February 16, 1961 Semifinals - The Collins girls moved a step closer to the tournament championship with a 53-33 win over Maxwell. This was the third time Collins has defeated Maxwell this season. Collins led 10-6 at 1st quarter, 29-14 at halftime and held the lead throughout the second half for the 53-33 victory. Collins plays Nevada in the final round. Both the 1st and 2nd place teams from sectional play advance into the District basketball tournament. Lineup: Susie Kilgore - 27 pts.; Charlene Luing - 13 pts.; Sharon Bowers - 10 pts.; Sally Coughenour - 2 pts.; Patsy Kingman - 1 pt.; Claretta Smith (g); Celayne Elliott (g); Rosemary Cory (g); Jane Dodd (g); Charlene Laughlin (g); Carol Bowers (g).
February 19, 1961 Finals - Collins Clipperettes lost a cliff hanger as Nevada scored a basket with 20 seconds remaining and two free throws at the final horn for 58-55 victory. The Clipperettes had 1st quarter lead of 19-15 and the lead continued to change throughout the remainder of the game with Nevada leading by a slim two points at halftime. Charlene Luing made two free throws for a 42-42 3rd quarter tie. Fouls plagued both teams with Collins' starting guard Celayne Elliott fouling out in the 3rd quarter. Lineup: Susie Kilgore - 43 pts.; Charlene Luing - 4 pts.; Sharon Bowers - 8 pts.; Claretta Smith (g); Celayne Elliott (g); Rosemary Cory (g); Jane Dodd (g).
February 22, 1961 Boys Sectional Basketball Tournament: First round - Collins nearly overcome an 11 point deficit in the final quarter, but missed their mark in the final seconds for a loss to Mingo 60-59. First quarter was 14 all with Collins trailing at halftime 31-22 and 49-38 at 3rd quarter mark. Collins made one of 8 free throws, while Mingo made 16 of 24. Collins was charged with 16 fouls during the game. Lineup: Mort Dodd - 14 pts.; Galen Smith - 11 pts.; Jim Crabb - 16 pts; Mike Robinett - 16 pts.; George Ballard - 2 pts.; Stanley Granger - 0 pts.
February 23, 1961 Girls District Basketball Tournament: First round - Collins fell behind early in the game to Ballard and was unable to recover, losing 65-42. Collins trailed 30-18 at halftime. The Clipperettes' season record is: Wins - 14; Losses - 9. Lineup: Susie Kilgore - 20 pts.; Charlene Luing - 13 pts.; Sharon Bowers - 9 pts.; Total free throws made - 12, missed - 19. Claretta Smith (g); Celayne Elliott (g); Rosemary Cory (g); Charlene Laughlin (g).
Girls 1960-61 Basketball Season Summary: Scheduled Games - Collins girls won: Rhodes 71-43 and 65-54; Milford Twp. 59-47 and 74-47; Mingo 71-35 and 72-58; Maxwell 55-30 and 57-25; Clemons 61-39 and 63-41; Gilbert 32-31. lost: Mitchellville 51-47; Colo 41-37; Roland 59-27; NESCO 51-41 and 50-49; Gilbert 36-23.
Story County Tourney: First round - lost - Story City 59-47
Sectional Tourney: First round - won Colo 62-43; Semifinals - won Maxwell - 53-33; Finals - lost Nevada 58-55. Season Record: Won 14, Lost 9.
Girls 1960-61 Team Members: Regular Starting Players - Claretta Smith (61) (g), Jane Dodd (63) (g), Sharon Bowers (61) (f), Rosemary Cory (61) (g), Celayne Elliott (61) (g), Charlene Luing (61) (f), Susie Kilgore (62) (f).
Other team members: Charlene Laughlin (63), Sally Coughenour (63), Nancy Fitzgerald (62), Marilyn Snyder, Carol Bowers (64) (g), Patsy Kingman (64) (f), Cheryle Partridge (62) (g), Linda Carson (63). Coach Richard (Dick) Cory, Collins School Graduate. Seniors: Rosemary Cory, Sharon Bowers, Claretta Smith, Celayne Elliott, Charlene Luing. Scoring: Susie Kilgore - 702; Sharon Bowers - 217; Charlene Luing - 202; Marilyn Snyder - 21; Sally Coughenour - 19.
Team offensive average - 52, Defensive average - 45.