LIBERTY, NY — On March 18, visitors to Liberty High School gymnasium couldn’t be sure if they were there to attend a basketball game or a party.

But that’s typical when the Harlem Wizards come to town. The basketball team/entertainers returned to Liberty to take on the Redhawks staff as part of a fundraiser for the Liberty PTA.

Before a packed gymnasium, the Wiz Kids (children who had Wizards jerseys) were introduced and were able to warm up with the Wizards players. After introductions of the Redhawks and Wizards players, the party—errrr, game—began. 

There were plenty of trick shots by the Wizards, and some impressive scoring by the Redhawks, but the score was secondary to the fun. The master of ceremonies kept the audience singing and dancing throughout the event, with the third quarter part karaoke, part dance party in the stands, as some of the players switched teams to continue the game. The Wizards interacted with the fans, offering high fives, going into the stands, leading the crowd in dances and more.

The Redhawks staff team members weren’t immune to the Wizards’ antics, often becoming part of the entertainment.

At the half, students who had courtside player tickets were able to take part in a three-minute basketball game with the Wizards, and the players autographed jerseys and balls, took selfies and spoke to the fans.

Near the end of the fourth quarter a football game broke out, interrupted by martial arts moves, dancing and more.

With 10 seconds left on the clock, the clock was stopped and the students in the audience were invited onto the floor for a dance party and counted down the last 10 seconds of the game. 

Proceeds from the fundraiser are used by the Liberty PTA for scholarships, assemblies, events and materials for students.

Oh yeah, the Wizards won, 75-64.

More photos are available on the Liberty Central School District’s social media pages, and a video can be seen on YouTube at www.bit.ly/4ctxPTq and at www.libertyk12.org. 

Contributed by the Liberty Central School District.