With high school basketball tournaments going on and NCAA college basketball fast approaching, it always brings up fond memories of basketball during my high school days of the 1950's and early 60's.
Two or three years ago I attended a girl's tournament basketball game at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines. Williamsburg was playing in it at the time. It was not the same. The arena wasn't even half full and there just wasn't the excitement somehow. Something was missing.
When I was attending dear old Laurel High, each home game was an exciting event. The place was always packed with spectators even though our "new" gym only held a few hundred people. The girls played first and the boys second and last.
It was a time when only the small schools were playing and the girls still played three offensive players in front court and three players in the other court on defense. No big schools and no five on five with girls playing full court like today. In the 1990's that all changed for good and bigger schools were in and no more three on three with girls basketball.
Those were exciting times and especially going down to Vet's Auditorium in Des Moines to watch girl's basketball. Even the boy's tournament didn't compare. It was magical! As everything must change, it was a time when small schools and small towns were still thriving somewhat and there was much pride.
Even as I am writing there was an article in yesterday's (3/7/2016) Des Moines Register about the loss of significant attendance in boy's high school tournaments and games leading up to State. I am not trying to take anything away from the larger schools of today and the way the game is played, but, I am thankful that I was part of yesterday!
No comments:
Post a Comment