelled in promoting their events and generating funds for their schools. Calumet was honored as an Elite School for the second straight year, while Haslett and Montrose were Select Schools in 2015-16.