Linked Up: Meet Mr. Basketball
March 19, 2013
To casual high school basketball fans who hadn't heard about him coming up, Monte Morris introduced himself during Flint Beecher's run to last season's MHSAA Class C championship.
On Monday, the Iowa State recruit won a close competition among the top three finalists for this season's Mr. Basketball award, as voted on by members of the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan.
Morris gives Flint its first Mr. Basketball since Kelvin Torbert in 2001.
Monte Morris of Flint Beecher Named Mr. Basketball (Detroit Free Press)
PHOTO: Flint Beecher's Monte Morris brings the ball upcourt during a game against Rockford this season. (Click to see more at HighSchoolSportsScene.com.)
Why be an Official? (Grand Rapids Press)
January 25, 2012
The Grand Rapids Press' Jane Bos tells the story of some of the most valuable, yet often-criticized people who help make our games go -- the officials enforcing the rules.
Consider this interesting point: On a Tuesday or Friday, the O-K Conference must come up with 150 officials to work its basketball games. And it, like most if not all leagues, always is looking for more.
She also explains how another former Press sportswriter, Howie Beardsley, got into the reffing game.
Check it out:
"Why West Michigan high school referees say you should consider wearing stripes"