This banner from 1993 has been removed from the Crisler Center rafters.

Associated Press

That's because Michigan's second place finish in 1993 and its Final Four status in 1992 essentially have been erased from the history books due to NCAA sanctions resulting from players taking money from a prominent booster.

But before the scandal came to light and Michigan's star player was banned from affiliation with the school, the 1993 basketball team was a point of pride for Michigan. That April 5 championship game against North Carolina was a pivotal moment for Wolverine fans and the Fab Five was revered in school history.

Now there's a new team, new coach and new star players — all of whom aren't marred by the scandal that taints and erases the victory of two decades ago. They represent a new chance for a victory U-M's eager fan base can be proud of.

"We've been through so much in the last 20 years. It's kind of a scary thought that we're getting back to where we were," said Lorin Burgess, an Ann Arbor resident and U-M grad who was in the basketball band from 1990 until 1995. "It's a lot of good, familiar feelings and its good to see us back on top."

AP photo

Burgess recalled how campus, and the nation, felt about the key players at the time.

"At that time the Fab Five was not liked by most of the country. They were the ones that came in with baggy shorts and black socks and these attitudes," he recalled. The 1993 season coincided with the Fab Five's sophomore year. "[Michigan fans] felt special. It was sort of an us-versus-the-world thing."

Recalled longtime Michigan fan Scott Greenlee, who attended the 1993 championship game: "The Fab Five were super popular and obviously very talented."

U-M staffer Thomas Schneider, a student adviser at the time, recalled basketball being the most buzzed about sport on campus, even bigger than football for most students.

"Students were very excited," he recalled. "I was surprised at how many people liked Michigan basketball more than Michigan football."

Burgess said the atmosphere on campus was "electric."

Fab Five player Jimmy King says even today people approach him about the team.

"People see me today and tell me where they were, what they were doing and who they were with when we made our runs," he told Mlive. "And now, I get to do the same thing."

Associated Press

In this photo, Webber stands by as North Carolina's Eric Montross celebrates during North Carolina's technical foul shots in the final seconds of their Final Four championship game at the superdome in New Orleans April 5, 1993.

Michigan was assessed a technical foul after Webber erroneously called a time out with just 11 seconds remaining in regulation and Michigan trailing by two. North Carolina won, 77-71.

AP Photo

Michigan players listen to coach Steve Fisher during the last official time-out of their Final Four championship game against North Carolina.

Kellie Woodhouse covers higher education for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at kelliewoodhouse@annarbor.com or 734-623-4602 and follow her on twitter.

Michigan head coach John Beilein, sophomore Trey Burke and junior Tim Hardaway Jr. smile as they take questions during a press conference at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta on Friday, April 5, 2015.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

LIVE COVERAGE: Join Michigan beat writers Nick Baumgardner and Kyle Meinke from our Live Chat on the Michigan Basketball homepage for their take of the action as it happens. You can also follow them on Twitter @nickbaumgardner and @kmeinke.

WHERE: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Ga.

WHEN: Saturday, 8:49 p.m.

ODDS: Michigan is favored by two points according to Sportsbook.com.

SERIES RECORD: Michigan is 5-8 all-time against Syracuse.

LAST MEETING: Michigan lost 53-50 on Nov. 26, 2010, in the semifinals of the Legends Classic in Atlantic City, NJ.

BROADCAST INFORMATION: TV: CBS; Radio: Detroit: WWJ (950 AM), Ann Arbor: WWWW (102.9 FM).

MICHIGAN: Roster | Schedule

SYRACUSE Roster | Schedule

Coverage: It's been 20 years and the day is finally here: Michigan is back to the Final Four. When it's been two decades since a team has done something, it's understandable for fans, and the media that cover the team, to go a little overboard. With that in mind, we've collected some of the best coverage from throughout the week and put it into one easy-to-read package:

First it was Kansas' Jeff Withey that was talking smack about the Wolverines. Now it's C.J. Fair bringing the noise. Trey Burke and company are starting to feel a little bit like Rodney Dangerfield: no respect...no respect at all.

If Syracuse had one mission Friday afternoon, it was to prove its status as an underdog. The confident Orange boasted about mismatches, declared their 2-3 zone nearly impenetrable and went one step further. They challenged Michigan's best player -- the country's best player -- Trey Burke.

Asked to pick out a spot on the floor where he thought his team could best exploit Michigan's defense Saturday, Brandon Triche had to think for a minute. Then, the senior guard collected himself, and responded generally. "We think we've got mismatches at every position," the Syracuse senior guard said Friday. "We feel like not too many teams can stay in front of us." So that settles that.

Trey Burke is the best player in the country, according to a lot of people, but Syracuse has a point guard, too and he's pretty good. Sophomore Michael Carter-Williams is projected as an NBA lottery pick, and so is Burke. Let the games begin.

Syracuse's 2-3 zone has drawn some oohs and aahs this week. The buildup has felt similar to that for VCU's "Havoc" full-court press in the third round. Only difference: Syracuse's defense is putting its money where its mouth is. Here's a look at some of the freakish defensive numbers the Orange have put up in the tournament.

In 1993, Ann Arbor residents and longtime Michigan basketball season ticket holders Joan Raphael and Penelope Bekiares went to the Final Four to see Chris Webber and the Fab Five play. Despite the result, they had such a blast that they've gone to every Final Four since. Twenty years later, they're thrilled to have their team join them again.

Trey Burke's always been a big deal in Columbus, Ohio. But throughout the Michigan sophomore point guard's meteoric rise as a college basketball player this season, Burke's name, face, jersey and look have gone national. From Jalen Rose, Charles Barkley, Bob Knight, Kenny Smith, Greg Anthony and even rapper Lil Wayne, everyone knows Burke.

Each time Jim Boeheim has made the Final Four, Syracuse has played for the national championship on Monday night, winning it all with Carmelo Anthony in 2003. He's second only to Duke's Mike Krzyzewski with 920 wins. But there's some who pay more attention to Syracuse's NCAA tournament stumbles under Boeheim than his four Final Fours in 37 seasons.

The night before knocking off Florida in the Elite Eight at Cowboys Stadium, Glenn Robinson III got a call from his father. Glenn "Big Dog" Robinson gave his son simple instructions about what he wanted to see the next afternoon. He told his son to go out on the court, and do something he never could. Get to a Final Four.

John Beilein refused to get into detail Thursday when asked about a report claiming that Michigan sophomore point guard Trey Burke and junior guard Tim Hardaway Jr. will depart for the NBA at season's end.

At some point in the not-so-distant past, major college sports turned into a “what have you done for me lately” situation. Now, with shorter attention spans and a news cycle that somehow finds a way to run longer than 24 hours, college athletics has cranked up a notch. Now, for many, it’s “what will you do for me next?” Yet Trey Burke manages to stay in the moment, and fans should follow his lead. Rather than wondering if Burke will turn pro, or what the Final Four will mean for recruiting, why not enjoy the chance to watch your team compete for a national championship?

This and That:

• Photo Gallery: Images from the Michigan basketball team's Friday Final Four practice
• Michigan's Mitch McGary backs off definitive return to school statement, will discuss future after season
• Best ever? Trey Burke becomes first Wooden Award winner in Michigan history
• Thousands of Michigan fans heading to Atlanta for Final Four
• Photo Gallery: AP National Player of the Year Trey Burke's award winning season in pictures
• Michigan's Mitch McGary remembers father's words as he handles growing fame

Who ya got?

Associated Press Side-by-Side comparisons:

Michigan | Syracuse

Record: 30-7 | 30-9. Advantage: Michigan.
Points per game: 75.5 | 70.8. Advantage: Michigan
Opponents' points per game: 62.9 | 58.6. Advantage: Syracuse.
Scoring margin: +12.6 | +12.2. Advantage: Michigan
Field goal percentage: .485 | .440. Advantage: Michigan
Opponents' FG pct.: .423 | .368. Advantage: Syracuse.
3-pt FG pct: .385 | .337. Advantage: Michigan
Opponents' 3-pt FG pct: .323 | .282. Advantage: Syracuse.
3-pt FG made per game: 7.6 | 5.9. Advantage: Michigan
Opponents' 3-pt FG made per game: 6.2 | 6.1. Advantage: Syracuse.
Free throw pct.: .705 |.675. Advantage: Michigan
Opponents' FT percentage: .678 | .677. Advantage: Syracuse.
FT made per game: 11.4 | 14.4. Advantage: Syracuse.
Opponents' FT made per game: 8.6 | 12.9. Advantage: Michigan
Rebounds per game: 35.2 | 38.5. Advantage: Syracuse.
Opponents' rebounds per game: 32.1 | 34.8. Advantage: Michigan
Rebounding margin: +3.1 | +3.7. Advantage: Syracuse.
Assists per game: 14.5 | 14.1. Advantage: Michigan
Opponents' assists per game: 12.5 | 13.4. Advantage: Michigan
Turnovers per game: 9.4| 12.4. Advantage: Michigan
Opponents' turnovers per game: 12.2 | 15.6. Advantage: Syracuse.
Turnover margin: +2.8 | +3.2. Advantage: Syracuse.
Steals per game: 6.2 | 9.1. Advantage: Syracuse.
Opponents' steals per game: 5.2 | 6.9. Advantage: Michigan
Blocks per game: 2.8 | 6.2. Advantage: Syracuse.
Opponents' blocks per game: 3.2 | 3.2. Advantage: None.

Pete Cunningham covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at petercunningham@annarbor.com. Follow him on Twitter @petcunningham.

Ann Arbor-based Running Fit is opening a new store on Washtenaw Avenue this year.

Joseph Tobianski | AnnArbor.com

“This is probably going to be the best store we have to run from,” said Running Fit President Randy Step. “That’s always big with the staff — the weekly run.”

Step signed a lease for a 2,400-square-foot space in the under-construction Arbor Hills development, on Washtenaw Avenue between Huron Parkway and Platt Road.

The new store will be Running Fit’s eighth location in Michigan, including the original store in downtown Ann Arbor and the headquarters on Jackson Road in Scio Township. The first Running Fit store opened in 1985.

Arbor Hills is under construction on Washtenaw Avenue between Huron Parkway and Platt Road. The center will bring retail, restaurants and office space to the area when it opens in August.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

“We did (this) more because the synergy of who was going to be in the (Arbor Hills) center and what was going on,” Step said.

“I love to be next to like-minded businesses. Our No. 1 store is in Northville, and it’s because we’re next to REI,” he continued.

Step said having a Running Fit store in a shopping center with lululemon athletica and The North Face — and being located across the street from a Whole Foods Market — will create a health and fitness hub in the Washtenaw corridor.

The new Running Fit will be similar to the other stores in Ann Arbor. Along with selling athletic shoes, the stores carry clothing and other items; offer shoe fittings; and host health and fitness-related events.

“We’ll have a beginning run class out of (the new store) and a marathon training group,” Step said.

Step said he’s careful about expanding the company; the last time he opened a new location was the store on Jackson Road in 2009. When anyone can order shoes online with the click of a button, Step said it’s about reaching out to individual consumers and spreading the word about the benefits of shopping at Running Fit.

“We have to go out and create a customer base and show them what we do,” he said. “We have a pretty loyal following on our customer base. We track our sales and I think it’s 70-something percent of our customers are return customers.”

He added: “We don’t rush into these things. We’ll put together a very good team of people. That’s the most important thing.”

The store is set to open in August when the entire shopping center celebrates its grand opening. Step plans to ramp up hiring to staff the new store.

Other confirmed tenants in Arbor Hills are: Arhaus Furniture, Sur La Table, lululemon athletica, a restaurant by the Cafe Zola owners, Pizzeria Biga and Hot Mama women’s boutique.

Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.

Ben Folds

The concert, sponsored by Michigan Hillel, is being presented by MUSIC Matters (Michigan Undergrads Serving In the Community), a student organization at the U-M whose mission is to offer a yearly concert on campus, with the proceeds donated to charity.

With the money raised from the Folds show, MUSIC Matters will endow one of the first-ever student-funded scholarships at the U-M, said Phillip Schermer, MUSIC Matters founder and president.

The Ben Folds show will be the final event of SpringFest, a day of festivities on the U-M Diag. Arts organizations, musical groups, and dance performances will all be showcased, as will student clubs and food from area restaurants. It will be held from 10 a.m. -2 p.m.

“The goal of SpringFest is to unite the diverse University of Michigan community for a fun afternoon on the Diag,” added Schermer. “The entire day of festivities, capped off with the Ben Folds concert, serves as a culminating event of the academic year, bringing the entire campus together for one big, final celebration.”

MUSIC Matters is in its second year at the U-M. Last year, the group brought Grammy-nominee J. Cole to town, and donated $10,000 to the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.

“Ben Folds has been to Ann Arbor several times; every time he’s been a huge success,” said Schermer. “People flock to his concerts; there’s a lot of buzz. He fits the Ann Arbor market beyond just what students want. He does a lot of charity of work, which is obviously very important to us. We wanted someone who plays great music but also has a message.”

The piano-playing singer-songwriter was a headliner for the Ann Arbor Folk Festival in 2008 at Hill, and played the Michigan Theater in 2006 and 2009. He became a star with his 2001 album "Rocking the Suburbs." His latest album, made with his band Ben Folds Five, is "The Sound of The Life of The Mind."

Ultimately, added Schermer, MUSIC Matters’ goal is to “unleash the power of the student body to help solve or lessen problems that we feel are important to our student body.”

The hip-hop/rock threesome Radical Something will open for Folds.

Isom Hamilton

Courtesy of WCSO

The 24-year-old Ypsilanti man who police say hinted that he had a gun while attempting to rob a homeowner had his competency hearing rescheduled this week, according to court records.

The hearing to see if Isom Hamilton is competent to stand trial was moved to April 9. Court records indicate that the competency report was not ready yet.

Hamilton is charged with armed robbery, first-degree home invasion, second-degree home invasion and third-degree home invasion, police said.

Police say Hamilton broke into a home at 4:40 p.m. Nov. 20 in the 1300 block of West Cross Street in Ypsilanti and was seen coming out of the window. When the homeowner confronted him, Hamilton stuck his hand in his pocket, insinuating that he had a gun before fleeing, according to police.

Hamilton was found a short time later hiding in a bush at a nearby home. A laptop, game systems, video camera, digital camera, jewelry, small bags of loose change, numerous video games and other electronic items -- all believed to be stolen -- were recovered, according to police.

Hamilton remains held at the Washtenaw County Jail on a $35,000 cash or surety bond.

John Counts covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at johncounts@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.

FoolMoon, the first of a pair of annual events celebrating spring, returned to downtown Ann Arbor on Friday with a procession of handmade luminaries and a street party.

Photographer Courtney Sacco captured these images. The foolishness continues on Sunday afternoon with the annual FestiFools parade; for more information, see the preview article or the FestiFools website.

A controlled burn near the intersection of Bethel Hill Drive and Bethel Church Road got a little out of hand Saturday morning.

Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com

The barn was at the intersection of Bethel Hill Drive and Bethel Church Road in Saline. No one was injured in the fire and the barn sustained very little damage.

According to Fire Chief Craig Hoeft, firefighters were able to get the blaze under control quite quickly with assistance of Manchester and Pittsfield departments also on the scene with brush trucks.

Hoeft said though they're usually not a big deal, it's easy for controlled burns to get out of hand.

"People have to be cautious when they're burning and know what the weather is that day," he said. "They have to use common sense when they're burning."

View Larger Map

Courtesy of Ann Arbor police

Ann Arbor police are looking for a break-in suspect who fled when the homeowner scared him off early Friday morning, officials said.

Officers were called to a residence in the 1700 block of South University Avenue at 12:40 a.m. Friday for a home invasion, said Ann Arbor police Detective Dan Iverson.

A man told police the suspect forced his way through the front door while he and two other family members were asleep in the home.

“They heard the intruder,” Iverson said.

The suspect made his way to the bedroom area of the home where he encountered the resident.

“(The resident) struggled with the suspect, and the suspect fled on foot," Iverson said.

There were no reported injuries.

The suspect was last seen walking west on South University towards Washtenaw Avenue. Police attempted to track the man with a K-9 unit, but did not find him.

The suspect was described as a black male, 30-40 years old, 5 foot 8 inches to 5 foot 10 inches tall and 160-180 pounds. He had short cropped hair and was wearing dark colored clothing, Iverson said.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Iverson at (734) 794-6930, ext. 49321, or email him at diverson@a2gov.org.

View Larger Map

John Counts covers cops and courts for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at johncounts@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.

Thanks to all the Wolverine fans who sent in a photo for our gallery. We've yet to see a picture of an all-maize wedding or a fan with a block-M shaved into their head, but if you are such a fan shoot us an e-mail.

• Related: See fan photos submitted to Syracuse.com

Want to have your photo included in the gallery? Send it in using one of these methods and we'll add it in!

Detail work on the B-17 bomber was what Anthony Benedict of Lathrop Village spent his time doing at Willow Run Airport's Bomber Buffing Saturday.

Lisa Carolin I For AnnArbor.com

The occasion was the annual Bomber Buffing at Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti Township. More than 100 people of all ages visited the airport for the event.

The Calkins family came from Midland on the last stop of their spring break travels.

"Randy loves WWII and Ryan loves the military," said Sharon Calkins, the mother and wife.

Randy, 13, and Ryan, 11 worked on both of the planes.

"I like seeing history in person," said Ryan.

For some, it was not their first experience around the planes. Larry Arnett lived through that time in history and served in WWII. He's a member of the Yankee Air Force, which owns and operates the Yankee Air Museum, and he served as a cryptographer in France during WWII.

"I've been up in both the B-17 and the B-25," said Arnett. "They're beautiful and shiny on the outside, but on the inside they're ugly with the machine gun mounts and other war equipment."

Brothers Randy, left, and Ryan Calkins of Midland spent the end of their spring break sprucing up aircraft at Saturday's Bomber Buffing event at Willow Run Airport.

Lisa Carolin I For AnnArbor.com

Anthony Benedict, from Lathrop Village, said that it was a thrill for him to work on the detail of the B-17 bomb. His brother-in-law Steve Romund, from Shelby Township, is a lifetime fan of airplanes.

"I grew up building models and love all the WWII planes," said Romund. "The B-17 is a marvelous piece of equipment."

"Our mission is to inform the public about aviation and aviation history, and this helps us prepare for the flying season," said Julie Osborne, conservator at Willow Run Airport. "People get excited to touch historic bombers."

The B-17 and B-25 bombers at Willow Run Airport are two of three aircraft that have full-flying capabilities. There also are a dozen static aircraft.

"The B-17 has been under construction since last October for a complete re-haul," said Osborne. "They just put the wheels on Thursday."

Osborne says after today's buffing is done, final maintenance checks will be performed on both planes.

The first air show of the year is May 15 in Grand Rapids and will feature the B-25. The B-17 will be available for rides at Willow Run Airport that day as well. It's a 45-minute flight that loops around the Detroit River. Osborne calls flying in the bomber, "a once in a lifetime opportunity."

Police estimated roughly 3,000 people attended the 42nd annual Hash Bash rally on the University of Michigan Diag in Ann Arbor on Saturday.

Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com

Related: Images from Ann Arbor's 42nd annual Hash Bash

Surrounded by thousands of cheering supporters and clouds of smoke at Saturday's Hash Bash, state Rep. Jeff Irwin pledged to fight for the legalization of marijuana in Michigan.

Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, said he's still planning to introduce a bill to decriminalize cannabis in the state, which he called a first step toward more sensible drug policy.

His bill would follow Ann Arbor's model and make it a civil infraction — instead of a crime — to possess an ounce or less for personal use.

State Rep. Jeff Irwin, D-Ann Arbor, rallies the crowd on Saturday by saying he wants to legalize marijuana in Michigan.

Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com

Irwin pointed to the successful 2012 campaign to legalize marijuana in Colorado and said he wants to see Michigan follow Colorado's lead to end the war on marijuana.

Police estimated about 3,000 people attended the rally on the University of Michigan Diag, which they said was a little smaller than it's been the last couple of years.

Just as many or more were out at the festivities surrounding the Monroe Street Fair afterward near the law quad area, said Diane Brown, spokeswoman for the U-M Department of Public Safety.

Brown said campus police made 16 marijuana arrests and issued five alcohol possession citations, one MIP, and two trespassing citations. She said a few people were cited for selling items they shouldn't have, such as bumper stickers.

Police reported no major incidents, though Brown said five people had to be taken away by ambulance for seizures most likely as a result of synthetic marijuana.

The 90-minute rally at the 42nd annual Hash Bash in Ann Arbor featured a long list of speakers who repeated calls for marijuana reform.

Hash Bash organizer and Michigan Moms United founder Charmie Gholson called for an end to what she described as a "ridiculous ongoing civil war against marijuana."

"The feds still hate you and want you in prison, my friends," she told the crowd. "They're hunting us and putting us in cages."

Speakers said they continue to face attacks on their freedom, but they're hopeful they'll continue to make progress in getting lawmakers to listen to them.

U-M graduate and Flint native Dan Skye, editorial director for High Times magazine, told the crowd the last Hash Bash he attended was in 1975.

Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com

"This is a whole new era of marijuana. We're starting to be taken seriously," said Mark Passerini, a University of Michigan graduate and co-founder of the OM of Medicine marijuana dispensary on Main Street in Ann Arbor.

Passerini said he's seen marijuana help people with everything from stress relief to PTSD, muscle spasms, joint pain and arthritis.

"We love cannabis for all these reasons," he said, drawing applause from the crowd.

Channeling John F. Kennedy's famous 1961 inaugural address, Passerini issued a call to action: "Ask not what marijuana can do for you — ask what you can do for the marijuana movement."

Marijuana reform activist Tim Beck, described by some as the "godfather" of the marijuana movement in Michigan, highlighted the results of a new Pew Research Center survey that shows 52 percent of Americans say the use of marijuana should be made legal.

Beck said those in the minority who want to keep hassling people for using marijuana "don't get the picture" and need to get a life.

"It helps me physically feel better every day of my life," Chuck Ream, president of the Arborside medical marijuana dispensary in Ann Arbor, said of what cannabis has done for him.

Hash Bash organizer and Michigan Moms United founder Charmie Gholson called for an end to a "ridiculous ongoing civil war against marijuana."

Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com

She said she's building a case for a lawsuit against police brutality and working with Irwin on an "asset forfeiture bill" so police can't seize people's assets before getting a conviction.

"I am perfectly capable of making my own health care choices," Gholson said, adding cannabis helps her deal with chronic pain, inflammation and even PMS.

"It does not make me a pharmaceutical drugged-out zombie," she said.

The mostly male crowd included a mix of young and old, many of whom lit up a joint during the rally, which spilled over into the Monroe Street Fair afterward. Some said they were there for the first time. Others said they've been coming to the annual event since the 1970s.

U-M graduate and Flint native Dan Skye, editorial director for High Times magazine, told the crowd the last Hash Bash he attended was in 1975.

He said he came over to the Diag that day, smoked a joint, didn't think he got high, but later realized he was high while he was in a conference with his student advisor.

Skye said he'll probably never see marijuana completely legalized in the United States during his lifetime, but he issued a call to the next generation of activists to carry the torch.

"This is a dangerous plant?" he asked. "I mean, outlaw poison ivy first."

Hash Bash ralliers, including some of the four-legged variety, were in good spirits on Saturday afternoon on the Diag.

Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com

State Rep. Mike Callton, R-Nashville, introduced the bill in February to let local communities decide whether to allow medical marijuana dispensaries after the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that dispensaries handling patient-to-patient sales are not protected under state law.

The bill has 16 co-sponsors, a mix of Republicans and Democrats, including Irwin, but hasn't moved forward in the Judiciary Committee.

Jamie Lowell, co-founder of 3rd Coast Compassion Center in Ypsilanti, said he's been told by those working directly on it that the bill is expected to get a committee hearing soon.

"It's time to change the laws. Marijuana is not wrong," Abel said.

City Council Member Sabra Briere, D-1st Ward, spoke just before Irwin. She talked about efforts by her and her colleagues on the City Council to craft regulations for medical marijuana dispensaries in Ann Arbor in response to what she called a badly written state law.

"This was not my issue," Briere stressed, but she said it was a problem that needed to be fixed. "If we could just get the people in Lansing to listen, we'd be so much farther ahead."

Briere said the people of Michigan, including marijuana users, deserve to have laws that they can obey and that respect their individual rights. She said it's not to anyone's advantage to be "cluttering up jails" with marijuana users when there are more serous crimes to worry about.

"We're all hung up because the state Legislature hasn't passed laws that make dispensaries legal," she said, urging ralliers to convey the "human need" to their representatives.

Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.

Police estimated roughly 3,000 people attended the 42nd annual Hash Bash in Ann Arbor on the University of Michigan Diag on Saturday.

AnnArbor.com staff photographer Daniel Brenner was there to capture these images.

The University of Michigan Men's Basketball Team takes on Syracuse University in the 2013 Final Four tonight. Follow along as AnnArbor.com/MLive.com reporters and readers live-tweet the game starting at 6 p.m.

Contributors to this live feed include:

• Kyle Meinke - MLive Michigan Sports Reporter
• Nick Baumgarder - MLive Michigan Sports Reporter
• Melanie Maxwell - AnnArbor.com Photographer
• Courtney Sacco - AnnArbor.com Photographer
• Kyle Austin - AnnArbor.com Sports Reporter
• Gabriel Modiga - A U-M Sophomore at the game
• Becky Lane - Current U-M medical student from Maryland at the game
• Jennifer Mack - An Ann Arbor resident watching the game from home

ATLANTA -- Michigan doesn't tip off in the Final Four against Syracuse until 8:49 p.m., but that hasn't stopped the Wolverines fans from showing up in droves at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.

Melanie Maxwell is a photographer for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at melaniemaxwell@annarbor.com.

Photos will be added to this gallery in the hours immediately after the game.

Melanie Maxwell is a photographer for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at MelanieMaxwell@annarbor.com.

• Related: With Gallery: Wolverines fans hit the streets to celebrate Final Four victory over Syracuse

They stood, arms locked, beers in hands, waiting for one last play before the jubilation could begin.

And when Syracuse missed a late shot and Michigan gained possession as the time ran out, the nervous waiting erupted into cheers, chants and songs.

The Michigan basketball team topped Syracuse, 61-56, Saturday night in Atlanta, to advance to the national championship game Monday night against Louisville.

Seven hundred miles away, back on campus, the scene was jubilant as the Wolverines accomplished something not done in 20 years. At the corner of South University Avenue and Church Street, fans streamed out of Good Time Charley’s, the Brown Jug, and other bars to take the celebration to the streets. A crowd of fans gathered to celebrate on The Diag as well.

Michigan fans embrace after the 61-56 Final Four victory over Syracuse in the on the Diag on Saturday, April 6.

Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com

More than a dozen uniformed police officers, wearing fluorescent vests, surrounded the entire intersection. In the main spot in town for students the celebration was controlled. Just before midnight, police responded to a what was called in as a riot of around 100 people on White Street.

By 12:30 a.m. White Street was mostly quiet except for a few people screaming in celebration from rooftops.

There was honking, dancing, chanting, and singing “The Victors” as the music played from the bars. Fans shouted out from windows down at the masses and captured the scene on cellphone cameras.

The celebration may have been the heartiest on South University, but the game was watched from nearly anywhere with a TV in this city. At The Arena on East Washington Street, the 150-capacity bar was filled by 5:30 p.m. For prime spots, some were in their seats as early as 4 p.m. Other popular spots, including Conor O’Neill’s and Scorekeepers, had lines out the door before tipoff.

Fans young and old joined in the viewing, including George Menard, who drove up from Perrysburg, Ohio for a day of shopping and to have his four children, ages 12, 11, 9-year-old twins, see the scene from the city.

"We just wanted to spend the day up here, shop and watch the game," Menard said.

A block away at Conor O'Neills, the bar was also at capacity. Two of the people with the best seats in the place were Joshua and Jeremy Sprague, two brothers and musicians who were slated to provide the postgame entertainment.

The two play at the bar once a month, but were sure to get their equipment inside far earlier on Saturday night. By the time the game started, the equipment was set up and the two had pulled up a seat near the piano, right in front of a projection television.

While they watched, they hoped for a win to provide a good concert environment.

"It's going to be a blast," Joshua Sprague said during the first half. "I just hope they win."

Others found televisions in living rooms, pizza joints and countless other places to watch the game.

Sitting in an empty room with a large projection screen, two men watch the Wolverines play Syracuse in the Final Four at Barracuda Network on Maynard Street.

Courtney Sacco | AnnArbor.com

"Just a little casual night," Campbell said. "Just got to keep it funky."

Some found creative ways to take in the game. At Barracuda Networks on Maynard Street, a pair of fans watched the game projected in the front of a conference room, with beer and pizza on hand. The screen, clearly visible from the street, drew plenty of onlookers.

The only official watch party was held in the Rogel Ballroom of The Michigan Union, where more than 100 students gathered at round tables.

"Great environment," freshman Jeremy Klapper said. "Better than expected."

Just down South University, the scene was markedly different. There wasn't enough space inside Charley's, so the crowd spilled outside. That's where Olivia Bueno, Adrian Roberts, Caryn Rogers and Daisy Finley watched the game from the porch, under a heat lamp and blankets.

"There are no places to watch inside," Bueno said.

As the game wound down, the four moved to the warmer confines indoors to join the crowd as it surged in anticipation of a win.

And on Monday, everyone will be back to do it all again.

Kyle Austin covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kyleaustin@annarbor.com or 734-623-2535. Follow him on Twitter @KAustin_AA.

Hundreds of people crowded into the University of Michigan's Diag Saturday night to roar and shout in raucous celebration of the U-M basketball team's Final Four victory over Syracuse.

"It was nerve-racking," said Michelle Maxwell, a U-M alumnus. "I felt like my heart was coming out of my chest."

It's been 20 years since the Wolverines advanced to the men's basketball NCAA National Championship — and the fans were elated.

Jordan Morgan's dunk to seal the victory brought one Michigan fan to tears.

Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com

Though the first half of the game ended with Michigan leading 36-25, Syracuse nearly came all the way back and trailed just 57-56 near the end of the game.

"Michigan was cracking a little," said James Griffiths, a U-M junior. "Syracuse was putting on a full defense, but we held on."

The throng of maize-and-blue-clad fans jumped and cheered in front of Hatcher Graduate Library, in the heart of the Diag. People perched on the shoulders of fellow fans led the crowd in spirited chants.

"It was awesome," Maddy Stumpos, a U-M senior. "I cried, I laughed, I almost threw up. It was very high intensity. I felt nauseous since the start. I cried at the end when they slam-dunked."

As the night progressed, people came and went, passing through the Diag to get to State Street or South University Avenue. But the sentiment consistently chanted by the mob remained the same: "It's good to be a Michigan Wolverine."

Kody Klein is a photographer for AnnArbor.com.

“Pirates of Penzance,” the well-known Gilbert & Sullivan comic operetta, has been a hit from stage to Broadway to the movies and back to the stage. Now it’s the spring production of the University of Michigan Gilbert & Sullivan Society.

The familiar show has much to recommend it, said UMGASS veteran David Andrews, who is directing the production.

Andrews has been involved in UMGASS since 2002 as a cast member and director (he co-directed “H.M.S. Pinafore” last year). Beth Ballback and Phil Rhodes are choreographers and Laura Swierzbin, a recent U-M grad, is music director.

In “Penzance,” a band of tender-hearted pirates celebrate the coming of age of Frederic, who was apprenticed at birth to the pirates until he turns 21. As an adult, Frederic has vowed to devote his life to the extermination of piracy—until a leap year complication threatens to keep him apprenticed for life. Meanwhile, he finds himself in love with the lovely young Mabel, even though his vocation stands in the way of their relationship. It falls to his hard-of-hearing nursemaid, Ruth, to clarify the situation just in time for a happy ending.

The show’s memorable characters include Major-General Stanley (Don Regan), who gets to offer the frequently parodied and incredibly catchy patter song “I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General.” Tom Cilluffo plays Frederic, Ali Kahn (in her last term at U-M) plays Mabel, Lori Gould is cast as Ruth, and choreographer Rhodes gets to breathe life into the role of The Pirate King.

With a work as familiar as “Pirates” the challenge, said Andrews, is to offer a fresh take while not altering things so much that traditionalists will be offended.

“You start out with sort of a Hippocratic approach—it’s a popular piece and people know it so well. You don’t want to do any harm to the core of the show that people will expect to see,” he said.

“But I think there’s a lot of opportunity to really put a stamp on it. This is the 13th time that UMGASS has done ‘Pirates,’ and so with the same script being done every several years you really want to leave an impression in people’s minds, and I think you can do that with the design elements with the show.”

Andrews said the design is based on Victorian toy theater. “The design of the show will have that kind of that perspective, with a false proscenium framing the stage,” he said. “Many of the scenic designs will be slides sliding back and forth in the back of the theater. For example, rather than having actual constructed mountains, you have these various sliding scenery pieces that will come in from the sides.

“I think visually it will be very interesting. We’re trying to put a design stamp on the show that will be memorable to the audience without interfering with any of the music or dialog,” he explained.

Meanwhile, he thinks he knows why UMGASS has enjoyed so much success over the years with this show and others.

“It’s a real good company, they do really good work. And of course the pieces are a lot of fun. That’s why people come to them over and over again throughout the years,” Andrews said.

The Takacs Quartet

photo by Keith Saunders | courtesy of the Takacs Quartet

The group opens, fittingly enough, with the Haydn “Sunrise” quartet, (Op. 76, No. 4) before moving on to two works more in the vein of sunsets: Britten’s String Quartet No. 3, Op. 94, his last work in this genre, written shortly before his death; and Beethoven’s Op. 131, the last-composed of his 16 string quartets.

Awaiting a snowstorm, and a concert, in Cleveland a few weeks back, Andras Fejer, the Takacs’ cellist and a founding member of the quartet along with violinist Karoly Schranz, took a few minutes to speak by phone about the quartet - much beloved by Ann Arbor audiences - and the works they’ll play on this year’s visit under University Musical Society auspices. He’ll be joined in Ann Arbor by violinists Edward Dusinberre, with the Takacs since 1993, , and its “new” member, violist Geraldine Walther - who nonetheless has been with the Takacs since 2005.

Q. Is there an overarching theme that unites the works on this program?

A. I’m sure there might be. We are spoiled with quartet literature as it is, and we just adore every single one of them we’re playing.

Q. I’ve always been impressed with how much your performances seem “in the moment.” How much detail do you decide on beforehand?

A. We agree on the basic outline: Should we drive to that point or this point? But the fine-tuning and how much little details we would do, that’s always up to the moment—adrenalin plus the hall’s acoustic—and how we feel it might have the right impact. There are many gradations and steps of being spontaneous. At one end is the over-rehearsed and at the other, the chaotic.

Q. Beethoven is quoted as saying Op. 131 was the favorite of his late quartets, and as telling a friend that the work contained “a new manner of part-writing and, thank God, less lack of imagination than before.” Is it a favorite of the quartet?

A. We differ slightly and it changes. I think most of us have favorite movements, maybe, not necessarily a full quartet. As I said before, we are spoiled rotten, and to have the choice (among movements or quartets) to say this one is my favorite—these are sublime choices. Even the ‘loser’ movements are towering, full of mysterious beauty.

The ever-so-often-quoted line from Beethoven about ‘less lack of imagination’ in 131 is something to giggle about. Someone with his brain and feelings and genius, if he’s happy with something, if he feels this one is really on the money, we can only grin, like little school kids. I’ll take it.

Q. This year is the 100th anniversary of Britten’s birth. Was that motivation for taking on this quartet now?

A. Actually, we’re just waiting for the master tape. We recorded it a couple of weeks ago. Hyperion will bring it out for the Britten anniversary, and we played some cycles in London and other places, all three quartets. At this point, I’m a little ashamed we waited so long for playing and enjoying them. They are simply beautiful and wonderful pieces. I find them, which is a serious achievement post-Bartok, to be free of any traces of being derivative of him or any other composers, and the ideas are totally convincing, absolutely original, absolutely surprising. So we had great, great fun, and they needed lots of work, especially because they are so different.

The rhythms are so different, sometimes jazzy, sometimes macabre, and sometimes the orchestration is not really string instruments, we find, but we have to say, OK, this time I’m the trombone, you are the horn, let’s see if we can match those characters.

The Manchester girls basketball team celebrates winning the MHSAA Class C state championship.

Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com

Related:

• Milan's C.J. Turnage is AnnArbor.com 2013 Washtenaw County Boys Basketball Player of the Year
• Manchester's McKenna Erkfritz is AnnArbor.com 2013 Washtenaw County Girls Basketball Player of the Year
• VIDEO: Player of Year C.J. Turnage on dunking, family and his Milan legacy

McKenna Erkfritz

A 6-1 senior, Erkfritz was the grease that kept Manchester’s machine going all the way to the Class C state championship. Many players in the state had better statistics than Erkfritz’s 15.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.8 steals and two blocks per game, but with a pair of teammates also averaging in double digits scoring, she was happy to spread the wealth. The only statistic that mattered to Erkfritz was wins and losses and Manchester finished 27-1, its only blemish coming to Class A semifinalist Dexter. That’s not to say Erkfritz’s stats weren’t impressive. A four-year starter, she finishes her career at Manchester as the all-time leader in 12 statistical categories: Points in a game (37), season (430) and career (1,328); 2-point field goals in a game (12), season (162) and career (502); free throws made in a season (162) and career (308); rebounds in a game (22), season (251) and career (839); and blocks in season (69). Associated Press Class C All-State honorable mention, First team All-Cascades Conference and AnnArbor.com Washtenaw County Player of the Year. Erkfritz will attend Northwood University.

Ariel Bethea

The 5-9 sophomore is a mix between a traditional guard and wing with the speed and quickness of a guard and strength and post moves of a forward. Huron coach Steve Vinson calls her “explosive” on offense she has the ability to take over games on defense. The versatility boded well for 17-6 Huron, who used her at three different positions throughout the season. She averaged 10.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 2.5 steals per game and shot 45.6 percent from the field. Against Skyline, she scored a season-high 26 points. According to Vinson several Division 1 programs are interested in Bethea.

Jackie Oestreich

The 6-2 senior center was the focal point for her team’s offense and defense and as a result was often double and triple teamed, but that didn’t keep Oestreich from putting up ridiculous numbers. Oestreich averaged a Washtenaw County high 24.5 points, 14.5 rebounds and 2.9 steals per game for the 11-8 Gryphons. The senior forward scored double digits in every game of the season. She topped 30 points on five occasions, including a season-high 42 points against Novi Franklin Road Christian. For the year she scored more the half of her team’s points. She was named a First team Associated Press Class C All-State selection and Michigan Independent Athletic Conference MVP. Oestreich will attend Lake Superior State University on a volleyball scholarship.

Makenzie Svihra

A 5-3 senior, Svihra ran the point for Dexter as it went all the way to the Class A state semifinals, winning district, regional and Southeastern Conference White Division championships along the way. Svihra averaged 7.9 points per game, but on a team that only scored 44 per game - 32.4 from the district finals on - her role can’t simply be defined by gaudy offensive numbers. “Makenzie Svihra was instrumental in our run to the Breslin Center,” said Dexter coach Mike Bavineau. “She was our main ball-handler and helped orchestrate our team. She faced constant pressure and always was able to deliver in the clutch.”

Zakiya Wells

A 5-6 sophomore, Wells led a young Arbor Prep team with only eight players and no senior to a 17-5 record. Wells averaged 13.4 points per game, a slight dip from her freshman year as a result of getting more players involved in the offense, including All-State freshman teammate Nastassja Chambers. She also averaged five assists, four rebounds, and four steals per game, and led the team in scoring, assists, steals and free throws. Wells’ speed and quickness made her dangerous on both ends of the court with a remarkable ability to create turnovers and get to the hoop. First team Associated Press Class C All-State selection.

Cori Kastel

Kastel led Manchester to a 27-1 record with its only loss coming to Class A semifinalist Dexter. Manchester won the Class C state championship, the first team state championship in school history.

Desiree Cougill, center, Ann Arbor Pioneer: Averaged 14.8 points, 10 rebounds, two rebounds and two blocked shots per game.

Jennifer Fichera

Jennifer Fichera, guard, Ann Arbor Pioneer: Had 12.7 points, nine rebounds, four steals and three assists.

Micah Robinson, guard, Ann Arbor Huron: The junior averaged 6.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.1 steals and had the ability to get to the hoop when the River Race ats were divorced.

Dominique Foley, guard, Ypsilanti Lincoln:Averaged 12 points and three assists and led Lincoln to it's best season in school history with 20 win.

Mike Bavineau, coach, Dexter: Led Dexter all the way to the Class A state semifinals.

Sisters Jessie and Taylor Manders.

Rod Wells, coach Arbor Prep: Led young, second-year and eight-person team to 16-4 record and a state ranking.

Arie Cargor, Ypsilanti Lincoln
Nastassja Chambers, Ypsilanti Arbor Prep
Jesse Coltre, Manchester
Bailey Darwin, Chelsea
Alexis Garner, Ann Arbor Huron
Jasmine Jones, Ypsilanti
Emma Kill, Dexter
Auzhane King, Ann Arbor Huron
Riley McDonald, Dexter
Melissa Needham, Saline
Janae Sims, Ann Arbor Skyline
Anika Sproull, Ann Arbor Rudolf Steiner

1. Dexter (23-4)
2. Manchester (27-1)
3. Ann Arbor Huron (17-6)
4. Saline (14-9)
5. Chelsea (17-7)
6. Ypsilanti Arbor Prep (17-5)
7. Ypsilanti Lincoln (13-8)
8. Ypsilanti (13-8)
9. Ann Arbor Pioneer (9-12)
10. Ann Arbor Skyline (7-14)
11. Ann Arbor Greenhills (11-8)
12. Ann Arbor Rudolf Steiner (14-4)
13. Ypsilanit Willow Run (9-12)
14. Saline Washtenaw Christian (12-7)
15. Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard (3-16)
16. Whitmore Lake (3-18)
17. Milan (2-19)