#SocialStudies v2.0

Video

February 9, 2012

It's Week 2 in our #SocialStudies, and we’ve been scouring the Web for the wacky, zany, wild and weird.

We’ve found a few morsels to whet the appetite of our loyal SecondHalf readership. Remember: if you come across something you think needs to be seen – SUBMIT IT!

1. In a Pickle

We’re always on the lookout for the “next big thing” in sports; this story on “Pickleball” caught our eye.

Spring Lake High School was the first to get a visit from a group of senior Pickleballers – follow-up visits to Grand Haven and Muskegon Mona Shores are in the works, too. Needless to say, there’s a faction of MHSAA staffers ready to take on any and all challengers. Anyone out there a fan – or or better yet, an expert – Pickler?

2. Nothing but net

You could give high school senior Jake Norcia 86 repeat tries on this shot; he’d likely miss all 86. It wasn’t a game-winner for Highland Park High School (Ill.), but the sheer distance that the ball travels to eventually find the net here is astonishing. In addition, the way the ball was thrown – looks like the shooter was just tossing a piece of paper in the waste bin.

3. Must have been a big win

From Fairfax, Va. – one of the more impressive court-rushes we’ve witnessed in 2012. A 3-pointer at the buzzer causes absolute pandemonium.

Need another angle? Sure.

4. Just ... Wow.

Not sure what a Sit Ski is? You’ll know after watching this short clip on paraplegic skier Josh Dueck. Great production in the video, and obviously a terrific support network of friends. We were moved by the story – and think you will be, too.

That's a wrap. See something over the weekend that caught your eye? Upload it to YouTube and send it on over.

It could become part of Second Half’s #SocialStudies.

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @MHSAA.

Video

#SocialStudies v7.0

March 29, 2012

It's been a wild couple weeks for us here in the office -- and we know you've been missing your weekly lineup of viral video goodness.

Not to worry.

We're back, and with a vengeance. Not Bruce Willis-style, but close to it.

1. Grand Finale

Easily the most intense game from Basketball Finals (both Boys and Girls) was the Class A Girls Final between Grosse Pointe South and eventual champion Grand Haven.

Here's the archived video of the entire game -- I'll recommend speeding through to the last 10 minutes. Grand Haven roared back from 18 points down to give us some serious drama in the final minute of play. Oh, and Bucs senior Shar'Rae Davis? Full-court drive and the game-winning bucket with under 10 seconds to play? Pretty nice little memory you've got there, girl. Great game.

(Also, tune in at 47:50 to catch the touching story of Terry Reid and his grandson Kyle Hall. Click the photo below for a link to the video.)

2. Must be the thin air

We're not the only state with drama in championship games this month ... the 2012 Colorado State High School Athletic Association 5A Boys Basketball Championship ended on this ridiculously athletic circus tip-in. Congratulations to Chaparral High School. (Seriously, how long was that kid in the air???)

3. Because Ray said so

Ray Lewis, controversial as his persona is, can flat-out deliver a pep talk. This rivals anything I've seen in film as one of the best brief amp-you-up-to-run-through-a-wall hype chats ever.

For the record, Stanford went on to win their NIT semifinal over UMass, 74-64. Also, for the record -- I am definitely "not okay with mediocre" today.

4. Nothing but ... no way!

And finally, here is one way to become famous in 3rd grade if your name isn't Doogie Houser.

Remember: if you find something you think should make the grade here on #SocialStudies, send it on over!