Meet Mr. Basketball

March 20, 2012

This season's Mr. Basketball stood tall over the rest of the competition -- although not by much over a future Michigan State teammate.

Bay City Western center Matt Costello edged Lansing Sexton guard Denzel Valentine to win the 32nd Mr. Basketball award. It is given annually to the top senior player in the state by the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan and the Detroit Free Press.

Here's Costello's story, from the Free Press' Mick McCabe:

Bay City Western's Matt Costello shares Mr. Basketball award with all who helped him

Linked Up: Generations of Calls

July 9, 2013

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

Father Ralph Burr recently finished his 50th season as an MHSAA official at 76 years old. His daughter Jackie has worked with him for 20 seasons, and son Jeff has served alongside Dad various times over the last 36 years.

Add in another son and grandson, and the family has officiated a combined 142 years in the Muskegon area. 

Grand Rapids' WZZM tells the story of the Burrs, focusing especially on Ralph and his other contributions including the care-taking of Muskegon's Sheldon Field.

Click for the WZZM story on the Burrs and watch below if your browser allows for Flash playback. Also, see the report done earlier this season by the Muskegon Chronicle.

PHOTO: Members of the Burr family pose during the MHSAA Officials Awards & Alumni Banquet in May including current MHSAA officials Jackie Burr, (to her left) Ralph Burr and (on far right) Jeff Burr.