Monticello Granny Basketball League Puts a Fun Twist on Fundraising for Local Kids

On March 8, a small-town gym in Monticello, Iowa, took on a nostalgic feel. Players in bloomers moved across the court, the crowd laughed freely, and the score seemed almost irrelevant. The Jones County Safe and Healthy Youth Coalition hosted a Granny Basketball fundraiser that balanced lighthearted fun with a serious mission.

Monticello High School drew in families, community members, and first-time spectators curious about the event. The Grant Wood Gothics Granny Basketball team faced off against a lineup of Jones County “celebrities,” from the police chief to the school superintendent. While the game brought plenty of laughs, its purpose—raising money for youth wellness and substance prevention programs—remained front and center.

A Vintage Game With a Big Personality

KGAN / Granny Basketball carries a rich dose of nostalgia. The league started in 2005 as a playful nod to the early days of women’s basketball.

Players follow strict 1920s-style rules, which means no running and absolutely no jumping on the court.

The uniforms add even more character to the game. Players wear bloomers, long socks, and loose shirts that look straight out of a black-and-white photo. The outfits spark smiles before the ball even tips off, and they remind the audience that this game celebrates history as much as sport.

The rules also create a slower pace that invites laughter from the stands. Every movement looks exaggerated and deliberate, which makes even simple plays feel theatrical. The players lean into the humor, and the crowd quickly becomes part of the show.

The Jail, the Mitts, and the Crowd

One of the crowd’s favorite traditions is the infamous “jail.” Players who break the old school rules or reveal too much skin get sent to a small holding area near the court. The punishment becomes part of the entertainment because fans can donate money to bail the players out.

The moment quickly turned into a highlight during the game. Cash Smith stepped forward with a $5 donation to bail out his father, Monticello Police Chief Britt Smith. The crowd erupted with cheers as the playful rescue unfolded, proving that the fundraiser works best when the audience jumps into the action.

The celebrity team faced an extra challenge designed to keep the competition balanced. Each player had to wear an oven mitt on their dominant hand. The rule made shooting and passing far more difficult, which created plenty of missed shots and good-natured laughter.

A Must-Try Game for the Community

KGAN / The basketball game served as the centerpiece, yet the event offered much more than four quarters of vintage hoops. Organizers packed the afternoon with activities that kept the energy high and the crowd involved.

The Midland “Shake It Off” Dance Company took the court during halftime and delivered a lively performance. Their routine energized the audience and brought a burst of modern style into a game rooted in the past. The dancers earned loud applause and set the tone for the next round of fun.

After the performance, audience members had the chance to step onto the court themselves. A game of knockout invited fans to shoot for prizes while the crowd cheered from the sidelines. The moment turned spectators into participants and strengthened the sense that the whole town had gathered for one shared purpose.

The Grant Wood Gothics added another thoughtful touch to the fundraiser. Team members created two handmade quilts and placed them up for auction. One quilt supported the Jones County Safe and Healthy Youth Coalition, while the second helped the team cover travel costs for the national Granny Basketball tournament.

Project Coordinator Jennifer Husmann explained that the funds support programs that empower local youth. The coalition takes students to leadership conferences and advocacy events, including the annual Day on the Hill gathering in Des Moines. These trips give young people a chance to speak up about issues that affect their lives.