6 on 6 Basketball: Trip Down Memory Lane

As the Iowa Girls State Tournament approaches and March Madness looms on the horizon, memories of 6 on 6 basketball in Iowa during the 1980s come flooding back. For many of us who lived and breathed the game, those days were filled with camaraderie, competition, and a unique style of play that defined a generation.

I remember donning the red, black, and white colors of the Collins-Maxwell Panthers with pride. Wearing jersey number 44 at home and 45 away, I stepped onto the court with determination and passion, ready to give my all for my team. Starting out as a forward, I quickly realized that my shooting ability wasn't quite up to par. However, instead of letting that deter me, I embraced the opportunity to pivot and redefine my role on the court. Transitioning to defense, I found my groove as a guard, relishing the challenge of shutting down opponents and leading fast breaks.

6 on 6 basketball wasn't just a game; it was a way of life deeply embedded in Iowa's sporting history. It originated as Iowa's women's basketball, featuring two courts, three forwards, and three guards. Guards were forbidden to cross the center line, effectively splitting the game into two halves, resembling a pair of intense three-on-three matchups. This unique format flourished in small-town Iowa, where communities rallied behind their daughters, and school leaders, mostly male, fought for girls' equality in sports.

The rules of 6 on 6 basketball were as distinctive as the communities that embraced it. With a court divided into two distinct territories, players honed their skills within the confines of their designated zone, mastering the art of offense or defense with precision and finesse.

The Iowa Girls State Tournament served as the pinnacle of achievement for aspiring young athletes, showcasing the talent and determination of teams from across the state. The atmosphere was electric, with fans packing the old Vets Auditorium in Des Moines to cheer on their hometown heroes and witness the magic of 6 on 6 basketball unfold before their eyes.

As March Madness descends upon us, I'll be taking a trip down memory lane, reliving the glory days of 6 on 6 basketball and celebrating the enduring spirit of competition, sportsmanship, and community that defined an era. And with Raygun has released a new shirt paying homage to the golden era of 6 on 6 basketball, it's a fitting reminder of the indelible mark this sport has left on Iowa's rich athletic history. I plan on getting one ASAP. Here is a link to get yours:

New 6-on-6 shirts online and in stores: https://www.raygunsite.com/pages/search-results-page?q=6%20on%206 #raygun