Stars Collide Again in 1988 Flashback

August 11, 2016

By John Johnson
MHSAA Communications Director

A fourth-quarter comeback during the 1988 Class B Boys Basketball Final highlights this week’s 80s Finals Flashback series on MHSAA.tv. 

The seventh game in our weekly summer series is the future Michigan State star-laden clash between Grand Rapids South Christian and Redford Bishop Borgess.

Here’s a look at this week’s game:

Week of August 8 – Grand Rapids South Christian 69, Redford Bishop Borgess 66 – 1988 Class B Boys Basketball Final - A battle of future Michigan State University players was a feature of the Class B showdown. Matt Steigenga of Grand Rapids South Christian and Parish Hickman, the 6-foot-7, 205-pound forward from Redford Bishop Borgess, were the focal points of the game. Leading 53-45 after three quarters, Borgess appeared to be in the driver's seat. However, Steigenga began a Sailors comeback with a thundering dunk off an offensive rebound to open the fourth quarter of play. South Christian scored eight of the next 10 points, tying the contest at 55 with 5:29 remaining. Despite picking up his fourth personal foul before the end of the first half, Steigenga grabbed six offensive rebounds in the final frame, while Mark Wierenga scored eight of his 21 points as the Sailors moved past Borgess, 69-66. The Spartans had one last chance when sophomore Shawn Respert hit a 3-pointer with 10 seconds remaining to pull Borgess within three. The future MSU star launched a 35-footer at the buzzer that could have tied the game, but the shot bounced off the rim. Steigenga and Hickman each finished with 21 points. (Watch that Steigenga fourth-quarter dunk by Clicking Here)

A new game will be posted online each Monday through the week of August 22.  DVDs may be purchased directly from the MHSAA.tv Website – just click the “Get DVD” button below the player.

Previous Flashbacks

August 1: Dearborn Divine Child 50, Okemos 45 (OT) 1986 Class B Girls Basketball Final - Watch
July 25:
Muskegon 16, Detroit Martin Luther King 13 – 1988 Class A Football Final - Watch
July 19:
Northport 80, Beal City 78 – 1988 Class D Boys Basketball Final - Watch
July 12:
Detroit Cass Tech 52, Saginaw 51 – 1987 Class A Girls Basketball Final - Watch
July 5:
Traverse City 24, Detroit Catholic Central 14 – 1988 Class A Football Final - Watch
June 28: Saginaw Buena Vista 33, Flint Beecher 32 – 1986 Class B Boys Basketball Final - Watch

Moment: Wilburn Becomes Legend in '62

April 13, 2020

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

Ken Wilburn solidified his legend status in leading River Rouge to a repeat Class B boys basketball championship in 1962, playing what legendary coach Lofton Greene called after Wilburn's "best game ever today."

The 6-foot-5 senior forward had 26 points, 15 rebounds and 11 steals in the 69-36 win over East Grand Rapids, scoring 13 points during the third quarter as the Panthers broke away.

He was joined by 5-6 Napoleon Hudson, a defensive standout who added 16 points.

River Rouge finished 1961-62 with a 25-1 record. Wilburn went on to play at Central State University and for four franchises in the NBA and ABA.

MHSAA Moments is looking at Rouge's six 1960s boys basketball championships throughout this week.