#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 v13.0

May 24, 2012

After a brief hiatus, class is back in session. Let the #SocialStudies commence.

1.This is nearly unbelievable

You’ve seen it done with basketballs, Frisbees – all sorts of things you can throw. Here’s a twist on the popular “trick-shot clip compilation:” long-snapping! Pretty impressive accuracy here from Nick DiChiara, a Boston high school senior who’s headed to Colgate next fall. 


 2. Time Lapse-tastic

The Staples Center in Los Angeles is home for the Lakers (NBA), Clippers (NBA) and Kings (NHL) – and the spring of 2012 saw all three franchises in the playoffs. Between May 17-20, the Staples Center was host to six playoff contests.

Six gargantuan events, four days. Here’s hoping the facility folks are somewhere with their feet up after that stretch. I’m sure a few athletic directors out there feel this way during the spring season, too. This clip shows all the action, hyper-speed.


3. Is he in pain?

Umpires, feel free to weigh in here.  Points for style, but I think his mechanics may be slightly off ...


4. Gotta feel for this guy

And now, for reason No. 467-B why being a hockey goalie is hard. You’ve got to be ready for shots from anywhere, all the time. 


Trying for a trick shot or a similarly incredible feat?

Get some video, and let us show it off here on #SocialStudies.

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