Webutuck Warriors face off against Harlem Wizards

WEBUTUCK — Students, families and friends were thrilled to cheer on their favorite teachers, staff and administrators as they played against the Harlem Wizards on Wednesday, Jan. 16.

Sponsored by the Webutuck PTA, all proceeds raised at the event went toward a new playground at Eugene Brooks Intermediate School. With doors opening at 5:30 p.m., the parking lot in front of Webutuck High School (WHS) was packed with cars, though the number of cars paled in comparison to the those crowding the bleachers in the gymnasium. From basketballs to bright red jerseys, Harlem Wizards merchandise was sold in the lobby along with snack foods and beverages, courtesy of Webutuck students looking to fundraise for their class.

Kicking off at 6:30 p.m., the bleachers erupted in cheers as Webutuck staff and administration walked across the basketball court in preparation for the game. As they welcomed everyone to the game, the Wizards extended their thanks to Webutuck PTA President Anna Kall for hosting them and to everyone who lent a hand in bringing them to Webutuck.

With her excitement revving up the crowd, teacher Jenna Garofalo announced the lineup for the Warriors. As the educators-turned-athletes took to the court, the students went wild watching their principals, teachers and mentors prepare to compete. When it came time to bring the Wizards onto the court, the students’ cheers escalated with many of the younger viewers standing up to get a better look at the players in their red uniforms.

Even as they shook their opponents’ hands, the Wizards couldn’t resist having a little fun with the Warriors, and the students’ applause turned to laughter as the players goofed around on the court for their entertainment. With music pumping out of the speakers, people clapped their hands together, supplying a steady beat for the Wizards to showcase their talents.

Thanks to quick thinking by Tyler Albrecht, the Warriors scored the first point of the game within a few seconds of its start. Another point was scored for Webutuck a minute later, though the Wizards quickly caught up. As the audience clapped along to the rhythm of the game, the teams picked up the pace, throwing themselves into the game and getting plenty of laughs from the crowd. The emcee for the Wizards dubbed each of the Warriors with their own zany nicknames, such as “She’s Got Game,” “Paul Bunyan,” “Everybody Loves Raymond” and “She Wears Short Shorts” -— all of which were in good fun.

Pausing the game for some audience participation, the Wizards called for two contestants to play a basketball version of Tic Tac Toe. After racing to shoot baskets and line up their X’s and O’s, both students were declared the winners of free Wizard merchandise. Later that night, the Wizards picked a father and his two children from the sidelines for another game on the court.

An impromptu baseball game was held on one end of the court with the “Chariots of Fire” theme playing overhead, leading to a wild medley of shrieks, whistles and confetti. After more playing time on the court, the teams paused to allow students a chance to get their merchandise signed by the Wizards. 

The evening’s halftime spectacle featured impressive choreography by the Webutuck cheerleading squad. Infusing even more audience participation into the evening, the Wizards called for two teams with a parent, high school student, middle school student and elementary school student on each side for a mini basketball competition. Following the announcement of the 50/50 raffle winner, the teams returned to the court to finish what they started.