#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.

Did you see that? (May 20-26)

May 28, 2013

By Geoff Kimmerly
Second Half editor

Last week for many was one for getting in the final regular-season games and competitions of this spring – and for the most fortunate, a week for winning the first of what they hope will be many championships.

Here's our look at some of the most notable headlines from those seven days. Click on the links for full coverage.

Good Read of the Week

Spangler wins 500: Whether it be painting out the baselines an hour before game time or showing up to turn off the sprinklers in the middle of the night, Randy Spangler’s been doing it all as Coldwater’s baseball coach over the last 25 years – and Gary Baker explains what has gone into becoming a 500-win baseball coach. (Coldwater Daily Reporter)

Girls Soccer

Cadillac celebrates first title: Cadillac and Traverse City West are co-champions of the Big North Conference this spring. But Cadillac’s share is its first BNC title. (Cadillac News)

Softball

Another memorable first: Croswell-Lexington clinched its first Blue Water Area Conference title Tuesday and ended the night's doubleheader sweep with a perfect league record as well. (Port Huron Times-Herald)

Boys Lacrosse

Holland Christian moves on: The ranked Maroons got a scare from Mattawan in their Division 2 Regional game Thursday, but scored eight second-half goals to continue on. (Grand Rapids Press)

Track and Field

Cass Tech, Renaissance clinch PSL titles: The Cass Tech boys and Renaissance girls won big to finish the regular season at the Detroit Public School League’s championship meet. (Detroit News)

Seminary coach finishes: Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary boys track and field coach Robert Schroer will retire from coaching after this weekend’s Division 4 Final – and 40 years running his program. (Saginaw News)

Girls Golf

Houghton sweeps league final: The West Peninsula Athletic Conference individual championship went to a three-person playoff before Megan Kelly needed just one hole to claim the title. She helped key Houghton’s team championship as well, and Houghton’s boys also won their West PAC tournament. (Houghton Mining Gazette)

Baseball

Bath wins big: In something of a stunner at the 52-year Capital Area Diamond Classic, Bath defeated Holt 9-1 in a quarterfinal Friday night behind the 11-strikeout performance of pitcher Ryan Orr. Only twice before in the tournament’s history had a Class C or D school won a game. (Lansing State Journal)