#SocialStudies v2.0

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.

#SocialStudies v6.0

March 8, 2012

Glad to have you back, video junkies.

This week on #SocialStudies, a smorgasbord of ridiculousness including (but not limited to) grenade avocados, tiny terrible soccer players and, of course, this guy…

1. When it Snows, it pours

Brian Snow, now-renowned amateur hoops announcer from Marist High School (near Chicago) has become a viral sensation this week after shredding his vocal chords on a series of playoff calls. We’ve taken the liberty of linking to the best here.

First playoff win, also known as “what greatness is all about in the IHSA.”


2. We can't get enough

Second playoff win, after overcoming a 15-point fourth-quarter deficit.  “My gracious!”


3. We can learn something here 

File this next one under well-produced and heart-warming. “l’equip petit” tells the story of a youth soccer team that has a serious problem: it can’t score goals. Consequently, wins are pretty tough to come by – but after watching this short film, I realized that wasn’t what mattered at all.


4. Seriously, fascinating

Here’s your non-sport awesomeness for the week: a stop-motion short about making guacamole.  Don’t question it: just watch and enjoy.


Remember: if you find something you think should make the grade here on #SocialStudies, send it on over! We’d love to see/hear/read what you’re digging on the World Wide Web each week. 

Until next time…

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