April 25, 2024

Granny Basketball returns to Newton April 24

By Newton Daily

Locals hit the hardwood during last year’s Granny Basketball Extravaganza at Berg Middle School. The Granny Basketball returns this year on April 24. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. (File Photo)

With March Madness over, some basketball enthusiasts may already be experiencing withdraw. The United Way of Jasper County and Newton YMCA have the answer — Second Annual Granny Basketball Extravaganza.

The Granny Mustangs that features all women ages 50 and older from Jasper County will be going toe to toe with the Newton YMCA/United Way of Jasper County Globetrotters for a charity basketball game. Granny Basketball Extravaganza, which is sponsored by Riggs Printing, will tip off at 7 p.m. April 24 at Berg Middle School. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

The game will be played using rules from 1920s women's basketball that include shooting underhanded, technical fouls awarded for showing too much skin, and 6-on-6 play.
While the Granny Mustangs are a team of women who travel and compete around the state, the YMCA/United Way Globetrotters are made up of area business men and women who are displaying their basketball skills for one night only.

“Last year’s game was hilarious,” said Jessica Lowe, United Way of Jasper County Executive Director. “I was running the scoreboard and I found myself laughing and having so much fun. The Granny Mustangs are a crazy group of ladies who are sharing their love of basketball for two great causes.

The Globetrotters roster includes: Frank Buckley and Andy Karr, representing the Newton YMCA; Jimmy Small, president of Iowa Speedway; Chad Klein, optometrist at Eye Care Center of Newton; Kim Vanderlaan, Scott Garvis and Carol Farver, all representing the Newton Community School District; Pam DeBruyn with the Newton Daily News; Sen. Chaz Allen, Iowa Senate District 15; Keith Laube with the City of Newton, Brad Magg, owner of Goldie’s Ice Cream Shoppe; and George Riggs, owner of Riggs Printing, the event’s sponsor. Newton’s own Jeff Maple, who provides color commentary for Newton High School athletics will be announcing the game.

Admission is a free-will offering. During halftime the Newton YMCA and United Way of Jasper County will be auctioning off donated pies made by the Granny Mustangs and Globetrotters. The proceeds from admission and the pie auction will support both the YMCA and local United Way.

“It is going to be a great night where people give their time to help two great non-profits serving Jasper County,” said Karen Parman, Newton YMCA Membership and Marketing Director.