Republic file photo Leon “Space Jam” Sewell, left, turns to pitch the basketball to Arnold “A-Train” Bernard, right, as Eric “Broadway” Jones, center, umpires Nov. 5 during the Bartholomew County School Foundation Stars’ game against the Harlem Wizards at Columbus North in 2017.
Two teams will meet at Columbus North High School’s gym for a rematch nearly five years in the making.
On Sunday, March 6 at 2 p.m., the Harlem Wizards’ Swoop Squad will face off against local educators in a basketball game and fundraiser event for the Bartholomew Consolidated School Foundation. The home team — aka the “BCSF Stars” — will be coached by Superintendent Jim Roberts.
Roberts, along with former Indiana Fever star Tamika Catchings, coached the local team during the Wizards’ last visit in November of 2017.
The Harlem Wizards describe themselves as a “show basketball entity delivering wildly successful fundraiser events for schools and nonprofits.” The team is known for their trick shots and comedy-filled gameplay.
“The Wizards bring showmanship and athleticism to their games,” said BCSF Executive Director Nicole Cunningham. “This will be memorable for all who come, and a great opportunity to bring families together while benefiting our local schools.”
The game will be the school foundation’s biggest fundraiser of the year and will support local teachers and learning activities for the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp.
When purchasing tickets, families will be able to attribute their purchase to a local school, or to the foundation itself. The choice doesn’t determine where the proceeds from the order will go but is instead designed to help create cheering sections for each building, said Cunningham. There will be a “special surprise” for the school with the loudest section.
“We have participation from all BCSC elementary schools, so Columbus kids will recognize someone on the floor, and see their teachers and principals in a whole new light,” said Cunningham.
