If you've ever checked out the Women's Basketball Timeline, you'll know that women have competed for a national basketball championship since the mid-20's.

The first, sposored by the AAU, was held in Los Angeles in 1926. After a two-year pause, the AAU championship was moved to Witchita, KS and continued through to 1979, when Ann Meyers and her Anna's Bananas team were crowned champions.

From Palatka, Florida, a story about one of the teams that competed 80 years ago:

The Palatka Panther Wildcats girls' basketball town team of 1929 was not only successful here in Palatka, but made it all the way to the State and National Basketball Championships. ..Team members were mostly from the Palatka High School team after they graduated.

In March of 1929, the Panthers played the 1928 Tournament Champion Shepp's Aces of Dallas and lost. The Panthers were presented a beautiful trophy for good sportsmanship and were described as being the most popular team there with the fans. Lelia Hudgins was chosen on the third All-American Team.

The crowds lined Lemon Street (now St. Johns Avenue) cheering for the Palatka Panther "Wildcats." There was even a parade with the team riding on a fire truck.

The "Wildcats" were the team who put Palatka, Fla., on the national map.