Today in the MHSAA: 11/7/17

November 7, 2017

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

Each weekday of the school year, we break down the top headlines courtesy of Michigan’s sports media.

Today's Top 10

1. Football: The movement of many Michigan high schools from 11 to 8-player caught the attention of the Washington Post, which took a trip to Felch North Dickinson during Week 9 to tell one community’s story – Washington Post

2. Volleyball: With only eight players, Pentwater this fall has continued its recent run of success and won a fifth straight Class D District title – Local Sports Journal

3. Football: The Monroe Evening News’ Niles Kruger describes in detail what one of many postgame gatherings in football communities all over our state looked like Friday, and why the tradition is special – Monroe Evening News

4. Football: The Grand Rapids Press caught up with former Michigan State standout and NFL pro Ty Hallock, who told of his enjoyment in watching sons Tanner and Tate’s high school careers at Forest Hills Central – Grand Rapids Press

5. Volleyball: Grand Haven’s Avolyn Lepo suffered a torn knee ligament in January, but made it all the way back for her senior season to lead the Buccaneers to an 11th-straight District title – Grand Haven Tribune

6. Volleyball: Class D No. 8 Rogers City and No. 2 Leland will face off tonight in one of the state’s most intriguing Regional Semifinals – Alpena News

7. Volleyball: Class B honorable mention Fruitport is gearing up for a Regional that also includes honorable mention Grand Rapids Catholic Central, Grand Rapids South Christian and Grant – Grand Haven Tribune

8. Football: Frankenmuth basketball all-stater Mario Whitley came back out for football this fall after leaving the team midway through his junior season to focus on the hoops recruiting process – and he’s turned into a key contributor for an undefeated team – Saginaw News

9. Volleyball: Ishpeming Westwood is balancing a couple of good opportunities this week – playing in a Regional at Gladstone while hosting a Regional as well – Marquette Mining Journal

10. Girls Basketball: Practice began Monday, and for Petoskey seniors Megan Hannah and Isabel Anderson it was the start of a fourth season on the varsity – Petoskey News-Review

Also of note …

Girls Swimming & Diving: From Saturday, Macomb L’Anse Creuse North continued its climb with the Macomb Area Conference Blue meet championship – Macomb Daily

Girls Swimming & Diving: From Friday, Lower Peninsula Division 3 honorable mention Trenton won its seventh straight Downriver League title by claiming the league meet win – Southgate News-Herald

Today in the MHSAA: 11/1/17

November 1, 2017

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

Each weekday of the school year, we break down the top headlines courtesy of Michigan’s sports media.

Today's Top 10

1. Boys Tennis: Traverse City Central coach Larry Nykerk’s retirement was announced Tuesday; he’s stepping down after 50 seasons leading the program – Traverse City Record Eagle

2. Volleyball: No. 8 Rogers City came back from losing the first set to beat Hillman in four in their Class D District Semifinal – Alpena News

3. Volleyball: Class A top-ranked Rockford downed honorable mention Lowell in three sets – RedArrowAthletics.com

4. Cross Country: The Sturgis girls and Constantine boys both repeated as champions at the St. Joseph County Invitational – Sturgis Journal

5. Volleyball: After also meeting in a football playoff game Friday, neighbors Zeeland East and West met in volleyball, with the Class A honorable mention Chix getting past West in three close sets in their District match – Holland Sentinel

6. Volleyball: Traverse City Central earned a rematch with rival West by downing Alpena in a Class A District match – Traverse City Record-Eagle

7. Volleyball: Class A honorable mention East Grand Rapids moved on in its District with a three-set win over Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern – EastGRSports.com

8. Volleyball: Class D No. 5 Onaway swept Posen on the other side of the District bracket at Rogers City – Alpena News

9. Volleyball: After winning a first set that got to 33-31, Holland Calvary held on to defeat Byron Center Zion Christian in four in a Class D District – Holland Sentinel

10. Volleyball: Petoskey swept Marquette in a first-round Class A District match – Petoskey News-Review