Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Basketball--Then and Now
When I first fell in love with basketball, girls were not allowed to dribble like the boys--only one bounce. Then it was extended to two, and eventually as many as necessary. We played on half the court, as it was supposed that girls didn't have the stamina for full court. No matter the distance of a shot, any field goal counted two points. How times have changed!
Mama would sometimes join us on our dirt court at home. Having graduated in 1916, her rules were much different. Her shots were pitched underhand, and when she got ready to pitch, her guard was required to stand back and give her free access to the goal. Their uniform consisted of long stockings, bloomers and middy blouses.
In the days before schools were classed by size, the Carey (Texas) Cardinals basketball team played against all sizes of schools and won the state championship. Scores then seldom hit the 20 mark. Carey had no football team, played basketball from fall until baseball season. To us, in the 40s and 50s, they were like professionals, the cream of the crop, and always won the Flomot tournament. Then the UIL restricted their extended season and spoiled the fun.
Tonight I'll be joining a group of senior women to play half-court basketball, picking up where I left off over 50 years ago. Be watching for me in the Senior Olympics!
Cora Gail Trent
www.cgtrent.com
cgtrent@att.net
Mama would sometimes join us on our dirt court at home. Having graduated in 1916, her rules were much different. Her shots were pitched underhand, and when she got ready to pitch, her guard was required to stand back and give her free access to the goal. Their uniform consisted of long stockings, bloomers and middy blouses.
In the days before schools were classed by size, the Carey (Texas) Cardinals basketball team played against all sizes of schools and won the state championship. Scores then seldom hit the 20 mark. Carey had no football team, played basketball from fall until baseball season. To us, in the 40s and 50s, they were like professionals, the cream of the crop, and always won the Flomot tournament. Then the UIL restricted their extended season and spoiled the fun.
Tonight I'll be joining a group of senior women to play half-court basketball, picking up where I left off over 50 years ago. Be watching for me in the Senior Olympics!
Cora Gail Trent
www.cgtrent.com
cgtrent@att.net
