This Day in Norwood History-March 28, 1902-First Public Exhibition Game of Basketball Played in Norwood

The first public exhibition of basketball given in Norwood was witnessed by a delighted audience in Village hall last Tuesday evening. A majority of the adults had probably never seen the game played before and were greatly interested in the lively sport. The games were by four teams in the town’s association, two from the High school and two from the older division, which is made up of teachers and others. Principal N. A. Cutler of the High school and Miss Endicott of Canton were umpires, and Miss Newell was the active and efficient referee. Of the adult teams, Miss Danahy was captain of the red, and Miss Gay of the orange.

Of the High school teams, Miss Maud Boyden was captain of the blues and Miss Bernice Bateman of the reds. Three games were played, in which the scores were 19 to 12, 33 to 24, and 10 to 9. The last game was won by the smaller members of the teachers’ team against the High school, and was very close and exciting. The teachers kept the lead, but the margin was very close from first to last. Individual players did some fine work, especially some of the members of the teachers’ team. Miss Danahy and Miss Duncan did some brilliant and showy playing. Miss Carbee was efficient in keeping the ball moving, Miss Catherine Bigelow fulfilled expectations, and Miss Willard put the ball in the basket in a manner which showed her an adept in the game. Miss Howard, Miss Gay and Miss Lilia Bateman played very efficiently. In the High school teams Misses Maud and May Boyden, Miss Maud Hartshorn, Miss Dorothy Smith and others did excellent work.