Jurine Borton‘56, a mere 5’4 1/2” post forward, demonstrates a skill at shooting various shots taught by Coach Ev Cochrane (1953-1956) who preached the basics and fundamental skills of basketball. He emphasized that any player must maneuver and position herself to provide the best possible offensive position. He stressed the importance of developing a variety of shots to fit the situation and also the importance of reading the defense. In those days we didn’t use body building, but those 5-gal buckets of water or feed, pulling big weeds out of the corn and beans plus pulling tassels and tossing hay bales did the trick.
Left and Lower Insert: Jurine Borton’56 ably demonstrates driving and a hook shot against three very good defenders from United Community at Milford Twp School. Her efforts of the evening resulted in scoring a career high 57 points in the losing effort. About two weeks later, UC was a contender at the 1956 Iowa Girls State Basketball Tournament in Des Moines where they were recognized for their outstanding defense.
Right: Jurine Borton, #24, puts up a jump shot against a surprised defender, Fernald’s Donna Crosby. The white basketball was a short-lived experiment for girls basketball tournament play. Some records state the ball was used for 15 years but some players of the time do not remember ever using the white ball.
Top Insert: Hazel Horness’56 puts the soft touch on the ball and gets a goal against Fernald’s Karen Flynn during a 8 Nov 1955 game. Fernald won 67-55. See Pages 103 and 303.
The last “6 on 6” tournament in Iowa and the Nation was played in Iowa in 1993. Hubbard-Radcliffe won that tournament. The IGHSAU had provided for both a “6 on 6” competition and a full court “5 on 5” game since 1979 and the first “5 on 5” State Tournament was in 1985. See page 212.
Starting in the season of 1951-1952, the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union announced changes in policy regarding girls’ eligibility to participate in Varsity Basketball. Players entering the eighth grade or less were no longer eligible to participate in high school athletics. Alice Hansen‘55 played for 5 varsity seasons.
Furthermore, no girl who is married is permitted to participate in athletics, according to the news release.
The Union established an 18 game limitation with no contest permitted before the first Friday in November. Plans were made to organize the first girls’ state softball tournament beginning on Sept. 17 of 1951. The first IGHSAU spring softball Tournament was in 1955 and Milford was in that competition but had no success.