Category: Local News

News and updates on players, coaches and more from Grand Rapids, MI #BeerCityUSA

Rex Reed Roundball Ruckus honors late teacher from Kenowa Hills

Samuel Reed is a local hip-hop musician who not only preaches, but teaches his love of God, family and friends.

Every summer since 2010, he’s put on an annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament, the Roundball Ruckus, honoring his late father, Rex Reed, a former educator and coach in the Kenowa Hills school district. This year’s tournament was held at his “International Office of Creativity” near Walker Ave. and 4 Mile Road on July 16th.

“It all started with my dad, Rex J Reed, who inspired me in and through the game of basketball (among other things), as well as many of my friends.”

After his dad’s passing in 2009, the younger Reed wanted to honor the man who taught him so much about life through the basketball court. So he decided to start this annual tournament to remember him by, as well as keep some of the close friends “in touch”.

Samuel told us that many of the people who loved to be out on the court with Rex had stopped playing as much since then. He also noticed a decline in outdoor play as a whole, which he blames more on the internet, generational changes and the availability of cost-efficient indoor courts.

Reed spoke of his desire to “be all about REAL outdoor three on three backyard basketball.”

A jack of many trades, Samuel makes most of the trophy hardware by hand and prints the t-shirts in his own shop.

“We have always given at least $100 to the winners, and two years ago we gave $200, since we had a better turn out.” 2016 saw the rains come in early in the day and wash out most of the competition. This year was much different with the clouds opening up and the sun shining down on the court.

Classic podcast: Steve Scheffler interview on The 3-Point Turn

This week’s The 3-Point Turn podcast is a re-airing of a classic interview with Grand Rapids’ own Steve Scheffler, who played in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics and Boston Celtics among others.

Scheffler and GC talk about the NBA Finals, going 1-on-1 with Larry Bird and more.

Subscribe to the podcast free on iTunes! 

Scheffler starred at Forest Hills Northern HS here in Beer City, USA before a stellar collegiate career playing for the legendary Gene Keady at Purdue University.

Scheffler was named #6 in GR’s Top 10 Hoopers from Beer City, put together by our staff.

 

 

Grand Rapids Galaxy join ranks as Beer City USA’s first women’s semi-pro hoops team

There’s a new basketball team coming to Grand Rapids!

Owner/CEO William Kelly is bringing the Grand Rapids Galaxy, the first women’s semi-professional basketball team from West Michigan, right here to Beer City, USA in May.

Kelly is looking to expand the area’s interest in women’s basketball past the high school and colleges games and believes there is a market for his team. Kelly has reached an agreement with the DeltaPlex, home of the Grand Rapids Drive, to host the Galaxy for the upcoming 2017 season.

After experiencing setbacks while an account executive with the Kalamazoo Pure, a semi-pro men’s team in the American Basketball Association, Kelly set his sights on becoming a team owner. The Pure team was disbanded in 2016 just days before the ABA championship when owner Rico White abruptly left West Michigan for Las Vegas amid swirling rumors and questions about the authenticity of his organization. At the time, Kelly told Fox17 news they were “told the direction was to become the development team of the [Chicago] Bulls, which you know we found that was just, you know, one of many lies.”

Kelly knows the challenge is an uphill battle, but continues to strive toward making this dream into a successful reality. Co-owner of Joy Consulting and a partner with the WBCBL’s Battle Creek Blazers, Kelly hired Dan Thornton to coach the team. Thornton, a veteran AAU coach and assistant at Kalamazoo College, formerly coached girls basketball at Kalamazoo Central HS.

This past Saturday, Galaxy players, coaches and staff, along with members of the dance team, held a meet and greet for fans at Polished Nail & Spa, 4301 Kalamazoo SE, from 1-3 p.m. There was even a dance competition between players Dakiya Johnson and Jamilya Hardley, two of the Galaxy Girls dance team, and a group of young fans.

“It was great to see a group of ladies all different ages, sizes and races come together and have a great time. This is just a small display of what we are about by providing positive female role models in the community.” -Galaxy Facebook post.

Tryouts took place in June of 2016 at the Courthouse Athletic Center in Byron Center, MI. Players must be over 18 years old with two years of college playing experience preferred. Transportation, meals and insurance will all be provided on game days for players.

The 2017 season will run from April to August with the Galaxy open their schedule on May 6, 2017 on the road against the Detroit Dodgers. The home schedule opens June 4, 2017 when the Dodgers come to town. The game starts at 3 p.m. and doors open at 2 p.m.

Tickets will start at $10 for General Admission. Courtside seats are $20 and Suite table packages for six people are $210 ($260 with food packages).

Bobby Kozminski charity basketball game to benefit KCSD’s Pavlovic family

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – On Saturday night at Kenowa Hills High School, the 10th Annual Robert Kozminski Memorial Games took place to benefit Hayden Pavlovic and his family with Childrens’ Hospital bills.

In 2007, GRPD Officer Robert “Bobby” Kozminski was killed in the line of duty. Every year since, a basketball game between the Kenowa Hills school’s teachers and local law enforcement to celebrate his life while raising money for a great cause.

Hayden, the son of Kent County Sheriff’s Department deputy Jeff Pavlovic, was born with Cri du Chat Syndrome and Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome. Both syndromes are rare. Hayden is the only child known to have both.

 

The first game was between local police and Kenowa Hills teachers.  The KHHS staff took an early lead behind Ross Hillock and Ken Fustian and never looked back. Kozminski’s son even got in on the action, scoring for the Kenowa Hills team in the second half, helping the KHHS team to a decisive win.

The KCSD had their K-9 Units, handlers and dogs both, in house meeting and greeting friends and family of both the Kozminski’s and Pavlov’s, as well as all local fans in attendance from throughout West Michigan. 

The second game was between Grand Rapids Police Department and KCSD. Local radio icon Bill “Huge” Simonson, who has been a big part of the Koz Classic Annual Golf Outing, threw on his basketball gear and played with the GRPD squad in the second game, promising to limit his game to only ten threes in the game.

It’s about Robert Kozminski, honoring his legacy. It’s about law enforcement, first responders…Kenowa giving back. Looks like one of the bigger crowds we’ve ever had nine years in on it. So, it’s for a great cause, a Kent County Sheriff’s Deputy’s family…It’s about West Michigan..so we respect law enforcement.

-Bill “HUGE” Simonsson, who promised to only take 10 three-point shots on the night

Cri du chat syndrome gets its name from the characteristic cry of affected infants, which is similar to that of a meowing kitten, due to problems with the larynx and nervous system. Wolf–Hirschhorn syndrome characteristics include a distinct craniofacial phenotype (microcephaly, micrognathia, short philtrum, prominent glabella, ocular hypertelorism, dysplastic ears and periauricular tags), growth restriction, intellectual disability, muscle hypotonia, seizures, and congenital heart defects.

Dolly Konwinski photo

Dutton Days is in a league of its own

IMG_5356When we finally figured out who was the designated driver for the day, the crew headed out On the Mitten Road last Saturday for Dutton Days in southern Kent County.

The 15-minute drive to Dutton, MI for their annual parade, beer tent and festival took IMG_5387us to Railtown Brewing, who renamed their Bike Ride Blonde as Brody’s Blonde for the day. Railtown was donating $1 from every pint sold to the Hope for Brody fundraiser, there were also growlers for sale dedicated to the cause. Gim Lee and the guys at RB were serving some limited editions in the beer tent.

Arts and crafts vendors, jewelry artists and local IMG_5357businesses were on hand to get to know the public. We never made it over to the Motorcycle and Car Show or the Kids Zone, but found a gem in local legend and Grand Rapids Chicks star Dolly Konwinski. Dolly had pictures, cards and books available for sale and autographing. After we talked for a bit about her days teaching kids andumpiring games, including some of my own, through Kentwood Baseball Little League, I was lucky enough to get a photo with her.

Talking hoops with Thomas Kelley

The Beer City Hoops crew was blessed with the opportunity to talk to Union Red Hawk star alum and MSU graduate team manager Thomas Kelley. We had some questions about the state of basketball in GR, what kids can look forward to as they make the climb from high school to the real world and, as always, the ever-elusive list, “Who is GR’s Top 5?”.

What do you think about the work GRPS is doing in bringing attention to the district and showing off the level of athletic competition recently?

“It’s a great thing for the city of Grand Rapids. With Ottawa Hills having the Floyd Mayweather Classic and now Union having its’ Showcase. Great thing and a great opportunity for the youth to show their talent.”

Kelley went on, talking about his time as a Red Hawk, “My time at Union was great. Always looked forward to going to Union since I was young. My parents went there. Uncles, aunts, pretty much everyone in my family attended Union. So the Red Hawk blood runs deep for me. As soon I as I stepped foot in there, I wanted to do my best to bring the basketball culture back like that had in 80’s. A lot of my childhood friends attended Union as well, so I felt very comfortable. The staff was great also. From Ron Maybin as the athletic director, Mr. Walker and Ms. Chambers being an influence to all of us. Made the transition easier.”

The varsity boys basketball team is off to a great start and getting a lot of attention from the media. What do you tell the kids as the season moves towards the playoffs?  

“(The) biggest challenge about the high school playoffs is simple. ONE AND DONE! It’s different than the professional ranks. Played in Europe for 15 years. So (over) there, we used a series for a playoff format. So you can make adjustments. But high school, it’s just like the NCAA tournament. It’s the best team on that given night, which can be tough if a team gets hot. Have to be able to make in game adjustments right then and there. No time for another game. If you can’t, you’re done!”

Kelley went on, “My advice to kids. Take advantage of your window. Don’t rush things. Soak up all the knowledge you can. Take advantage of the sources around you academically and athletically. Hey, because most high school kids think they know it all. Been through it and we do not.”

Geno was a bit reluctant, but went with family, friends, legends and teammates, yourself included. Care to name your local top five players?

“Top 5 is so hard. A lot of people can make a case. Going back for me, my uncle Donte Kelley, who is a Redhawks himself. He was a heck of player. Also my cousin, Jamie Cole, who went to Creston, had a great high school career. But for me in my time… Tough. My 5 would myself with Geno Carlisle, Thomas Kilgore, Ennis Young and Justin Jennings. All 5 from high school right into college went Division 1.”

Any last thoughts?

“Want to give a shout to Brandeon Guyton, the high school coach at Union, trying his best to turn things around, and the Athletic Director Justin Walker. They are doing a good job. Shout out to GRPS as well.”

And with that, Kelley said his goodbyes and headed off for a contest at Northwestern with MSU hoops.

Livin’ the dream on Tom Izzo’s bench. Carry on, Red Hawk!

Talking hoops with former Union star Geno Carlisle

The 2nd annual Red Hawk Showcase is right around the corner.

Geno Carlisle with the Portland Trail Blazers
Geno Carlisle/Portland TrailBlazers (photo: Willamette Weekly)

One of the best high school teams in West Michigan will host a full day of basketball on February 6th at Union HS on Grand Rapids’ west side.

I recently went back and forth with my childhood friend and former Union Red Hawk star Geno Carlisle to talk about his time at Grand Rapids Union and the grind that kids playing now can look forward to in college and beyond.

With the Red Hawks’ boys team ranked #1 in the area on my list, the former Northwestern and Cal-Berkeley star addressed his start at Union after transferring across town from Ottawa Hills,

“My time at Union was exhilarating to say the least. It presented me with a feeling of both fascination and uncertainty. This was mainly because two rivals I’d grown up battling, Thomas Kelly and Thomas Kilgore, would soon become allies. I adapted very quickly to my transition to Union. I was pleasantly surprised by the diversity of culture, the size of the school, as well as how well I got along with mostly everyone on the team. It was a school full of spirit and personality that started from the principal Mr. Maben to the Athletic Director Mr. Walker and on down to the teachers. They really had a genuine concern for their students and athletes alike!”

Carlisle went on, turning to the dominant basketball team,

“As far as our basketball team, we were loaded! So much so that I don’t even think we realized it. We had 3 future D1 guards for major Universities with Thomas Kelly, Thomas Kilgore, and myself. Athletic wingman like Terry Peak, dead eye 3 point shooters like Akai Smith, and a great head coach in Ernie Johnson. We really had a lot of good times both on and off the court.”

With the Red Hawks, ranked #20 in mLive.com’s HS rankings, coming off a 54-33 loss to #12 Muskegon, this 7-2 Union squad has a couple steps to climb to play with the state’s best. Carlisle told me,

“I think the biggest challenge in high school playoffs is the feeling that if you lose, your done. I’m not sure how it is now but back then, in city league championships and regionals, if you lost it was over. So there is a much greater pressure to perform. At the same time, those are the moments you live for so the pressure just turns to adrenaline. That’s when the cream rises to the top.”

You don’t just get to get there, to the top, that is. Carlisle advice on continued improvement and dedication,

“My advice for kids to get better is to continuously work on their game. All facets… I use to have my mother drop me off at the YMCA around 7 am on Saturday morning and I will stay there until 9 or ten pm. I would pick a spot and shoot 50 shots or 100 from that one spot until I like the way the ball swished. Then I would spend hours dribbling, imagining I was surrounded by my rivals. I would imagine the crowd. Fall asleep on the court…”

“And after that quick nap?”, I asked.

“Wake up and then play and practice some more. I was obsessed and in love with the smell of the ball and the gym. In love with the stories that I’s heard about great players. I would meditate and imagine myself doing the things I’d heard about. That’s what’s missing with players today. They think drills will make them great but just because you can use a paint brush it doesn’t make you an artist. You have to have a love in your spirit to the point that it’s no longer work but a fascination. The most important advice I would give a kid would be confidence. I wasn’t the best in high school but you couldn’t make me believe that. From 11yrs old til the time I left I thought I was the most prolific scorer and unstoppable dribbler on the planet and no one could convince me otherwise. I was overconfident but it was also based on my training. Confidence and hard work is everything.”

Carlisle should know a bit about confidence and hard work. He chased his dreams, starred in high school and college and made his way to the pros. Yes, even the NBA.

I went on to pester him to give me his GR Top 5, but he’d only go as far as,

“It’s very hard to Rank a top 5 because I was always fascinated by players that came before me, like my father Clarence and uncle Elmo Carlisle. I would always hear about legends before me so I would always go old school for my picks.”

Forcefully, I leaned on the keyboard and pressed for more.

“If I had to pick 5 while I was playing,

  • Thomas Kelly – Union
  • Thomas Kilgore – Union
  • Ennis Young – Ottawa Hills
  • Jermaine Carter – Creston
  • Shawn Kneeland – East Kentwood

in no particular order.”

That’s three teammates, a rival and a neighbor.

He made the GSCeltic Top 10 in GR list, most likely because of his infectious smile, and Geno always has a minute for an old friend from the streets of childhood and a “Hi!” for my dad every time we talk. That’s why I love this dude.

Check out a loaded lineup of high school basketball on February 6th at GR Union HS.

Tickets are $10 for the entire day.

  • 1pm: Stevensville-Lakeshore vs. Wayland
  • 3pm: #16 Detroit Allen Academy vs. Northpointe Christian
  • 4:30pm: New Haven vs. Lowell
  • 6pm: Detroit Cornerstone vs. #20 Union
  • 7:30pm: Saginaw vs. #5 Godwin Heights

 

30 Years Later, Part 9: David Thirdkill

Born in St. Louis and nicknamed, “The Sheriff”, David Thirdkill was selected by the Phoenix Suns with the 15th pick in the 1982 NBA Draft out of Southern Idaho and Bradley University. The 6-7 small forward played five seasons in the League, from 1982 to 1987, playing for the Suns, Pistons, Bucks, Spurs and Celtics. After averaging nearly 26 minutes per game for the Spurs to finish the 1984-85, Thirdkill found himself in Boston averaging around 8 minutes but winning a ring in 1986. He’d later play overseas.