#SocialStudies
February 1, 2012
Welcome, welcome, welcome. So glad you’ve stopped by our new Second Half Thursday feature -- #SocialStudies.
This weekly collection of video clips, tweets and posts should serve to get you up-to-speed on whatever has gone viral, victorious or just plain weird this week in high school sports and beyond.
As your tour guide, I’ll take the reins in providing commentary for what you see here – feel free to ignore what you don’t like and watch everything else on repeat. Additionally, if you’ve found something spectacular on the ‘interwebs’ that you think deserves a spot on #SocialStudes, submit it!
Now, let’s get on to the goodies, shall we?
1. Are you ready for this?
In order to get you amped for the first installment of #SocialStudies, I think it’s necessary to begin with what only a true high school sports fan can begin with: a "Jock Jams Remix." Enjoy. (Cue toe-tapping and an immediate nostalgia-induced adrenaline rush!)
2.!!!elbaveilebnU
File this next clip under the “We Enjoy People with Totally Bizarre Talents” category. When I first watched this clip, I was convinced that either (1.) everything was scripted or (2.) this girl is an alien robot.
Turns out, neither is true. Watch and try to keep up. Or better yet: try this with your teammates on your next long road trip to an away game. If you can rival Alyssa, it’s probably time to call Letterman.
3. Glove save
It’s official: Prince Fielder needs to DH. I think I’ve found a solution for the Tigers’ hot corner.
4. Launch the shot, off the defender, nothing but net.
Oh, and just in case you missed it earlier this month: Olivet handed defending Class C Boys Basketball champion Schoolcraft a heart-breaking loss on this bizarre buzzer-beater in double OT. We take you to the good stuff, starting at 2:20 into the clip with Olivet (white jerseys) leading 94-91.
5. Howell Highlander -- or High Flyer
Kudos to Brandon Nazione for this ridiculous dunk. Seems that Howell High School has their own Blake Griffin doppelganger! (Note: I don’t think it’s necessary to watch all 5 slow-mo versions of the dunk – but that’s just me.)
6. And in this corner ...
Lastly, we’d like to present Michigan State University Women’s Basketball Coach Suzy Merchant, who happens to be our keynote speaker at this weekends’ Women In Sports Leadership Conference. Who knew the reigning Big Ten Coach of The Year had such a sweet left jab?
On that note, we’ll knock out for the week. See something over the weekend that caught your eye? Snag a stupendous cheerleading squad on video at a pep assembly? Actually: snag ANYTHING at a pep assembly that we should see? Upload it to YouTube and send it on over.
You might just see it on Second Half’s #SocialStudies.
#SocialStudies v. 2.2
October 25, 2012
By Andi Osters
Second Half social media guru
Welcome back to #SocialStudies! As we head into the start of our most popular tournament this weekend – we bring you another collection of the amazing, spectacular and just plain odd.
Warning: there is a panda in one of the videos below. I promise it’s not a San Francisco Giant.
1. 'Best kicker in the world' ... ???
If you missed it last week: Here’s a high school place-kicker from Washington booting a 67-yard field goal. Yes, 67 yards. No mention of a tailwind.
2. Lord of the Dance
This next video combines two of my favorite things: bad dancing and a teacher doing something totally unexpected. (Be careful of your speaker volume: this one has some loud moments.)
3. All hail the king
Hate him or love him: LeBron James does some things with a basketball that just … astound. Here’s a move to work on in your driveways, kids.
4. Watch this one twice
Speaking of sweet moves; here’s a guy you’ve never heard of doing something on a tennis court that you’ve probably never seen.
5. Give that guy a championship
NBC25 out of Flint supplies us with this Top Play selection from Week 9 … Damon Thomas of Fenton goes up to grab a TD pass and manages to hold on in a game that clinched a share of the Flint Metro League title for his team. Fenton (8-1) welcomes Farmington Hills Harrison (6-3) on Friday night to start their playoff bid.
6. Dude. Perfect. Borderline unbelievable.
And to close, a new trick shot video from the guys at Dude Perfect. Take six minutes and enjoy.
We know you’re all on YouTube daily ... so send us your favorite vids!
We'll watch those and see you again next time for more catching up on your #SocialStudies.