#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!

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#SocialStudies v11.0

April 26, 2012

April is coming to a close and we're catapulting into the final full month of the 2012 sports year.

Let's dive right into a few video bits -- shall we?

1.Spring in his step

Spring college football doesn't involve a lot of technical tackling or hard-hitting, but that doesn't make this feat any less impressive.  When was the last time you saw a ball carrier run full tilt into a jump-stop and then front-flip over a defender? And stick the dismount ... errrrr "landing' ... well enough to keep gaining yards?

Prior to watching this clip from Lincoln (Mo.) University, my answer was never.


2. GOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLL!!!!

It's a bit out-of-season, but I had to share this clip between Saint-John and Chicoutimi (Quebec Junior Hockey League) -- won in OT by a player who needs some recognition for being, in my recollection, the first to celebrate a goal in such fashion.

The French announcers are a bit obnoxious, but trust me here: The Frozen Worm this kid busts out after the goal is epic. 


3. The agony of ...

Earlier this month, SB Nation online voters were tasked with selecting the best animated sports GIF of All-Time -- and it should be noted that a clip from the mitten made the Finals.

Wolverine fans, even you have to appreciate the sheer awesomeness of this mortified punter face. In his defense, I'm pretty sure this is exactly how I would look in the Big House if I was in his cleats. (Click on photo for link to clip.)


4. One more look at two of Michigan's finest

To finish off this week: we bring you the recently-compiled highlights from the 2011-12 Team Wrestling Finals in Battle Creek this winter. Clips include a close-up of Taylor Massa's championship win for St. Johns in Division 2 and Student Advisory Council member Kevin Beazley's pin in the Division 1 Final for Detroit Catholic Central.


As always, shoot us your favorite internet gems anytime -- you might just see them on #SocialStudies.

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