The Harlem Wizards will bring their trick-hoops and alley-oops back to DeKalb County High School Tuesday night, October 29 at 7:00 p.m.
The Wizards, a show basketball team, will play local personalities to raise funds for the DeKalb County High School Basketball Booster Club.
“The Harlem Wizards came here last year and played against a team that we had put together here as a fundraiser for the DeKalb County High School Basketball Booster Club. They are coming back a second time. It will be on Tuesday, October 29 at 7:00 p.m. at the DCHS Gym. The doors will open at 6:15 p.m.” said Suzette Barnes.
At a Harlem Wizards game, fans witness amazing basketball talent combined with hilarious comedy. When you’re in the stands, you’re more than a spectator, you’re part of the show with loads of audience participation throughout the game.
Fans will experience a magical display of tricks, coordinated ball handling, fancing passing, and aerodynamic athleticism combined with high-energy comedy and audience interaction. The experience can only be summed up in two words: Awe-Inspiring!
(SEE PROMOTIONAL VIDEO OF HARLEM WIZARDS BELOW)
“Tickets can be purchased at the Smithville office of Liberty State Bank, Kilgore’s Restaurant, or from any basketball player, manager, or cheerleader,” said Barnes. “Student tickets are $8.00 in advance (kindergarten through 12th grade). Tickets for adults are $10.00 purchased in advance. The night of the event the tickets will be $10.00 for students (kindergarten through 12th grade) and $12.00 for adults. The money will be used to support the basketball booster club. We do different things throughout the year for the players from senior night to the banquet. We try to go out to eat. In the past we have gone to a Vanderbilt basketball game. We do different things for the program, not just one specific thing,” she said.
The local team taking on the Wizards will be made up of public officials, educators, coaches, community leaders, and entertainers. “I am excited about this year’s lineup,” said Barnes. “We have both Smithville Mayor Jimmy Poss and County Mayor Mike Foster on our team. We also have County Fire Chief Donny Green, Director of Schools Mark Willoughby, TWRA Officer Tony Cross, Darrin Vincent of Dailey and Vincent, Tom Duggin of DTC TV, Shawn Tubbs of the Family Medical Center, School Transportation Supervisor Jimmy Sprague, School Resource Officer Kenneth Whitehead, DCHS Tiger Football Coach Steve Trapp, DCHS Tiger Soccer Coach K, Angela Johnson of Smithville Elementary School, Coach Danny Fish of Northside Elementary School, and Coaches Karen Pelham and Justin Nokes of DeKalb Middle School,” she said.
Barnes urges you to get your tickets early as last year’s show was a sell out. ” We do not do reserved seats. All ticket prices are general admission. The seating is first come, first served. Last year our goal was to sell one thousand tickets. We sold one thousand tickets by 3:30 p.m. on the afternoon of the event. We had people at the door wanting tickets. We were allowed to sell a few more tickets. We did sell out with 1,235 tickets. I expect as big or bigger crowd again this year. I want to encourage everyone to get your tickets early if you want to see the show,” said Barnes.
Entertainment has been scheduled this year for those who may be standing in line outside waiting to get in the night of the show. “From 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., there will be entertainment in the parking lot. Some prizes will be given away. Last year, we had a line from the front door all the way around the cafeteria at the high school. So we’ll provide some entertainment to those people standing in line this year,” Barnes continued.
For students who can’t attend the show, the Harlem Wizards will be making a personal appearance at each school on the day of the event. “On the day of the event, October 29 the players from the Harlem Wizards will come and interact with the students at all the schools. During that day they will be at DCHS during the lunch time interacting with students in the lunch room getting them involved in tricks and handling the basketball. That afternoon from 1:00 p.m. until 1:20 p.m. they will be at Northside Elementary and at Smithville Elementary. At 2:00 p.m. they will be at DeKalb Middle School and DeKalb West School to put on a little performance for the schools there from 2:00 p.m. until 2:20 p.m. It’s a good way to get all the kids to see the Harlem Wizards and if they can’t come that night. They will at least get to see them for a few minutes at their schools and get to interact with them. They (Harlem Wizards) are real good about taking students from the audience, bringing them out, and getting them to do different tricks and ball handling skills,” said Barnes.