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"
Today in the MHSAA: 1/28/26
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
January 28, 2026
1. BOYS BASKETBALL Denham Butler’s last-minute 3-pointer pushed Dearborn Divine Child past Jackson Lumen Christi 55-53 as Divine Child clinched the outright Catholic High School League AA title – Jackson Citizen Patriot
2. GIRLS BASKETBALL Goodrich’s Kayla Hairston went over 1,000 career points during a win over Flushing, and Flint Powers Catholic’s Kendyl Smith made the MHSAA records with 21 free throws in a win over Detroit Edison – Flint Journal
3. BOYS BASKETBALL Goodrich’s Jensen LePla also went over 1,000 career points during a 50-46 victory over Flushing – Flint Journal
4. BOYS BASKETBALL Lansing Waverly got past Holt 86-84 in double overtime in a game that also saw the Rams’ Brandon Mercer break the school’s career 3-pointers record – Lansing State Journal
5. GIRLS BASKETBALL Lilly Williams broke Howell’s single-season blocks record during a 49-24 win over Plymouth – Livingston Daily Press & Argus
6. GIRLS BASKETBALL Negaunee defeated Gladstone 30-19 in a matchup of arguably the two best girls basketball teams in the Upper Peninsula – My UP Now
7. BOYS BASKETBALL Marquette delivered Ishpeming Westwood its only loss this winter, 59-35 – Upper Michigan’s Source
8. BOYS BASKETBALL Grosse Ile handed Riverview its first Huron League defeat, 72-54 – Southgate News-Herald
9. ICE HOCKEY Craig Borges scored three goals in Huron Valley’s win over Fenton – Oakland Press
10. BOYS BASKETBALL Traverse City Christian remains undefeated after a notable 71-65 win over Harbor Springs Harbor Light Christian – MI Sports Now