Ellie is an only child, and she didn't really think of her parents as sports people. Ellie's mom played basketball, but not the five on five basketball we know today. She played six on six Iowa girls basketball. The team ended the season with a 9-16 record. In one photo, all the girls are sitting straight-legged on the gym floor showing off their striped socks.
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