Mike Turner Classic Saturday

By John Face

High School Basketball Held at Albion College

Coach Turner

Mike Turner became an assistant men’s basketball coach at Albion College in 1970 and took over the program in 1974. In 34 years on the sideline, the Britons posted a record of 527-319 and competed in the 1978, 1979, 1998, and 2005 NCAA Tournaments. Turner’s teams earned five MIAA championships, and the 1978 squad went to the final four, finishing third in the nation. The Britons posted four consecutive 20-win seasons from 2003 to 2006, including two league championships. As Albion’s longest-serving coach in any sport, Turner, a 1969 alumnus of Albion College, was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009.

Turner has been active with many national and regional basketball committees and chaired the NCAA Division III Tournament Committee for three years. He had a combined 72 seasons of head coaching experience at Albion, including 30 in men’s golf, four in men’s soccer, and four in men’s tennis.

Turner and his wife, Peg, a 1969 alumnus, reside in Albion.

Turner Classic

On Saturday, January 4, 2025, Jackson High School and Play Right Sports Academy will sponsor another top-quality high school basketball day. Teams from around the state have been invited to participate in this event, which will be held at Kresge Gymnasium at 111 South Huron on the campus of Albion College in Albion, MI.

The day-long event begins with local favorite Concord High School taking on Gull Lake with a 3:30 P.M. tip-off. This game will be followed at 5:15 P.M. with Port Huron Northern taking on East Kentwood. The days’ games will end with what looks to be a classic game between two powerhouse teams, Jackson High versus Brother Rice at 7:00 P.M.

The cost to see any and all games is $5.00 per person, and they will be available at the door. Tickets may be purchased online if you wish by clicking here and look for the Turner Classic.