Today in the MHSAA: 1/18/23
By
Geoff Kimmerly
MHSAA.com senior editor
January 18, 2023
1. GIRLS BASKETBALL Emily Homan was key down the stretch as Haslett won a matchup of undefeated rivals, 55-52 over DeWitt – Lansing State Journal
2. GIRLS BASKETBALL East Grand Rapids handed Lowell its first defeat, 49-40 – FOX 17
3. BOYS BASKETBALL Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice won a league matchup of top statewide teams, 66-48 over Orchard Lake St. Mary’s – Oakland Press
4. GIRLS BASKETBALL Morenci downed Petersburg Summerfield 48-41 in a meeting of ranked Division 4 teams – Adrian Daily Telegram
5. GIRLS BASKETBALL Cadillac’s 3-point skill helped it pass Maple City Glen Lake 59-48 – Up North Live
6. GIRLS BASKETBALL Madison Smith became Mackinaw City’s all-time leading scorer in a big win over Alanson – Cheboygan Daily Tribune
7. BOYS BASKETBALL Saline handed Chelsea its first defeat, 62-60 – Ann Arbor News
8. GIRLS BASKETBALL Caledonia dealt Holland West Ottawa its first loss, 54-39 – Holland Sentinel
9. BOYS BASKETBALL East Kentwood also dealt Grand Haven its first loss, 65-56 – Grand Haven Tribune
10. GIRLS BASKETBALL Bronson moved to 10-0 doubling up Reading – Sturgis Journal
Also of note …
VOLLEYBALL Ann Arbor Skyline’s Harper Murray was named Gatorade’s National Player of the Year – Ann Arbor News
Holland West Ottawa Athletics Complex Recognized with National Award
December 12, 2023
Holland West Ottawa Public Schools’ new athletics complex, with architectural firm GMB, has been recognized as the top multi-field facility nationally by the American Sports Builders Association (ASBA), the national organization for builders and suppliers of materials for athletic facilities.
West Ottawa’s new stadium consists of two turf playing fields. The west field was designed deliberately without a surrounding track to bring the stands and field closer together with a central tunnel beneath the grandstands for the home team to enter onto the field. The same synthetic turf, light posts, and state-of-the-art audio/video systems are utilized on both fields for an equitable experience for all users.
Multiple ground-level entry points with access to the fields, barrier-free locker rooms and multiple seating options with elevator access also create accessibility for spectators, players, coaches, and support staff.
“This facility allows our students the opportunity to play in one of the premier complexes in the state of Michigan,” said Jeff Malloch, assistant superintendent of business services at West Ottawa Public Schools. “We have seen continued interest in lacrosse, football, and soccer, and this complex will be utilized by our community youth from elementary age to high school student-athletes.”
Adding elevated fan experiences, such as a concourse level between the upper and lower sections of the home stands, bigger bleachers, and updated concession stands and restrooms establish a venue for multiple sports and attract the entire community to utilize the facility.
“This is a one-of-a-kind facility for West Michigan, and it’s been wonderful to see student-athletes from across the state enjoy the complex’s unique amenities,” said Nate Bosch, a landscape architect with GMB. “The collaboration needed to make this project come to life was an inspiring process to be a part of, and we are so pleased to celebrate this accomplishment with West Ottawa.”
This is the first time a GMB project has been awarded a multi-field facility of the year honor by the ASBA. GMB also has received four Project of the Year honors in the outdoor tennis category and 20 distinguished awards from ASBA for other athletic facility projects over the past 12 years.
(Photos by M-Buck Studio.)