#TBT: 50 Seasons of Boys Hoops Finals
May 9, 2014
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Much like fashion, MHSAA trophies have evolved over the years.
This week's "throwback" gives us a peek at some of both as they were in 1974, when the MHSAA celebrated 50 seasons of Boys Basketball Finals.
Holding these championship trophies are Vern Norris (left) and Al Bush, two of four who have served as executive directors of the MHSAA (Bush from 1968-78 and Norris as his successor until 1986 after serving as associate director).
The Finals of 1974 were the last hosted by Michigan State University's Jenison Field House. Champions that season were Birmingham Brother Rice, Muskegon Heights, Bay City All Saints and Ann Arbor St. Thomas.
Flashback 100: James Earl Jones, Dickson High Hoops to Hollywood Legend
September 13, 2024
Known for his roles in "Field of Dreams," "The Sandlot," "Star Wars," and several more, James Earl Jones graduated from Dickson High School in Brethren in 1949. During his senior year, he served as his class' vice president and wore number 27 on the varsity basketball team. He died on Sept. 9, at the age of 93.
Jones was born in Arkabutla, Miss., in 1931 and later moved to live with his grandparents in Dublin, Mich. After Dickson High School, Jones graduated from the University of Michigan – and he leant his iconic voice to the Wolverines years later for the hype video played before each home football game (watch here).
There is a life-sized bronze statue of Jones and his mentor, Donald Crouch, in Brethren. Jones struggled with a stutter and, with Crouch's help, overcame it and went on to a well-documented acting career. Jones won an Academy Award in 2011, Emmy Awards in 1990, 1991, and 2000, a Golden Globe Award in 1970, a Grammy Award in 1977, and Tony Awards in 1969, 1987 and 2017.
Dickson High School consolidated with Kaleva and Norman High Schools in 1964 into what is now Brethren High School.
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Previous "Flashback 100" Features
Sept. 6: Pioneers' Unstoppable Streak Stretches 9 Seasons - Read
Aug. 30: Detroit dePorres Rushes to 1995 Class CC Football Championship - Read
PHOTOS James Earl Jones is pictured alone and with his basketball teammates at Brethren Dickson. (Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.)