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Pierce hoops title contest online

MARQUETTE – A clash between two undefeated high schools for the 1961 Class D state boys basketball championship – Marquette Pierce and Freesoil – are being featured this week as part of MHSAA.TV’s Hoops On Film Series.

From the late 1940’s to the mid 1970′, 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 (john@mhsaa.com) 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, Johnson said. A new film will be posted online each Monday through the week of Aug. 17.

DVD’s may be purchased directly from the MHSAA.TV Website just click the Get DVD button below the player.

A look at this week’s game:

Marquette Pierce 68, Freesoil 61: After 35 years as a coach in the U.P., Vic Hurst was rewarded with his first MHSAA title as Marquette Pierce downed a determined Freesoil squad, 68- 61

Dave Benson led the Warriors with 17 points, while teammates Dennis DeMerse and the Laurich brothers – Conrad and Larry – each added 15, according to the MHSAA.

It was the only time either school would ever reach the Finals.

Pierce closed after the 1961 season and its only other Regional appearances came back-to-back in 1955 and 1956.

Freesoil went on yo win four more regional titles in its history – three consecutive form 1966-68. The high school closed after the 2006-07 school year and was absorbed into the Mason County Eastern school district.

Information compiled by Senior Sports Writer Craig Remsburg. He can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 251.

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