Moment: Wilburn Becomes Legend in '62

April 13, 2020

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

Ken Wilburn solidified his legend status in leading River Rouge to a repeat Class B boys basketball championship in 1962, playing what legendary coach Lofton Greene called after Wilburn's "best game ever today."

The 6-foot-5 senior forward had 26 points, 15 rebounds and 11 steals in the 69-36 win over East Grand Rapids, scoring 13 points during the third quarter as the Panthers broke away.

He was joined by 5-6 Napoleon Hudson, a defensive standout who added 16 points.

River Rouge finished 1961-62 with a 25-1 record. Wilburn went on to play at Central State University and for four franchises in the NBA and ABA.

MHSAA Moments is looking at Rouge's six 1960s boys basketball championships throughout this week. 

Be the Referee: Basketball Timeout

By Brent Rice
MHSAA Assistant Director

February 10, 2022

Be The Referee is a series of short messages designed to help educate people on the rules of different sports, to help them better understand the art of officiating, and to recruit officials.

Below is this week's segment – Basketball Timeout - Listen

We are on the basketball court today where a wild pass from the point guard is headed out of bounds. A teammate jumps and is just barely able to catch the pass, but his momentum is carrying him out of bounds before he lands. While still airborne, and in possession of the ball, he calls time out.

Should the official grant him the time out – or is he out of bounds, with possession going to the defending team?

Since the player jumped from inbounds, gained possession, and called timeout before touching down out of bounds – the time out should be granted. His acrobatic play and quick thinking saved his team from committing a turnover, and they’ll inbound the basketball after a 60-second break.

Previous editions

Feb. 3: Basketball Video Review - Listen
Jan. 27: Wrestling Inspections - Listen
Dec. 16: Ball Over Backboard - Listen
Dec. 9: Winter Officials Mechanics - Listen
Nov. 26: Instant Replay - Listen
Nov. 11: Tourney Selection - Listen
Nov. 4: Receiver Carried Out of End Zone Listen
Oct. 28: Volleyball Back-Row Block Listen
Oct. 21: Soccer Disallowed Goal Listen
Sept 30: Field Goal Falls Short Listen
Sept. 23: Volleyball Obstruction Listen
Sept. 16: Catch or No Catch  Listen
Sept. 9: Intentional Grounding – Listen 
Sept. 2: Pass Interference – Listen 
Aug. 26: Protocols and Mechanics 
 Listen