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: 12/4/15

December 4, 2015

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

The first Friday of girls basketball season is tonight, but a few key matchups Thursday were among the most significant of the first week.

Girls Basketball

In a rematch of a 2015 Class A Quarterfinal, Waterford Kettering emerged as the victor this time over two-time reigning champion Bloomfield Hills Marian – Oakland Press

Potential Class C contender Kent City downed expected Class A contender Muskegon 59-58 as the teams traded last-second baskets – Muskegon Chronicle

Manistee held off a comeback attempt by Traverse City St. Francis for a key 51-43 early-season victory in a meeting of top northern Lower Peninsula programs – Manistee News Advocate