Cedar Rapids is Home to National Championship Granny Basketball Team [PHOTO]
Never say never and don't ever believe you can't. Introducing the Cedar Rapids Sizzlers, winners of the 2019 National Granny Basketball Tournament. The photo below is from before the national tourney took place.
The Sizzlers competed in the tourney last month in Lawrence, Kansas, often called the "Cradle of Basketball." The 16-team tourney featured 200 women from 10 states, ranging in age from 50 to 87. Players wear uniforms from the 1920s era. The rules of 'Granny Basketball" are similar to the former 6-player game in Iowa in two ways, including the number of players on the court at a given time and only two dribbles are allowed before the ball must be passed. According to the Gazette, there are a host of other rules unique to the league. Players can't jump. Made shots that are attempted underhand are worth three points, while overhand shots are worth two points.
The Cedar Rapids Sizzlers team features players who are mainly in their 60s and 70s. They won the championship game in overtime against the defending national champion Harpers Ferry Fireflies. It's the third national title for the team that also won in 2012 and 2015.