Today in the MHSAA: 6/9/17
June 9, 2017
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Half of this season’s MHSAA girls soccer semifinalists were determined in Regional Finals on Thursday, with a first-time title for one school and some last-second heroics for a few more champs.
Each weekday during the school year, we’ll gather and post media links covering the most significant and intriguing high school events from all over the state.
Girls Soccer
Trailing by two early, No. 4 Grand Blanc came back with five goals to beat No. 13 Walled Lake Northern 5-2 in a Division 1 Regional Final – Flint Journal
Natalie Belsito scored her Division 2 Regional Final’s only goal with 23 seconds to play to push No. 2 Grand Rapids Forest Hills Northern past No. 15 Spring Lake 1-0 – Grand Rapids Press
No. 16 Muskegon Catholic Central won its first girls soccer Regional title, downing No. 7 Elk Rapids 2-1 in Division 4 – Muskegon Chronicle
Haley Balkema scored both goals as No. 8 Kalamazoo Christian downed Holland Black River 2-0 in Division 4 Regional Final – Kalamazoo Gazette
No. 10 Utica Ford will play in its second MHSAA Semifinal in four seasons thanks to a 2-1 Division 1 win over No. 19 New Baltimore Anchor Bay – C&G Newspapers
Holland Christian got past No. 13 Marshall 2-1 with a shootout to advance in Division 2 – Holland Sentinel
No. 2 Hudsonville Unity Christian will return to the season’s final week after a 3-0 win over No. 12 Grand Rapids Catholic Central in Division 2 – Grand Rapids Press
No. 11 Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett also advanced in Division 4, with a 5-0 win over Marlette.
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