My interested in the History of Basketball recently was inspired when I noticed the picture below of the 1945 girls basketball team and Virginia Lee Owen's picture in the top row on the right. Also, in my discussion with Sharon Kubik about this she encouraged me to write about the rule changes that have occurred in basketball over the years and I think that is a very interest topic.
We all should know that Basketball was invented by Dr. James Naismith in 1861. Dr. Naismith came to the Kansas University and men's basketball program officially began in 1898, following Naismith's arrival, just six years after Naismith drafted the sport's first official rules. It is a fascinating story about the rules changes in basketball and are particularly interesting in studying Powhattan basketball which started with Johnnie Corrigan in 1927. A chronological look into basketball evolution and major rules refinements like the court boundaries, dribbling, and the elimination of the center jump after each goal is very relevant. I would like to go into this in more detail in a separate writeup at a later date. I can remember Coach Corrigan emphasizing the importance winning ball possession when jump balls occur and the accuracy of free throws.
Also, this is a good thing to remember when talking to friends from New York especially who believe that the only great players were from NY. I had that experience on several occasions.
I have known and communicated with Virginia Lee for a number of years, I saw her play in 1945 since my Brother Edwin and sister Donna were in class 45. I probably would have seen her play in the PHS gym. I believe her play was limited by the rules at that time. I knew she was the sister of Jack Owens and they were two of the finest Basket Ball Players to graduate from Powhattan High School during this time frame.
We all remember the girls played with 6 players to a side, 3 forwards who played in the forecourt where they were allowed to score and 3 guards in the backcourt who guarded the opposing team's forwards.
Virginia Lee Owens is pictured below, back row right, as a Freshman in the 1945 team picture. She was the sister of Jack Owens class of 42. Virginia Lee graduated in 1948.
The rules for girls basketball changed in 1971-72 to be the same as boy's 5 man, full court play. Virginia Lee told me she lived in Alaska with her husband, Fred Hurst and had the opportunity to play on some good military teams and really enjoyed dribbling. This made up for not having the opportunity to play college ball.
We all should know that Basketball was invented by Dr. James Naismith in 1861. Dr. Naismith came to the Kansas University and men's basketball program officially began in 1898, following Naismith's arrival, just six years after Naismith drafted the sport's first official rules. It is a fascinating story about the rules changes in basketball and are particularly interesting in studying Powhattan basketball which started with Johnnie Corrigan in 1927. A chronological look into basketball evolution and major rules refinements like the court boundaries, dribbling, and the elimination of the center jump after each goal is very relevant. I would like to go into this in more detail in a separate writeup at a later date. I can remember Coach Corrigan emphasizing the importance winning ball possession when jump balls occur and the accuracy of free throws.
Also, this is a good thing to remember when talking to friends from New York especially who believe that the only great players were from NY. I had that experience on several occasions.
I have known and communicated with Virginia Lee for a number of years, I saw her play in 1945 since my Brother Edwin and sister Donna were in class 45. I probably would have seen her play in the PHS gym. I believe her play was limited by the rules at that time. I knew she was the sister of Jack Owens and they were two of the finest Basket Ball Players to graduate from Powhattan High School during this time frame.
We all remember the girls played with 6 players to a side, 3 forwards who played in the forecourt where they were allowed to score and 3 guards in the backcourt who guarded the opposing team's forwards.
Virginia Lee Owens is pictured below, back row right, as a Freshman in the 1945 team picture. She was the sister of Jack Owens class of 42. Virginia Lee graduated in 1948.
The rules for girls basketball changed in 1971-72 to be the same as boy's 5 man, full court play. Virginia Lee told me she lived in Alaska with her husband, Fred Hurst and had the opportunity to play on some good military teams and really enjoyed dribbling. This made up for not having the opportunity to play college ball.
