Basketballer impaled on floorboard

A teenage basketballer was impaled on a floorboard after hitting the deck and sliding belly-first on the ground during a high school game.

The 14-year-old girl was left pinned to the floor for 30 minutes after the fall before being freed by paramedics.

The sickening incident occurred during a high school game in Middleton, Wisconsin, after the girl collided with a rival player as they fought for a loose ball.

Both girls were sent sliding along the floorboards following the impact, before the youngster stopped abruptly when she was snagged on a loose piece of board.

With the teenager prone on her stomach and clearly in pain, rivals and teammates immediately rushed to her aid.

According to officials the girl was impaled on a piece of wood 7cm-10cm to 10 cm long, which was buried "about a quarter to half an inch" (0.5cm-1.2cm) in the girl's skin.

The referee was initially unaware what happened to the youngster until he asked whether she was injured.

"The official said 'what do you mean, are you hurt?'" tournament administrator Perry Hibner said.

"(She responded) 'there is a piece of wood stuck to me'."

The girl was later taken to hospital but suffered no major injuries or organ damage.