March 19, 2024

Grannies return for second annual extravaganza

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The Second Annual Granny Basketball Extravaganza between the Monroe-based Mustang Grannies and the Newton Globetrotters was a theatrical performance Friday night at Berg Middle School.

The event was sponsored by Riggs Printing and all funds went to the Newton YMCA and United Way of Jasper County. A pie auction took place at halftime as many pastries sold for $40 or more.

Jessica Lowe, executive director of the local United Way, said a total of more than $2,000 was raised, exceeding last year’s fundraising event.

The matchup started out slow as both teams struggled to get the ball through the hoop.

The rules of the game might have had something to do with that as they played by the rules of 1920s women’s basketball. The Globetrotters, consisting of area business men and women, community leaders and elected officials were not allowed to jump, run or use their dominant hands.

As the Globetrotters walked around with one hand behind their backs, the Mustang Grannies dominated the boards early and jumped out to the lead. State Sen. Chaz Allen (D-Newton) finally put the Globetrotters on the scoreboard with a layup for their only bucket of the first quarter.

The Newton Globetrotters suffered from many illegal jumping and hand violations early, allowing the Granny Mustangs to win time of possession and take a 14-4 lead into halftime.

They tried to make a run in the second half by attempting granny shots, which counted for three points, but the Globetrotters ran out of time and lost 32-15.

Throughout the game, some players struggled to keep one hand behind their backs, forcing officials to take measures into their own hands. Scott Garvis, Newton High activities director, played on the offensive side while having to take selfies with his phone. Some other players were also disciplined for taking illegal half court shots.

In the final minutes, all players from both teams took the court and that’s when Allen decided to throw Brad Magg, owner of Goldie’s Ice Cream Shoppe, on his shoulders for a chance at an easy bucket. Despite the hard effort and creativity, the Mustang Grannies won easily.

Grannies’ team captain, Barb Dykstra, said the night was a lot of fun, but this was not the type of game the Granny Mustangs are used to.

“In the real game, we actually follow the rules,” Dykstra said laughing. “Granny basketball started 10 years ago and originally it was for a fundraiser. They just had so much fun that the women decided to keep going. This is such a fun group to play with.”

Contact Alex Olp at aolp@newetondailynews.com