Contact:  John Johnson
517.332.5046 or [email protected]

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Aug. 22 –  One of the best has indeed been saved for last in the final edition of the MHSAA.TV’s Hoops On Film Series. 

The series concludes this week with the 1972 Class B Boys Basketball Final between River Rouge and Muskegon Heights, a game by the Rouge in perhaps the most amazing final minute comeback in the history of the tournament. 

From the late 1940’s to the mid 1970’s the Michigan High School Athletic Association shot portions of the action at its boys and girls basketball finals on 16mm film.  The films were loaned out, primarily to the participating schools, to help them relive the moments of playing in a championship game. 

While many of the old films have wandered astray over time, about 60 games still exist in the MHSAA archives.  Anyone in possession of such a film is encouraged to contact John Johnson at the MHSAA Office ([email protected]) to discuss having the film converted to a digital format. 

Some of the films only have portions of the second half and the post-game awards; some have most of the action.  None of the films have sound.  They range in length from 10 minutes to about an hour.  A new film will be posted online each Monday through the week of August 17.  DVD’s may be purchased directly from the MHSAA.TV Website – just click the Get DVD button below the player.  Here’s a look at this week’s game, courtesy of MHSAA Historian Ron Pesch of Muskegon: 

Week of Aug. 24 – River Rouge 65, Muskegon Heights 64 – 1972 Class B Boys Final - After 16 appearances and 11 titles by River Rouge and Greene, the Class B crown had, in the words of Detroit writer Joe Falls, “become almost their divine right each March.” Muskegon Heights had lost to Rouge in the Final one year earlier, but it appeared that the Tigers had finally turned the tables on the perennial powerhouse. Leading 64-57 with only 58 seconds remaining on the clock at Jenison Field House, this game appeared to be over. But, in perhaps the most amazing comeback in tournament history, the turnaround started with 45 seconds remaining.  Ralph Perry's easy lay-up cut the Heights margin to five points. Fouled on the play, Perry missed the free throw, but teammate Byron Wilson pounded home the rebound and the Panthers trailed by three. An errant inbound pass kept the dream alive. Leighton Moulton sank a 22-foot jumper with 23 seconds remaining, and the Panthers trailed by a point, 64-63. The Tigers were called for traveling on the change of possession and Rouge had its chance. Moulton, the leading scorer in the contest, was again called upon. He drove toward the basket and was fouled before the shot. “The clock read: 0:02. If Moulton missed the first, it would have been all over,” wrote Falls, capturing the scene in characteristic clarity. “All of it rested on his lean, lithe shoulders...and the delicate touch in his finger. He stepped to the line while the crowd quieted. The pressure was immense. Moulton looked up, let it go-and swish. Now utter bedlam. Moulton broke toward the center of the court, thrusting his fist into the air. He jumped and danced and was mobbed by his teammates...He'd tied it. Rouge could do no worse than go into overtime. But now he had another chance,” continued Falls, “the chance to win it. He made the most of it by dropping in his second free throw...That's when the tears started coming out of Lofton Greene's eyes, if you can imagine that.” 

-0-