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

Highlights

Selection Sunday Show Returns to FSD

October 22, 2019

By John Johnson
MHSAA Director of Broadcast Properties

The transition from high school football’s regular season to postseason play takes place at 7 p.m. this Sunday (Oct. 27) on FOX Sports Detroit-PLUS on the Selection Sunday Show with the announcing of qualifiers and pairings for the MHSAA Football Playoffs.

In addition to the statewide cable television broadcast, the Selection Sunday Show can be viewed on the internet through the FOXSportsDetroit.com Website and on handheld devices and television streaming devices like Roku through FOX Sports GO!

This year’s show will again originate from the FOX Sports Detroit studios in Southfield. Matt Shepard, Johnny Kane and Rob Rubick will handle the on-camera duties.

The following headline this week’s football action among games on Friday (Oct. 25) with live streaming video on MHSAA.tv being produced by members of the School Broadcast Program:

• A non-conference game between two 8-0 teams – Frankenmuth from the Tri-Valley Conference East and 2018 Division 7 champion New Lothrop from the Mid-Michigan Activities Conference.

• The Southwest Michigan Athletic Conference West crown will be decided when Portage Northern (7-1) hosts St. Joseph (6-2). Both teams are 4-0 in league play.

• And 5-3 teams which could clinch playoff spots during games being streamed this weekend are Cadillac, East Grand Rapids, Grand Blanc, Manchester and Warren De La Salle Collegiate.

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