Harlem Wizards delight packed gym in Albion with dunks, dance moves

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – The Harlem Wizards brought a highly entertaining brand of basketball to a packed high school gym in Albion on Monday. The Wizards played Albion teachers in a game won by the Wizards, 79-89. The top photo shows Talek “Show Out” Williams pumping up an enthusiastic crowd. About 700 people attended the event.

But much of the fun was in the stands, and games involving audience participation. The Wizards had many slam dunks, no-look passes, long jump shots and other acrobatic moves on the court. But they connected most with the fans through dancing, high fives and other antics.

The Wizards were in town as part of a fundraiser for the Albion boys basketball program.

After the game, the Wizards invited all the kids on the court for some dancing.

Tom O’Donnell, a counselor in the middle school, is introduced as one of the players for the Albion teachers. About 20 people from the school played in the game.

Vinnie Strollo, a physical education teacher at elementary school, reacts after making the first basket in the game to give the teachers the lead.

The teams are on court for the opening tip off. Jeff Radder for the teachers won the tip off and Albion scored the first basket.

The game often stopped for crowd participation. Mark Kuntz of Albion was brought out for a dance challenge.

Caleb Wolfe, 13, was blindfolded and tried to find some of the prizes on the court. The crowd yelled to try to steer him in the right direction.

Jonathan “Top Flight” Hevalow delivered a powerful dunk that amazed the crowd.

Talek “Show Out” Williams signs autographs during halftime.

These Wizards players celebrate with two Albion youth football teams that won the league championship on Saturday.

The crowd was often in a frenzy rooting on the teachers and reacting to some of the dunks from the Wizards.

These Wizards paused the game to give Ashleigh Stornelli, the school’s resource officer, a chance to make an easy shot which she did after getting some advice from Lloyd “Loonatik” Clinton.