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This one-hour Iowa Public Television documentary takes a look back at girls' 6-on-6 basketball and what it meant to generations of young women who played it. One of the most acclaimed sports in Iowa history, 6-on-6 was especially popular in small towns. It was there that young women became queens of the court, where communities ralled behind their daughters, and where school leaders, mostly male, fought for girls' equality. Like nowhere else in the country, young women in Iowa have played the game of basketball for over a century.
In 1993, the era of girls' 6-on-6 basketball came to an end. The game was unique. The girls who played it and the rural communities that loved it were part of an experience that may never again be replicated in any sport, by either gender. For Iowans, it was More Than a Game.
Some photos Copyright 2008, reprinted with permission by The Des Moines Register
posted on March 4, 2008 at 11:43 AM
Two players, sisters Zola and Vivian Emerson, remember playing basketball in the 1920s for Little Cedar High School. Zola (now Mullenbach) played from 1928-35, including her junior high years. Vivian (now DuShane) played 4-5 years from 1924-1928, and "enjoyed every minute of it."
posted on March 3, 2008 at 5:10 PM
Sandy (Van Cleave) Little was one of the finest all-around six-on-six player of her time - 1968-1971. Her team, Montezuma, won back-to-back state titles. Her mother, Mavis Van Cleave, played at Gibson High School in the1930s.
posted on February 29, 2008 at 5:26 PM
Jeanette (Olson) Lietz played for Everly High School. She was a high scorer, and tough 1968 state competitor with Denise and Cindy Long.
posted on February 29, 2008 at 4:19 PM
Kim (Peters) Wilson was a guard for Andrew High School from 1974-1977. She was named the 1976 captain of the All-Tournament Team.
posted on February 27, 2008 at 4:19 PM
Deb Coates was a legendary forward who played on a legendary team for a legendary coach in the early to mid-1970s. Her coach was Vernon “Bud” McLearn. Team: Mediapolis Bullettes, went to state 21 times in 26 years, winning two titles.
posted on February 27, 2008 at 4:16 PM
Denise (Long) Rife: Player, Union-Whitten, high scorer, 1968 state winners. High school basketball career 6,250 points. In 1969, she was thirteenth draft pick of the NBA’s San Francisco Warriors – the first female to ever be drafted to play on a male pro team.
posted on February 27, 2008 at 3:56 PM
Jan Jensen: Player, Elk Horn-Kimballton High School, 1980s. Her grandma played 6 on 6. All-American at Drake University, Associate Head Coach for the University of Iowa women's’ basketball team.
posted on February 27, 2008 at 3:51 PM
An interview with all three Lorenzen Women: Lynne Lorezen, Jill Lorenzen, Lori Lorenzen. All played 6 on 6 basketball. Lynne Lorenzen was a star forward in the mid-1980s and the all-time leading scorer for girls’ basketball nationwide. She scored 6,736 points during her Ventura High School career.
This one-hour documentary takes a look back at girls' 6-on-6 basketball and what it meant to generations of young women who played it. 00:25
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