THE ORIGINS OF REACHING HIGHER MHSAA BOYS BASKETBALL
It is less obvious in Michigan than it is in other areas of the country because of school rules that limit coaches’ compensation, national traveling and live TV. However, there is widespread belief that amateur Mhsaa Boys Basketball has become out of control in America. It’s in chaos, not only is it operating outside of school/college supervision, but also in the hands of corporate interests and unregulated agents. It’s threatening the skill level and team play of our players, resulting in us failing to compete internationally. It’s threatening the amateur status of the players as well as the integrity of the contest results. It is becoming apparent that Mhsaa Boys Basketball, which is played Indoor Basketball Court by boys, is spreading to lower-profile sports as well as the pureer female game.
Interscholastic athletic administrators avoided creating special programs for gifted student-athletes because the elite athlete is not the main focus of school sports. Recently, however, it has become more apparent that corruption in college recruitment processes in Mhsaa Basketball could be spreading to other sports, and settling for younger and less skilled athletes every year. This special group of players may need to be addressed more actively in order to preserve the integrity and health of interscholastic athletics.
Michigan’s efforts are called the “Reaching Higher” Program. It does not include the Mhsaa Boys Basketball tournament to offer assistance in an educational, safe and inexpensive environment for those who might be able to play intercollegiate Mhsaa Boys Basketball. However, the program will eventually include other initiatives to strengthen and maintain the relationship between schools and youth. Youth players should be aiming to play for their school teams and high school players should focus more on their school team than other programs.
This is a joint effort of MHSAA Boys Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan and the Michigan High School Athletic Association. It strengthens the bond between these two organizations, which have the best interest of students and schools. They may also be setting a precedent for other high school sports in Michigan.
Kingsford will travel to Negaunee, a Division 2 (Class A) district, on Thursday for a 5:05 p.m. Central Time tip-off. The winner will host Saturday’s district championship game against Escanaba, Gladstone, or Houghton.
Regional semifinals for this district are at Manistique, on March 30th, with the regional final at Traverse Central High School on April 1st.
Three area teams are participating in the Division 3 (Class A) district tournament hosted by Norway. On Tuesday, Division 3 newcomer Menominee will be hosted by Jeff Gallino, head coach of the Knights.
The winner of Menominee will play Norway’s winner in Monday’s Manistique matchup at Bark River-Harris. At 6 p.m. Central, the Emeralds and Broncos will also be on the field.
Gwinn, at the top of the bracket, travels to West Iron Tuesday night. The winner will travel to No. 1-seed undefeated Iron Mountain will be the winner on Thursday. District final will be hosted by the winner of Gwinn/West Iron against Iron Mountain on Thursday, March 27.
