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
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"