The Game of the Century

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In 1968, Jeanette Olson and Denise Long played in the state championship game. With 45 seconds to go, Union Whitten was leading 101-95 when Olson got fouled. She made both free throws but there were still three seconds left. The author of a book about the history of the jump shot dedicated an entire chapter to this game.

In the 20th century, Iowa high school girls basketball was HUGE but it was not the game we know today. In 6-on-6 basketball, the three forwards only play offense. And the three guards only play defense. No one is allowed to leave their assigned half of the court. 6-on-6 still uses the full length of a basketball court, but in a different way than 5-on-5. In 6-player, three forwards from one team and three guards from the opposing team play at one end of the court. Meanwhile their teammates wait at the half court line. This basketball variant made for high scores, quick action, and the girls who played it were local superstars.

Six-on-Six Basketball