SEYMOUR BASKETBALL MUCH DIFFERENT FIFTY YEARS AGO
High School Basketball Was Much Different Fifty Years Ago
Seymour Team 1961-62
The 1961–62 squad, led by first year Coach Carl Ibe, was the first Seymour team to play under the new rules. The highlights of the season included a 56-44 victory over Bonduel with Steve Prelipp scoring 29 points. A defeat of Oconto Falls 65-52 led by Bob Butters 31 points, and a 65-54 win over East DePere paced by Ben Seehafer’s 24 points.
The Northeastern Wisconsin Conference was much different than today’s Bay Conference. Seymour’s opponents included: Oconto, Pulaski, West Depere, Sturgeon Bay, East Depere, Kewaunee, Preble, Oconto Falls, and Algoma.
Players Identified
1961-1962 Seymour Indians Basketball Team. Back Row L to R: C. Holzer, D. Armitage, G. Krueger, D. Lathrop, L. Stritzel, P. Edwards, O. Uecker, D. Christiansen, M. Puls, S. Prelipp, D. Sedo, B. Seehafer and B. Butters. Front: A Mueller, Mr. Ibe and D. Hopkins.
The following article from the December 14, 1961 Seymour Press reminds us of the day before the adoption of the three-second rule when the big man could dominate the game by securing a spot under the basket and refuse to move. The Press felt it was important to inform readers of that change and several others including playing three minute overtimes instead of shooting free throws to break a tie. These were the days before the three-point shot (1987) and girl’s basketball (1972).
New Basketball Rules Are Affecting Tempo of This Season’s Games
Seymour Press Dec. 14, 1961
With the beginning of December, the state basketball teams are in the midst of conference play. It looks like another exciting season for high school sports fans. However, the season may not be quite so interesting to some followers of the court sport if they do not understand the new rules that have been instituted this year. To enjoy basketball, one must understand the why’s and wherefor’s. The WIAA, in establishing these rules, hopes that they will improve the game.
Three-Second Rule
The first rule that is changing the complexion of the game quite a bit is the three-second rule. This rule prohibits any offensive player from being in the free throw lane for more than three seconds. This rule is not enforced after the player has taken a shot and his teammates wish to get rebound positions. The penalty for infraction of this rule is to give the opponent the ball out of bounds.
Another new rule is the offensive ball rule. When an offensive player commits a foul in the forecourt, the ball will be given to the opposing team rather than shooting a free throw. The foul will, however, count against the player and will enter into the bonus situation.
“Sudden-End”
The “sudden-end” rule for deciding games tied at the end of the game has been changed. The shooting of free throws has been eliminated, and now three-minute overtimes are being played until a winner is determined.
If you have been in a gym lately, you probably noticed red rectangles on the free throw lanes. There is a twelve-inch long area between the first and second lane spaces and a two-inch area separating the second and third spaces. This rule has been added to lessen contact between players trying to get rebound positions after the free throw. The markings also tend to restrain players from getting into the lane too soon.
The fifth important change states that all quarters will start with a jump ball. Other less technical rules have been initiated. For example, the referee is now required to hand the ball to a player making a throw-in from out of bounds.
More Outside Shooting
The new rules are definitely affecting the game. The three-second rule is forcing more outside shooting and is taking some of the effectiveness away from the big man, who is not able to stay in the middle. It is also increasing the tempo of the game as less time is spend shooting free throws.
These rules are also affecting the officiating, especially in the first few games. It has been suggested that another referee be added to help handle the game, as it is difficult for the officials to enforce these new rules, plus watching for other infractions. After the first few games, however, the referees should have become accustomed to the rules and should not have too much trouble from now on.