News 8
Knitting is not an option for these spunky seniors 
11:33 AM CST on Tuesday, November 3, 2009
DALLAS — They travel the state competing in basketball tournaments for ladies in their 80s (and up), but they have the spunk of 20-year-olds.
Meet the Granny Globetrotters.
Here's Laverne Raish. "I do the point guard, and I'm 88."
Helen Yarber is another member of the team. "I'm the starting center, and I'm 86."
Don't be fooled by their ages. This 80+ basketball team is fierce.
"I think Betty Goldsmith might be the meanest one of the bunch," said Yarber with a laugh.
Or maybe it's the 93-year-old player whose age almost always fools the other team.
"I guess the defense wasn't concerned about her," Raish said. "She whipped that ole' granny shot up there, from the back and right into the basket!"
Laverne Raish just started playing basketball for the first time at 88. I don't concentrate too much on my age," she said.
There are drills up and down the court, practicing defense and lay-ups.
"It gives us a new zest to life," Yarber said.
"I lost my husband two years ago, so this is a good outlet for me," added Goldsmith.
It's an outlet for fun and laughter — not scores and statistics.
To join the team, call 972-230-4980 or e-mail kayseamayer@msn.com.
