Mackey Leaving Court with 500+ College Hoops Wins, Many More Lessons Shared
By
Jason Juno
Special for MHSAA.com
July 24, 2026
IRONWOOD — Dennis Mackey made a big impact on generations of athletes at Gogebic Community College, so much so that college officials named the basketball court after him while he was still coaching.
Mackey retired from coaching in April after 38 years at GCC, 19 with the women and 19 with the men. Even after all of those years, and more than 500 wins, the memories and lessons from his playing days at Ewen-Trout Creek still resonate with him.
He was always doing something athletically, football in the fall, baseball in the summer, track & field in the spring. His home being basketball-centered E-TC – the tiny Upper Peninsula school with nine combined boys and girls MHSAA Finals appearances – hoops was always mixed in.
“Basketball was the winter sport, but no matter the season we always found time to get to the gym and shoot hoops,” Mackey said. “Whether it was during the lunch hour, after school, on weekends, or after practices, we seemed to gravitate to the gym for some action.”
And if they didn’t go to the gym, there were outdoor courts in Ewen, Bruce Crossing and Trout Creek to get shots up.
“Basketball was the main sport in those communities and probably is still to this day,” Mackey said. “Looking back now, I must say the experiences growing up playing basketball at E-TC was awesome.”
Mackey, a 1981 graduate, played on the varsity team all four years of high school. The Panthers lost in the Regional Final at Northern Michigan University’s Hedgcock Fieldhouse both his junior and senior seasons.
“We had deep and talented teams but fell short of our goal of reaching the state finals both years,” Mackey said.
He won the Ed Helakoski Award as the most valuable senior in the Porcupine Mountain Conference. Even though he was a 1,000-point scorer, he took pride in other aspects of the game.
“I played the forward position, oftentimes guarding the opposing team’s best inside player,” Mackey said. “I prided myself on being a hardworking and unselfish player. I really enjoyed passing the ball to teammates for their scoring opportunities.”
Mackey went on to play basketball at Gogebic. After graduating from Northern Michigan University, he eventually got a call about an opening for a part-time business instructor and women’s basketball coach at Ironwood’s college.
He was excited to take over the team heading into the 1988-89 season. Six years into his tenure, he led a balanced Samsons team to the program’s first national tournament. They won another Region 13 title three years later.
Another E-TC graduate, Deke Routheaux, retired as men’s coach after the 2005-06 season. Mackey didn’t make the switch, instead opting to coach his daughter Caitlin in her first season at Gogebic. The job opened up again a year later, and he debuted as men’s coach in for 2007-08. They men won Region 13 championships in both 2011 and 2013, just missing trips to the national tournament both years.
He said the goal was to win more games and Region titles, but his teams usually left it all on the court.
Mackey finished his tenure with the women with a record of 256-227 and a 277-263 record with the men. “It’s often said that teams tend to take on the identity of their coach,” Mackey said. “As I walk out the door, I’ll leave knowing my teams, like their coach, were known as fierce competitors.”
His signature saying is printed on the Lindquist Center court, “Coach Mackey Court,” — ”Once a Samson, Always a Samson.”
He wants the entire college to succeed, beyond just the basketball program. He took a lot of pride in giving local players a chance to play college basketball. He still supports them after they graduate.
Players came back yearly to play in their main fundraiser, the Spring Thaw Classic.
When GCC named the court after him, many of those he left an impact on filled the Lindquist Center gym on a random Tuesday game night in November.
Many appreciate the impact he had on their lives. He knows the importance of sports, whether it’s at the college level that he’s been at the last nearly 40 years, or at E-TC, where he got his start.
“Participation allows many to express themselves in ways that open doors to other life opportunities,” Mackey said. “High school athletics provide opportunities for youth to develop individual skills while learning life lessons at the same time. No matter the sport, learning to be a great teammate is challenging for most young people. Dedicating one’s time and efforts to improving oneself while also helping the team be better can be difficult. We all strive to be the best and win games, but are we willing to do the work to achieve the desired results? Everyone enjoys receiving the accolades, but many are unwilling to sacrifice the time and energy required to improve and develop individual skills, which enables this to happen.”
All three of wife Andrea (who was a big help to the GCC program as well) and his kids, Caitlin, Jesse and Adam, played high school basketball and then for Gogebic as well. Dennis said Adam was a similar player to him but a better scorer — he’s Ironwood’s all-time leader — who also wanted to get his teammates involved. They all teach at Ironwood now; Adam is the boys varsity basketball coach and Jesse the varsity girls coach.
The Mackeys continue to pass on many life lessons via high school sports.
“The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat not only applies to the games we play but to life in general,” Dennis said. “Success in high school is often measured with wins versus losses, but in the game of life the valuable lessons learned from the sports we play provide a platform for future growth. There are many folks employed in a variety of vocations who often credit their youthful days of playing sports as the impetus for their success later in life. The bonds created with teammates and opponents often last a lifetime. These bonds are immeasurable and help many advance in all facets of life.”
2026 Made In Michigan
July 16: Country Day Two-Time Champ Moore Building Perennial Winner at Harvard - Report
July 9: Multi-Sport Career at TC West Helps Gillis Thrive as Pro in Game She Once Left Behind - Report
July 2: Inspired by Home, Eager to Give Back, Spencer Hosts Hoop City Alumni Games - Report
PHOTOS (Top) At left, Dennis Mackey (45) gets up a shot for Ewen-Trout Creek against Wakefield as a senior during the 1980-81 season. At right, Mackey coaches up his Gogebic Community College men’s basketball team this past summer. (Middle) Mackey huddles with his players during a break. (GCC photos by Jason Juno. Ewen-Trout Creek photo courtesy of the Ironwood Daily Globe.)
Breslin Bound: Boys Quarterfinal Preview
March 23, 2015
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
At the end of the week, four teams will finish the 2014-15 MHSAA boys basketball seasons with championship victories.
And of 32 left in the tournament, 23 have a chance to end on a title-clinching win for the first time.
That's just something to keep in mind as Quarterfinals are played Tuesday all over the state. In addition, the reigning MHSAA boys basketball champions in Class A and Class B are alive for repeats, three more 2013-14 semifinalists have a chance to book return trips to Finals weekend, and all three Mr. Basketball finalists will play, two literally against each other.
See below for a glance at all 16 Quarterfinals. All tip off at 7 p.m. unless noted, with winners advancing to Thursday and Friday's Semifinals at Michigan State University.
Class A
Lansing Everett (23-2) vs. Muskegon (23-1) at Lansing Eastern's Don Johnson Fieldhouse
This looks like a battle of the state’s elite post players and Mr. Basketball candidates; reigning Class A champion Muskegon with 6-foot-10 Michigan State recruit and Mr. Basketball Deyonta Davis (18.6 points, 15.4 rebounds, 6.7 blocks per game) and Everett with 6-9 Oregon recruit Trevor Manuel (23.5 ppg, 11 rpg, 6.0 bpg). But with those two battling, the other eight on the floor could decide which team moves on – watch for Muskegon 6-5 senior forward Joeviair Kennedy and 6-3 Everett junior guard Jamyrin Jackson.
Walled Lake Central (20-5) vs. Saginaw Arthur Hill (22-3) at Grand Blanc
Guard Eric Davis, headed to Texas next season, finished runner-up for Mr. Basketball and leads an Arthur Hill team on a 10-game winning streak since falling to Detroit U-D Jesuit on Feb. 7. The Lumberjacks have played three teams still alive so they won't be surprised by much this week, and they've won all of their postseason games by double digits. Walled Lake Central is playing its first Quarterfinal since 1993 after emerging from one of Class A’s strongest Districts. Junior guard Walter Kelser leads, scoring 18 points per game.
Detroit U-D Jesuit (21-3) vs. Clarkston (24-0) at University of Detroit Mercy, 5:30 p.m.
U-D Jesuit is seeking a return to the Semifinals after advancing for the first time ever last season, and is led again by talented junior guard Cassius Winston (22.4 points, 5.7 assists per game). Clarkston is seeking its first Semifinal appearance since 2009, playing in its first Quarterfinal since that same season. The Wolves also are keyed by a standout guard – freshman Foster Loyer, who scored 30 and 35 points, respectively, during last week’s Regional.
Ypsilanti Community (19-4) vs. Detroit Western International (23-0), 7 p.m.
This is Community’s first Quarterfinal as a new school, although coach Steve Brooks led the former Ypsilanti High to the final week in 2013 as well. The Grizzlies won the Southeastern Conference White and advanced by defeating another league champion, Romulus, in the Regional Final. Western is playing in its first Quarterfinal since 1974 and has had only two games in single digits this winter – with wins over U-D Jesuit and Arthur Hill among their most impressive. Junior guard Brailen Neely scores 15.9 points per game to lead three averaging double digits.
Class B
Otsego (22-3) vs. Milan (23-2) at Marshall, 6:30 p.m.
Milan returns three starters from last season’s Class B championship game, including leading scorers Latin Davis (19.9 ppg) at guard and Nick Perkins (16.8) at center. Its only losses this winter were to Class A U-D Jesuit and Romulus, and it has won 16 straight. Otsego has won more than 20 games for the third time in four seasons under coach Josh Holmes and will play in its first Quarterfinal since 1984. Senior 7-foot center Seth Dugan (19 ppg, 13 rpg) might be one of the most daunting matchups left in the tournament.
Wyoming Godwin Heights (23-1) vs. Spring Lake (18-7) at Rockford
Godwin Heights is back in a Quarterfinal for the third straight season and 12th time dating to its first appearance in 1929. The Wolverines have beaten three teams still playing this week – including Otsego – and their only loss was to Class C quarterfinalist NorthPointe Christian. Senior 6-5 guard Delaney Blaylock leads with 16.4 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. Spring Lake won its third straight District title earlier this month and now will play in the Quarterfinals for the first time in its history. Junior 6-3 center Keegan George leads the Lakers in scoring at 14.4 ppg.
Essexville Garber (21-4) vs. Cadillac (17-8) at Mount Pleasant
Garber emerged from third in the Tri-Valley Conference East to reach its first Quarterfinal after beating 22-win Goodrich in the Regional Final. Senior 6-4 forward C.J. Glaza leads three scoring in double digits, averaging 16.1 points while grabbing 10.4 rebounds per game. Cadillac got off to a 5-6 start on the way to its fifth straight Quarterfinal, although seven of its losses this season were to Class A teams. The Vikings have advanced to the Semifinals the last two years. Guard Andrew Emington (12.8 ppg) leads a balanced offense and is one of eight seniors.
Detroit Henry Ford (19-5) vs. New Haven (25-0) at Marysville
Henry Ford has gone from 10 to 11 to 19 wins over the last three seasons and has a pair of potent scorers in senior small forward Joshua Davis (17 ppg) and junior point guard James Towns (16.5 ppg). The Trojans will be playing in their first Quarterfinal since 1984. New Haven made the Quarterfinals in 2012 but in two trips has never advanced to the final weekend of the season. Senior 6-6 forward Joshua Harris averages 20.5 points per game and has been key during the perfect run, which included a 22-point win over 21-win Yale in the Regional Semifinal.
Class C
McBain (22-2) vs. Boyne City (20-5) at Gaylord
McBain is back in the Quarterfinals for the first time since 2011 but fourth time in seven seasons. Sophomore 6-6 center Craig Sterk leads four scoring in double digits, averaging 16.5 points per game while grabbing 8.8 rebounds per. Boyne City is headed to the Quarterfinals for the first time since 1990 and after winning a competitive Lake Michigan Conference. Senior forward Corey Redman is the leading scorer at 16.4 ppg.
Grand Rapids NorthPointe Christian (19-5) vs. Shelby (23-1) at Zeeland East
NorthPointe Christian rebounded from three losses over its final four regular-season games and will play its second Quarterfinal and first since 2007. Senior guard Preston Huckaby scores 15 points per game to lead four averaging in double digits for the only team to beat Class B contender Godwin Heights this winter. Shelby suffered only one loss, by three to Muskegon Heights in the regular-season finale. But the Tigers beat eventual Class B quarterfinalist Spring Lake by 22 the week before, and eliminated 21-win Laingsburg in the Regional Final.
Hanover-Horton (23-1) vs. Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central (22-3) at Ann Arbor Huron
Hanover-Horton has won 20 or more games 10 times and made five Quarterfinals under 17-season coach Chad Mortimer, and is seeking its first Semifinal berth since 2003. Senior guard Stefan Young averages 13.2 ppg as the lead scorer. St. Mary joins Class B’s Milan from the Huron League and will play in its third Quarterfinal in five seasons, hoping for its second Semifinal berth and led by a pair of standout scorers – senior guard Bryce Windham averages 20.4 ppg and junior forward Stephan Umfress adds 18.6.
Millington (19-5) vs. Flint Beecher (23-1) at Burton Bendle
Millington finished second in the TVC East that produced Class B quarterfinalist Essexville Garber, and the Cardinals are seeking their first Semifinal berth. They’re led by a talented backcourt of junior point guard Shawn Pardee (25.6 ppg) and senior shooting guard Austin LeVan (20.9). Beecher, meanwhile, is playing in its eighth straight Quarterfinal and seeking to return to the Semifinals after missing last season for the first time since 2009. Senior guard Cedric Moten leads three averaging double-digit points at 15.1 ppg.
Class D
Wyoming Tri-unity Christian (14-10) vs. Morenci (22-2) at Kalamazoo Loy Norrix
Tri-unity Christian has navigated a tough schedule to return to the Quarterfinals for the third time in five years. Three players average nine points or more per game, led by senior 6-8 center Chris Osantowski at 11 ppg. Morenci has played only one Quarterfinal – in 1954 in Class C – but improved steadily from eight to 13 to 22 wins over the last three seasons and has won its last seven games by 12 or more points. Senior guard Austin Sandusky runs the show, averaging 14.1 points and four assists per game.
Waterford Our Lady (24-0) vs. Genesee Christian (17-6) at West Bloomfield
Our Lady will play in its first Quarterfinal since 1993. The team is a combined 41-6 in two seasons under coach Paul Robak and led by a pair for sharp-shooting 6-4 guards – senior Nick Robak averages 23.6 points per game and has made 63 3-pointers, and junior Andrew Kline averages 13.2 points and 6.6 assists per game and has 42 treys. Genesee Christian has played in one other Quarterfinal, in 2006. The Soldiers should be ready for another tough opponent after facing a number of larger schools this season playing as an independent. Seniors Travis Rose and Logan Mowry key a productive frontcourt; Rose averages 14.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 3.9 steals per game, with Mowry at 14.8 points and 7.2 rpg.
Fulton (20-4) vs. Frankfort (22-2) at Cadillac
Fulton is back in the Quarterfinals for the first time since finishing Class D runner-up in 2011, and similar to that season can cause damage from behind the 3-point arc. The Pirates have made 209 3-pointers, with junior guard Colton Antes drilling 74 and senior Gregg Jones, the team’s leading scorer (16.9 ppg), connecting on another 54. Frankfort is playing in its third straight Quarterfinal and is led by the standout from last season’s Semifinal run. Senior 6-3 center David Loney sets the pace at 18.8 points and 8.9 rebounds per game for the Northwest Conference champ.
Hillman (23-1) vs. Powers North Central (24-0) at Sault Ste. Marie
Hillman has won at least 21 games the last two seasons and three of the last seven, but will play in its first Quarterfinal having lost this season only to Cedarville in the opener Dec. 9. Three players combine to average 50 points per game, led by senior guard Mason VanPamel at 25 ppg. Powers North Central will play in its third straight Quarterfinal and again is a high-powered scoring force – the Jets have put up at least 80 points seven times and more than 70 in 15 games. Sophomore guard Jason Whitens leads four averaging 9.9 ppg or more with 16.4.
PHOTO: Detroit Henry Ford guard James Towns, here against Detroit East English earlier this season, has played a big part in his team’s first Quarterfinal run since 1984. (Photo courtesy of the Detroit Public School League.)