LOWER LAKE ? It was standing room only in the new gym at Lower Lake High School Thursday night when the Lake County All-Star team took on the Harlem Wizards in an entertaining bout of fun and athleticism. Awe-struck children of all ages were thrilled with the attention and interaction the Wizards extended throughout the game.
The event, which benefited the Lower Lake High School Boosters Club, was an opportunity to showcase the new gym. The sound system worked flawlessly providing the 1,500 fans in attendance a crisp commentary of the action on the court. Video monitors in the lobby of the gym ensured that neither a basket nor a folly was missed despite one”s location in the massive facility.
The only thing that might have been a bit out of whack was the scoreboard because it put about 20 points up for the Wizards in the last minute of the game including a backward, half-court shot by A-Train.
The Trojan All-Stars gave the professional team a run for its money. Katie Wilder was on fire, sinking it consistently from the three and driving hard under the basket. Tim Biasotti made an impressive showing from the free throw line and Coach Marty Udy proved that he can play what he preaches. John Ryan”s attitude was a bit serious and focused as he darted from one end of the court to the other, finding two quite a bit from the under the backboard.
Overall, the show was entertaining and comical as the Wizards singled out a couple All-Stars and had fun with them. David “DP” Paul had his fun with Wilder, picking her up on the court and spinning her around. The Wizards gave much attention of LLHS Teacher Cheryl Yates, who took the ribbing with a smile. The crowd roared when she finally found the hole after a few attempts. The Wizards even applauded the effort.
The half-time show was amusing as several children engaged in a challenge with the Wizards in the middle of the court. Eric “Broadway” Jones led a game and tried to trick the participants into dropping the ball with each prolonged, behind the back, through the legs pass he dealt. “You”ve been tricked!” the crowd screamed when participants were eliminated from the game. Little Stevie Staats, 9, and Anthony Evan, 4, were the last standing and they both got a red, white and blue basketball as their prize.
During the game, Broadway sent Anthony on a hunt for a missing ball, which he was hiding behind his back. With great enthusiasm and excitement Anthony took Laquan “Jumpman” Castro”s hand and they ran up the stairs into the lobby searching for the ball. Anthony returned to see that he had been tricked and laughed in amusement.
The Harlem Wizards, founded in 1962, is described as one of the greatest show-team organizations to ever “lace it up and let ?em fly.” Each event that the Harlem Wizards perform offers a rare combination of individual athleticism, teamwork, entertainment and community involvement. The team”s mission is to create an amazing, joyous and awe-inspiring basketball experience for all, while producing wildly successful events and fundraisers. More about the team can be found at www.harlemwizards.com.
The Lake County All-Star team consisted of Konocti Unified District educators and coaches as well as LLHS students and alumni.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
