New tricks for the ‘Old Rips’; Big country women join national ‘Granny Basketball League’

EASTLAND, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – As we age, keeping active in both mind and body becomes increasingly important. While word puzzles, evening walks, and knitting groups all have their place in that goal, a group of women in Eastland County has taken another route to stay fit and make friends. The Eastland “Old Rips” find camaraderie on and off the basketball court. Team Coach, Roma Holly, explained to KTAB/KRBC the finer details of their group.

“Granny Basketball is a gentle game for women of a certain age… Some of us are still working full-time. Some are retired. Our oldest player is 76 years old… It gets people out from in front of the TV, off the couch. ‘We’re off our rockers’ is what we say a lot,” Holley said.

Just a few months ago, the Old Rips officially joined the Granny Basketball League (GBL). Founded in 2005 and gaining non-profit status in 2008, the GBL currently has over 700 players across 54 teams, which include participants from 11 states and one team from Toronto, Canada. All players must be at least 50 years old. Holley noted that not everyone gets on the court; the league’s approach to the sport emphasizes community and support rather than talent or skill.

“I’ll tell you one thing that people say almost immediately if you approach them about granny basketball… Oh, well, I can’t do that… I said, well, that’s okay… I can’t either…There’s no running, no jumping… No contact… And the thing is, we focus on what you can do, not what you can’t do,” said Holley.

Holley first became aware of the GBL in December 2024. After spending an evening shooting hoops with her granddaughter, she decided to research the league further. Holley then began reaching out to see if other women in the area would be interested in organizing a team.

“So I started checking it out, and it just took off from there. I just thought, ‘Well, let me just throw it out on Facebook, see if I could get any interest, you know?’ And here we are,” Holley said.

All players participate on a volunteer basis, and the league understands that not everyone can attend every game due to work or other commitments. Holley and team captain Karen Parker have both said that their lives have dramatically improved since joining the team, which they affectionately call their “framily,” a blend of “friends” and “family.”

“Here’s the best thing. I did not know Karen before this. In fact, I would say, out of all of our team, I only knew like one or two of them before Granny Basketball. So it’s been great,” said Holley.

According to the GBL website, each team includes at least 5 or 6 women aged 50 and above, and the coach is eligible to play. Players wear 1920s-style uniforms, and showing bare legs or arms results in a “skin” foul. The court is divided into three zones, and players must remain in their assigned area to prevent running up and down the court. Games have four 8-minute quarters, with limited clock stoppages. Only two dribbles per player are allowed, and no running, jumping, or physical contact is permitted. Underhand or “granny” shots earn 3 points, others 2, and free throws 1. Overtime is 4 minutes, with sudden death free throws if needed. Teams get one timeout per quarter or overtime and three fouls per player. If a player falls, it is considered a “granny down,” and that player must sit out for a period of time, regardless of their ability to continue playing.

The Old Rips have a scrimmage coming up this Saturday, October 11, at 11:00 a.m. at the Eastland First Baptist Church against the Killeen H.O.T. (Heart Of Texas) Chili Peppers. And another scrimmage at the church on Sunday, Oct 19, 3:00 p.m. against the Fort Worth Cowtown Heifers.

Anyone wishing to get involved with or donate to the Eastland team is encouraged to contact Coach Roma Holley by phone at (254) 631-8990 or Email at EastlandOldRipsGBB@gmail.com. If you are interested in learning more about the league or potentially starting a team in your own area, you can inquire further on the Granny Basketball League website.