WIZARDS VS. WIZARDS

By SAMANTHA CROUCH

The seats in the high school gym are filled once more for a basketball game.  The fans are wearing jerseys in support and taking pictures with the players right before the game. However, this time it is not in support of the Washingtonville Wizards, but the Harlem Wizards and the faculty of The Washingtonville Central School District.  

SAMANTHA CROUCH FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

The Harlem Wizards have played the Washingtonville Wizards multiple times, and each year it is with the support of the Round Hill PTA.  Though the event is sponsored by Round Hill’s PTA, the event needs to take place at the high school because of the overwhelming support coming from the community.  As teacher Mrs. Sansone stated, “When teachers participate in PTA events, it helps support the PTA.  We have a very supportive group of PTA parents and I feel it is the least I can do to support them as well.” The teachers who played came from multiple schools to help out, and showed their support as a team.

Overall, the event is lighthearted and fun for all those involved.  While elementary students get to see their teachers do something other than teach, there is also fun music playing and challenges for some lucky audience members throughout the game.  One challenge had two families compete to see who could have every member of the family make a basket faster.  As Little Britain principal (and former Round Hill assistant principal) Mrs. Rudecindo-O'Neill expressed, “The game itself is played in a fun lighted manner since the players perform as well as play.  They do tricks, comedy, and interact with the crowd throughout the game.  The team's comedy routines are sometimes at the expense of the faculty players, but it's all in good fun.” The comedy routines may not have been too much fun for the teachers, but they certainly had the crowd rolling with laughter.  

As the clock ran out, the Harlem Wizards won in a close 80-67 game.  The game was not only fun for the players but every member of the crowd as they flooded the court to meet and take pictures with players.  Once again, the Round Hill PTA has made sure that they not only do a wonderful job with fundraising, but also with making it fun for everyone involved.