Coming up on 2H (12/1-12/2)

November 30, 2012

Winter is upon us, and we're also in the midst of transitioning our Second Half coverage from one set of sports seasons to the next. Both will be highlighted this weekend. 

Keep an eye out for a feature on Grand Rapids Christian receiver Drake Harris. And Sunday, watch for the return of our series "Making - and Answering - the Call." This week we'll publish our first of three stories on MHSAA officials who have taken their games to college and professional levels as well. 

Bates Becomes 1st Sophomore POY

April 15, 2020

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

Ypsilanti Lincoln standout Emoni Bates has been named Gatorade’s national boys basketball “Player of the Year” – becoming the first sophomore to win the national award.

Bates earlier was named the Michigan award winner for the second time. The award recognizes athletic excellence but also academic achievement and on and off-court exemplary character.

The 6-foot-9 do-everything player capably is able to man all five positions on the court, and this season averaged 33.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.3 steals per game while leading Lincoln to an 18-3 record before play was halted because of COVID-19. Bates has scored 1,343 points through his first two seasons of high school basketball.

Additionally, Bates carries a B average and has volunteered in local elementary school literacy campaigns and as a youth coach, as well as participating in clothing and shoe drives for community churches.


PHOTO: Ypsilanti Lincoln’s Emoni Bates dunks during the 2019 Division 1 Semifinals at Breslin Center.