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: 12/21/16

December 21, 2016

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

The last busy night in Michigan high school sports before Christmas featured some giant basketball battles as contenders in Class A boys and Class A and B girls faced off.

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.

Boys Basketball

Detroit U-D Jesuit, the reigning Class A champion, downing injury-depleted Macomb Dakota 69-61 in a rematch of last season’s Semifinal – Detroit Free Press

Hanover-Horton came back from an early 21-8 deficit to remain undefeated with a 63-62 win over Concord – Jackson Citizen-Patriot

Markell Jackson had 12 points, 15 rebounds and 10 blocks as Muskegon downed Grand Haven 45-37 – Muskegon Chronicle

McBain won a key matchup of Class C powers, 73-62 over Boyne City after trailing by three at the start of the fourth quarter – Cadillac News

Hillman won coach Eric Muszynski his 200th victory, 64-46 over Rudyard – Alpena News

Dundee earned reportedly the 1,000th win in program history, 60-50 over Carlton Airport – Monroe Evening News

Girls Basketball

Detroit Country Day downed Midland Dow 56-46 in a matchup of likely contenders in Class B and A, respectively – MLive-Detroit

Spring Lake’s Reiko Johnson broke her school’s record for career points, but Shelby came away with a 49-47 win – Muskegon Chronicle

Hockey

Unranked Calumet posted a strong statement in Division 3 with a 7-1 win over rival and No. 9-ranked Houghton – Houghton Daily Mining Gazette

Boys Swimming & Diving

Saline diver Dakota Hurbis broke his school and pool records with a score of 351.9 to lead the Hornets over Adrian – Saline Post