The merging of the “High” and the “Hill” in 2024 officially ends Michigan’s longest running, and we contend, “Best Ever,” high school basketball rivalry. The book’s 664 pages are filled with first-hand accounts and behind-the-scenes stories from all the head coaches and many outstanding players from both schools.

Woven into the historic fabric of the Saginaw community are so many great players, coaches and epic games. There are 813 captivating and priceless photos and news stories that help paint the picture of classic Saginaw High and Arthur Hill battles and bring their stories to life.

To compile this history has been a five-year long labor of love, my attempt to “give something back” to Saginaw, the community that raised me. It is 100 percent nonprofit, run through the Saginaw Community Foundation. My intent is to celebrate our prestigious and historic rivalry, and to keep the stories alive. Advance sales ensure you will receive your copy of this limited edition, due in March during tournament time, and also helps us with upfront costs.

Some of the unparalleled achievements the Trojans and Lumberjacks accomplished were a combined 47 trips to the state quarterfinals (final 8.) Add to that, 36 of those trips extended to the (final 4) semifinals, 18 to the finals, with 8 outright combined state championships. This is unprecedented for two schools from the same town that, in most cases, played each other in the district (first round) tournament!

Our book contains individual chapters on many great Trojan and Lumberjack coaches including: Larry Laeding, Chuck Fowler, Marshall Thomas, Bill Kelly, Charles Coles, Greg McMath, Lou Dawkins, George Kubiak, Ken Gray, Gary Lee, Julian Taylor, Tony Davis and more.

Also featured are legendary players like Jason Richardson, Draymond Green, Craig Dill, Ernie Thompson, Larry Savage, Dick Rifenburg, Webster Kirksey, Gary Lee, Tony Smith, Anthony Roberson, DeeAndre Hulett, Eugene Seales, Maurice Jones, Charles Rogers, Dar Tucker, LaMarr Woodley, Eric Davis, Darvin Ham and so many more. 

With this being the final year, our great rivalry absolutely needs to be remembered and passed down to future generations, a real family heirloom treasure. “Remember The Trojans & Lumberjacks” is a limited edition, so when they’re gone, they’re gone. Through generous sponsors, we’ve made the price extremely low for this kind of quality and large coffee table-size book, a bargain price of $40.

The $12 shipping is optional for home delivery. Otherwise, omit that amount and pickup will be available at the downtown Saginaw Promise office in Morley Plaza, behind the Temple Theatre.

Dave Slaggert’s youth coaching service included South Intermediate, SS. Peter and Paul, and Hemlock High, concluding with Arthur Hill High. On the media side, he has been involved with high school broadcasting and 17 years of radio color analyst for SVSU athletics.

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