The OnPoint Swish has made history. On Saturday, the team played the first women’s professional game in the state of Kentucky.
Over the winter, Carla Booth decided to organize the team after stumbling across the WABA on social media.
Not only was it fun to watch some mountain girls, but the Raleigh Aces put on an absolute show.
The team hit 22 threes on 84% shooting from behind the arc. I have never witnessed anything like it in my life.
I had the privilege of officiating the game alongside Tony Skaggs and Mark Campbell. It was an honor for us to be a part of the historical event.
The WABA has rules that are different from those of the WNBA and other basketball leagues.
The main rule is the 3D aspect.
When a team fails to cross the half-court line and commits a turnover, the official gives a 3D sign for the scorer’s table to turn a red light on.
When this happens, if the team scores, they receive an extra point. So, a two becomes worth three, and three becomes four.
There is even possibly a five-point shot that exists. In the WABA, any shot behind the half-court line is worth four points.
Say a team tries to bring the ball up the court and never makes it across the division line. They throw the ball across the half-court line into a defender’s hands.
This triggers the 3D rule.
If they throw up a shot behind the half-court line and make it, it is worth five points.
Players also cannot foul out of the game. On their seventh personal foul, the other team will receive an extra point and the ball back.
The other officials and I had a great time learning the new rules.
If you missed the first home game, do not fret. The OnPoint Swish will be back in Inez on Aug. 3. With different rules and exciting players to watch, it is one you will not want to miss.
Brittni McCoy is the Mountain Citizen sports editor.