A renewed emphasis on calling the basketball rulebook as written has resulted in more whistles being blown by officials, and in some cases, longer games. The Dec. 17 Greene County vs. South Hamilton girls’ game in Jewell took 90 minutes to play and the teams combined to shoot 54 free throws. There were also nearly 60 turnovers in the 32 minute contest, won by the Rams, 60-52.

The boys’ game between the Rams and Hawks went about 1 hr. 20 minutes with more than 20 fewer free throws and fewer turnovers. Greene County boys’ head coach Jeramie Hinote told Raccoon Valley Radio he’s not a big fan of some of the tight calls because of how big, strong, and quick the athletes have become. Virtually any touching of an opponent can be called a foul. The coach said the 30 foul shots the Rams and Hawks combined to take in Jewell wasn’t too bad. After watching the girls’ game that night, the coach said he was afraid his team would be in Jewell for a very long time.

The Greene County teams next play on Friday, Jan. 3 in Gilbert at the new high school. Coverage on KG98 starts at 5:45 p.m. with the girls playing at 6 p.m. and the boys’ game to follow.