44°
BRONXVILLE, N.Y. The Bronxville High School gym was buzzing Sunday afternoon as the world-famous Harlem Wizards basketball team entertained the crowd with impossible trick shots, ball-on-finger spinning tricks and by dangling from the rim.
But fifth-grader Celia Kelty, who goes to St. Joseph's School in Bronxville, was not nervous shooting hoops against the gentle giants.
"They are really nice and really tall," Celia said.
This is the fourth year in a row the Wizards have come to Bronxville in the largest fundraiser hosted by the Bronxville Schools Athletic Council.
"We make this a community event," said Cindi Callahan, council president. "We invite the families from St. Josephs to join us and we give free tickets to Gramatan Village to encourage our seniors to join us as well."
The athletic council sponsors events such as homecoming, Bronco Bonanza and the end of year barbecue. This year, the Bronxville Schools Foundation partnered with the council to supply team T-shirts to players on the Bronco teams.
Brad Fisher, who teaches physical education at Bronxville Elementary School, went head to head with the Wizards on the court in the matchup between the wizards and Bronxville Schools teachers.
"All of us, the kids, the teachers and everyone who comes has a great time and raise a lot of money," Fisher said. "Of course it is a little humbling to play with these guys, though."
Jamel Thompson, the voice of the Wizards, said the players act as ambassadors of good will.
"They take every opportunity to tell the kids to work hard in school, stay away from drugs and alcohol and listen to their parents," Thompson said. "And of course we have won over 2,800 games in a row, the longest winning streak in history."
Click here to follow Daily Voice Bronxville and receive free news updates.
