#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.
Moment: Rouge, Betts Win 4th Straight
April 15, 2020
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Willie Betts remains the only athlete in Michigan high school history to play on four MHSAA championship basketball teams, a feat he completed as part of River Rouge's fourth-straight Class B title winner in 1964.
This time, Betts helped the Panthers to an 86-67 win over Lakeview in the Final.
Fred Hudson led the way for the Panthers, scoring 31 points. The victory also was the 100th in MHSAA Tournament play for legendary Rouge coach Lofton Greene. River Rouge finished the 1963-64 season 24-1, losing just once for the third-straight winter.
