Dr. Naismith Visits the MHSAA Finals

April 4, 2013

The MHSAA Boys Basketball Finals, in just their 13th season in 1938, were treated to a visit by the man who knew the game better than anyone at the time – the inventor of the game, Dr. James Naismith. 

He addressed a luncheon prior to the title games that year, and then presented the trophies and medals at the conclusion of each Lower Peninsula championship game at the Grand Rapids Civic Auditorium. 

The MHSAA and Fox Sports Detroit – with an assist from the Brooklyn Exponent and Grand Rapids Christian High School (Class B champion that season and provider of the photo above) – told the story during this winter's Finals, the 75th anniversary of Naismith's visit. 

Moment: Rouge Holds Off Unity Challenge

April 14, 2020

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

We continue with our third day of "Rouge Week" with River Rouge's third-straight Class B championship during the 1960s, clinched with a 59-49 victory over Hudsonville Unity Christian in the Final.

Unity, ranked just behind the Panthers at No. 2 in Class B heading into the MHSAA Tournament, gave Rouge a run nearly to the end. Unity pulled within 38-36 at the outset of the fourth quarter before Boice Bowman, Bill Dunson and Larry Brazon keyed a 9-2 run to help the Panthers pull away.

Dunson, an all-stater as a senior that winter, scored a team-high 16 points. Bowman added 15. Rouge finished 25-1 for the second-straight season.