Calumet Invite Produces Northern Stars
September 18, 2013
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
The Calumet Invitational dates back roughly 30 years as an annual staple of the cross country schedule for schools at the northernmost tip of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
A creative move by the Copper Kings last year added some statewide prestige to the event.
Last week, for the second season, Calumet ran the series of races at Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, a resort near Copper Harbor and the northern bank of the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Calumet is the northernmost high school in Michigan. And moving this race another 35 miles northeast more or less guaranteed it's the northernmost event run in the state.
"We figured it was pretty safe. We're the northernmost school in the state, and you can only go four more miles and you're in Lake Superior," Calumet athletic director Sean Jacques said. "Nobody else is going to do anything more north than that."
A total of 10 schools were represented this fall in the races for boys and girls varsity, junior varsity and middle schoolers.
Jacques said the event formerly was run at a golf course in Calumet. But a few years ago, Calumet graduate and former Copper Kings cross country runner Dan Harri moved home from Florida to become general manager at the Mountain Lodge (he's also a renowned chef and has owned restaurants in Miami with Hall of Fame Dolphins coach Don Shula).
Harri had asked a few times about bringing a cross country or golf event to the lodge. Jacques told him last year they'd give it a try, so Harri set up a course that includes golf course, a couple of bridges, trails and finishes with a climb on the No. 1 fairway. It also provides various points for fans to watch runners go by, not always available on other courses.
"We were looking for a little bit of a change, and it's a beautiful course," Jacques said. "We thought if people were willing to make the extra drive, it would be really nice."
Calumet won the boys race this season, just ahead of runner-up Houghton. Houghton's girls were victorious, followed by the host Copper Kings.
Click to read more about this year's event from the Houghton Mining Gazette.
Michigan's claim to an NFL evolution
As part of its NFL preview this month, Sports Illustrated reported on one of the most significant developments for offenses over the last few decades – the silent snap count, which is used regularly by visiting teams because offensive linemen can’t hear the quarterback calling for the ball over the clamor of the home crowd.
And the article explained that the silent snap count might’ve gotten its start at one of Michigan’s smallest high schools – Flint’s Michigan School for the Deaf.
Offensive linemen during the 1980s were feasted on by pass rushers like Lawrence Taylor and Bruce Smith, who built record sack totals by blasting past blockers who seemed a step slow. Turns out, that was true. Defensive players were getting an edge by attacking as soon as they saw the ball move. But blockers (especially offensive tackles), focused instead on the defensive ends and linebackers lined up across from them, and didn’t have the luxury of watching the ball – and since they also couldn’t hear the snap count, started each play a step behind.
Enter the silent count. The quarterback signals to the center that he is ready to receive the ball (with a pat on the back, by raising a foot, etc.). The center then raises his head, and after a predetermined count of at least one second snaps the ball without a sound. This means an offensive tackle doesn’t have to listen for a snap count – he just counts after seeing the center get set.
The SI report recognized longtime offensive line coach Howard Mudd as the guru of the silent snap count. But Mudd recalled a conversation he’d had while working for the Seattle Seahawks with another coach, the late Andy MacDonald, who also had coached early in his career at a school for the deaf in Michigan.
The article doesn’t mention Michigan School for the Deaf by name. But it seems to make sense that the Tartars were the first to use the now-revolutionary count. MacDonald – who played at Central Michigan University and went on to coach at Michigan State and four other colleges and also for the Buffalo Bills – grew up in Flint and attended Flint Northern before playing for the Chippewas from 1950-53. The historical web site Michigan-football.com has results for Flint’s Michigan School for the Deaf dating to 1950, making it a decent assumption that MacDonald might’ve gotten in a little early coaching experience at the school down the road from his home.
Click for the SI story and go to page 4 for the mention of Michigan’s school.
Michigan mourns trooper, running standout
The law enforcement community is mourning the death of Michigan State Police trooper Paul Butterfield, who was shot Sept. 9 during a traffic stop in Mason County. He also was a well-known distance runner during the 1980s and the MHSAA Class A cross country champion running for Bridgeport in 1987.
According to a Ludington Daily News report, Butterfield continued running after high school at the University of Tennessee, and also competed at the 1989 Pan American Junior Games in Argentina.
Butterfield was stationed in Hart after previously serving in Manistee, and lived in Mason County. He also had served in the U.S. Army. Click to read more from the Ludington Daily News.
PHOTO: Calumet's Chelsea Jacques (right) won this season's Calumet Invitational with a time of 21:08.06, just ahead of Ironwood's Jessica Gering at 21:46.16. (Photo courtesy of Calumet athletic department.)
Breslin Bound: 2025-26 Boys Quarterfinal Preview
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
March 10, 2026
One. More. Win.
That’s all that’s needed as 32 boys basketball teams take the floor tonight for Quarterfinals across the state and with a trip to East Lansing and Breslin Center on the line.
Below are quick glances at all 16 matchups. Games tip off at 7 p.m. unless noted. Details on tickets, brackets and more can be found on the Boys Basketball page. To watch all 16 games online, visit the NFHS Network.
“Breslin Bound” is powered by MI Student Aid and based on results and schedules posted for each school at MHSAA.com. (Abbreviations below denote ppg - points per game, rpg - rebounds per game and apg - assists per game.)
Week in Review
The countdown of last week’s five most intriguing results:
1. Grand Rapids Northview 52, East Kentwood 50 Cam Ryans drilled a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to send Grand Rapids Northview (22-4) past East Kentwood (22-3) in a Division 1 Regional Final.
2. Harbor Beach 64, International Academy of Flint 62 (2 OT) Harbor Beach (23-3) won its first Regional title, edging IAF (19-5) in Division 4.
3. Colon 49, Battle Creek St. Philip 40 The Magi (22-4) also clinched their first Regional title, in Division 4, by adding to two regular-season wins over St. Philip (16-9).
4. Onsted 42, Ecorse 40 Onsted (24-2) clinched its first Regional title since 1983, advancing in Division 3 with a close win over Ecorse (19-6).
5. Onekama 46, Traverse City Christian 40 Onekama (17-10) handed Traverse City Christian (25-1) its only loss in a Division 4 Regional Final.
Quarterfinals at a Glance
DIVISION 1
Rockford (22-3) vs. Grand Rapids Northview (22-4) at Hudsonville
These two met Jan. 31 at the 2K26 Showcase, with Rockford winning 48-45. Senior 6-foot-6 forward Jake Bascom is a tough matchup averaging 17.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. But so is Northview senior guard Cam Ryans, a Mr. Basketball Award finalist averaging 24.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 3.3 assists per contest.
Auburn Hills Avondale (25-1) vs. Roseville (19-6) at Detroit Mercy
Avondale is coming off its first Regional title since 2002 with senior forward Jakobe Liford (15.2 ppg, 7.5 rpg) leading three players averaging double-digit scoring. Roseville last won a Regional in 2019 and returns to the season’s final week with junior guard Terrell Owens (17.3 ppg, 3.5 apg, 3.9 spg) setting the pace.
East Lansing (25-1) vs. Ann Arbor Pioneer (21-4) at Lansing Eastern’s Don Johnson Fieldhouse
Reigning Division 1 champion East Lansing celebrated senior guard KJ Torbert winning the Mr. Basketball Award on Monday, and he’s an especially impressive shooter making 52 percent of his shots from the floor – including 39 percent of his 3-point tries – on the way to averaging 25 points per game. Pioneer is back at the Quarterfinals for the first time since 2007, with senior guard Jordan Harrison a potent scorer (18.1 ppg) and distributor (3.9 apg).
Wayne Memorial (23-3) vs. Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice (21-5) at Detroit Mercy, 5:30 p.m.
The Zebras are also playing for a return trip to Breslin after finishing Division 1 runner-up a year ago, and they’re also led by a Mr. Basketball Award finalist in senior guard Jaylohn Allen (23.3 ppg, 6.0 apg). Brother Rice won its second Regional title over the last three seasons, keyed by a high-powered backcourt of senior Greg Grays (14.9 ppg) and freshman Jordan McDaniel (19.3 ppg).
DIVISION 2
Ludington (24-2) vs. Freeland (23-3) at Mount Pleasant
Junior guard Taj Williams (18.8 ppg) and senior forward Cameron Gunsell (18.2 ppg) have led Ludington to the Quarterfinals for the first time since 2017, as the Orioles advanced with a Regional Final win over 2025 semifinalist Kingsford. Freeland has won nine straight games to reach the Quarterfinals for the second consecutive year. Senior guard Wilson Huckeby is making almost 39 percent of his 3-pointers, drilling 81 this season while averaging 18.9 points per game.
Chelsea (20-5) vs. Romulus Summit Academy North (25-1) at Ypsilanti Lincoln, 5:30 p.m.
Summit is one win away from returning to Breslin after finishing Division 2 runner-up a year ago, its only loss to an Ohio opponent and with three players averaging double-digit points per game led by senior guard Jordan Fuller at 15.4. Chelsea has won nine of its last 10 games, with a big one over Lansing Sexton (23-3) in a Regional Final. Freshman Drew Cabana is averaging 21.8 points per game and senior Buck Allen adds 17.4 – and both have made at least 50 3-pointers.
Detroit University Prep (16-9) vs. Detroit Country Day (19-7) at Detroit Renaissance
University Prep has won nine of its last 10 games and edged reigning champion Warren Lincoln by two points in their Regional Final to reach this week. Senior guards Chris Byrd and Maurice Jackson are a 6-5 tandem averaging 19.6 and 14.6 ppg, respectively. Country Day has made a jump from 11-12 a year ago, winning nine of its last 10 games with junior guard Christian Cast (20.9 ppg) and 6-6 junior forward Isaiah Moreno (16.5) setting the pace.
Grand Rapids Catholic Central (20-6) vs. Hudsonville Unity Christian (23-3) at Hamilton
Grand Rapids Catholic Central is playing in its third-straight Quarterfinal and reached the Semifinals a year ago, and can turn to senior guards BB Watkins (14.4 ppg) and Jordan McCoy (15.5 ppg) for scoring punch. Unity Christian has won 19 of its last 20 games, its only defeat during that time against Freeland, and has five players averaging between 7-12 ppg topped by senior guard Brogan Sherd (12.2), who also has made 61 3-pointers.
DIVISION 3
Arts & Technology Academy of Pontiac (17-3) vs. Harbor Beach (23-3) at St. Clair County Community College
ATAP is a game away from a Breslin return as well after finishing Division 3 runner-up last season, and the Lions will take on a first-time Regional champ in Harbor Beach. Sophomore point guard Lewis Lovejoy paced last year’s ATAP run and leads again at 26.5 points and 7.6 assists per game. Senior guard Benson Harper leads three Harbor Beach players scoring in double digits at 17.3 ppg, and he and senior forward Skiler Krus (13.2 ppg) were also among stars on the Pirates’ Division 8 football championship team.
Menominee (22-4) vs. Beal City (24-2) at Boyne City
After a year away, Menominee is playing in its second Quarterfinal in three seasons and third over the last five – in part thanks to avenging a regular-season loss to 2025 semifinalist Ishpeming Westwood in their Regional Semifinal. Senior forward Tanner Theuerkauf quarterbacked the Division 7 football championship team and leads at 17.8 ppg, with senior guard Darren Butler at 15.2. Beal City is playing in its first Quarterfinal since 2013 and has reached 20 wins three straight seasons. Junior guard Cuyler Smith (15 ppg) leads three players averaging at least 11 points per game.
Flint New Standard Academy (20-4) vs. Onsted (24-2) at Ypsilanti Lincoln
New Standard is playing in its second-straight Quarterfinal and with its only losses this season to teams that all reached Regional Finals. Sophomore guard AJ Smith (12.4 ppg) and senior guard Jeffery Turner (12.0) lead four players averaging at least 10 ppg. As noted above, Onsted is back in the season’s final week for the first time in more than four decades, and after just missing with some very strong teams over the last 10 years. Mason Chesser (13.9 ppg) leads four averaging at least nine points per game who have helped the Wildcats push through.
Pewamo-Westphalia (24-2) vs. Schoolcraft (16-10) at Kalamazoo Loy Norrix
These two have met two other times in Quarterfinals this decade, with P-W advancing last season with a 50-45 victory. The Pirates have been regulars at this stage with this their fourth Quarterfinal over the last five seasons. Grady Eklund sets the pace for P-W at 20.7 points and 3.5 assists per game. Senior 6-10 forward Jimmy Miller leads three Schoolcraft players scoring at least 15 ppg with 19.3, plus nine rebounds per contest, and junior guard Kodee Bienz (15.1 ppg) has drilled 68 3-pointers.
DIVISION 4
Dollar Bay (23-2) vs. Pickford (25-0) at Gladstone
These two guarantee at least one Upper Peninsula team will be heading downstate, with Pickford making the attempt after losing a Quarterfinal last year by two points and Dollar Bay seeking its first Breslin trip since 2018. Gunner Bennin averages 19.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.7 steals and 3.5 assists per game for the Panthers. Senior forward Liam Tourtillott (20.2 ppg, 73 3-pointers) and junior guard Baron Colbert (16.9 ppg) are strong perimeter options for Dollar Bay.
Detroit Douglass (19-7) vs. Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes (19-6) at West Bloomfield, 6 p.m.
Douglass has made its run after tying for second in a Detroit Public School League Blue filled at the top with Division 1 teams, and defeated 2025 semifinalist Allen Park Inter-City Baptist in a Regional Semifinal last week. Freshman guard Damani Oliver averages 22.5 ppg and senior guard Jeremiah Thurman adds 16.1. Our Lady started this season 2-4 but has surged since the start of January, with senior center Jack Miller (12.4 ppg, 7.2 rpg) and senior forward Latane Ware (11.3 ppg) pacing a balanced attack.
Colon (22-4) vs. Concord (22-4) at Portage Northern
As noted above, Colon is coming off its first Regional title, and the Magi also defeated league rival Mendon (22-2) in a District Final. Seniors forwards Dalton Williams (22.1 ppg) and Quincy Blair (17.7) lead four players averaging double-digit scoring. Concord is coming off its first Regional title since 1990 and has celebrated senior guard Jett Smith and senior forward Connor Stevens both reaching 1,000 career points this winter.
Onekama (17-10) vs. Wyoming Tri-unity Christian (24-1) at Big Rapids
Onekama stunned previously-undefeated Traverse City Christian with a 46-40 Regional Final win to advance to the season’s final week for the first time since 1997, and the Portagers now get to take on the reigning Division 4 champion Defenders. Center Luke Bradford sets the pace at 15 ppg and is one of three senior starters. Tri-unity has replaced four starters from last season’s title winner, with the lone returner junior center Cody Osbun leading at 12.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.
MHSAA.com's weekly “Breslin Bound” reports are powered by MI Student Aid, a division within the Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP). MI Student Aid encourages students to pursue postsecondary education by providing access to student financial resources and information. MI Student Aid administers the state’s scholarship and grant programs that help make college Accessible, Affordable and Attainable for you. Click to connect with MI Student Aid and find more information on Facebook and X @mistudentaid.
PHOTOS (Top) Roseville’s Terrell Owens (4) blocks a shot during his team’s 71-68 overtime win over Clinton Township Chippewa Valley in last week’s Regional Semifinal. (Middle) Freeland’s Tristan Comer (13) scoops a shot during the Falcons’ Regional Final win over Flint Hamady. (Roseville/Chippewa Valley photo by Adam Sheehan. Freeland/Hamady photo by Terry Lyons.)