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: 1961 Team Tips Off "Rouge Week'
April 13, 2020
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Nearly 70 years after its first championship, the River Rouge boys basketball program remains the standard at the Finals level of its sport with 20 appearances in MHSAA championship games and 14 titles.
From 1960-69, Rouge appeared in Finals seven times and won six championships – and photos and video from those six title games will make up this “Rouge Week” as part of our MHSAA Moments series.
We tip off with these from the 79-44 Class B title win over Holland Christian in 1961. The championship was the fourth of 12 earned under legendary coach Lofton Greene, following those won in 1954, 1955 and 1959.
The Panthers' 21-8 second-quarter run, keyed by 6-foot-5 freshman Willie Betts, sent them into halftime up 39-21. For the game, four players scored in double figures for River Rouge led by Jon Roman (No. 11 above and below) with 17 points. The Panthers finished 23-2 and also included Ken Wilburn (No. 25 below), who went on to play professionally for four NBA and ABA franchises.
(Photos courtesy of The Associated Press.)