#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.
Bates Becomes 1st Sophomore POY
April 15, 2020
By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor
Ypsilanti Lincoln standout Emoni Bates has been named Gatorade’s national boys basketball “Player of the Year” – becoming the first sophomore to win the national award.
Bates earlier was named the Michigan award winner for the second time. The award recognizes athletic excellence but also academic achievement and on and off-court exemplary character.
The 6-foot-9 do-everything player capably is able to man all five positions on the court, and this season averaged 33.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.3 steals per game while leading Lincoln to an 18-3 record before play was halted because of COVID-19. Bates has scored 1,343 points through his first two seasons of high school basketball.
Additionally, Bates carries a B average and has volunteered in local elementary school literacy campaigns and as a youth coach, as well as participating in clothing and shoe drives for community churches.
PHOTO: Ypsilanti Lincoln’s Emoni Bates dunks during the 2019 Division 1 Semifinals at Breslin Center.