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: 1/26/16

January 26, 2016

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

Monday night was a busy one for girls basketball as multiple state-ranked teams fell in titanic nonleague matchups.

Girls Basketball

Morley Stanwood came back from seven down at halftime to upend Class C-ranked Carson City Crystal – Big Rapids News

Detroit Country Day moved to 11-1 against arguably the top team from the Detroit Public School League, outlasting Renaissance 56-50 – Detroit News

Harper Woods Chandler Park pressed Waterford Our Lady from opening tip to the final buzzer to down the Class D contender 63-44 – Oakland Press

Megan Saunders scored the winning points with half a minute to play as Jackson Lumen Christi escaped Hanover-Horton 43-41 – Jackson Citizen-Patriot

Petoskey made 7 of 8 free throws during overtime to down Big North Conference co-leader Traverse City Central 49-41 – Traverse City Record-Eagle

Boys Basketball

Millington and Shawn Pardee continued a parade of big numbers; he scored 48 points as the Cardinals beat Carrollton 99-85 in overtime – Saginaw News

Bowling

Grand Haven swept its girls and boys matches with Hudsonville, with the Bucs’ girls handing the Eagles their first loss – Grand Haven Tribune