Since 1962, the Harlem Wizards have entertained and delighted audiences across the country while raising money for worthy causes. The Wizards will return to Williamsport on Thursday, January 23, at the Williamsport High School basketball court, affectionately known as the “Magic Dome.” This event will help raise funds for the Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation.
The game, presented by Geisinger, will begin at 6:30 p.m., with doors set to open at 5:30 p.m. Attendees can expect a night filled with spontaneous humor and excitement, showcasing a unique brand of “basketball wizardry” that includes everything from crazy slam dunks to three alleys-hoops.
“We’re excited to bring back an event that’s proven family-friendly for the community and ultimately benefits our students through the foundation. The event has been hugely successful each year,” said WASDEF Executive Director Greg Hayes. “Last year, with the support of our community and sponsors, we raised a net total of over $14,000.”
The event first took place at the Magic Dome in 2014 and continued annually until 2018. After a five-year hiatus, the Wizards returned in 2023 and are set to perform again in 2024. Overall, the event has generated over $154,000 for the education foundation.
Coached by Williamsport Area Middle School Principal Kirk Felix, the “Millionaire Magicians” are preparing to challenge the entertainment basketball squad known for its impressive teamwork and ball handling. The district’s team includes the following members:
– Jacob Anderson, Assistant Principal, Curtin Intermediate
– Andrew Bennett, Teacher, Lycoming Valley Intermediate
– Jamie Bower, Teacher, Lycoming Valley Intermediate
– Austin Chen, WAHS Senior
– Dewey Dobbs, Intervention Specialist, Curtin Intermediate
– Jaquille Drummond, Intervention Specialist, Lycoming Valley Intermediate
– Khamani Dyson, WAHS Senior
– Jackie Eberhart, Teacher, WAHS
– Tristin Forney, Assistant Principal, Lycoming Valley Intermediate
– Molly Forney, Teacher, Jackson Primary
– Kellen Jackson, WAHS Senior
– Emily Kime, WAHS Senior
– Shannon Knight, Intervention Specialist, Lycoming Valley Intermediate
– Brandon McGaw, Teacher, Curtin Intermediate
– Dez Noble, WAHS Senior
– Beckham Sibiski, Teacher, WAHS
– Jolecia Walker, WAHS Senior
Additionally, seven players from Geisinger will join the challenge: Michael Brown, Brian Dixson, Reese Doyle, Brianne George, Tori Gordner, Wally Karl, and Clayton King.
Tickets are available for purchase online through the education foundation’s website under the “Events” section at http://www.wasdeducationfoundation.org or through rlemwizards.com.
Ticket prices are as follows:
– $12 for students
– $15 for adults
– Children aged 3 and under are free.
This year’s ticket packages include:
– **Reserved Tickets:** Available for $24 for both students and adults, these tickets come with special reserved seating close to the court, a free team poster for kids, and a $5 souvenir voucher for adults.
– **Courtside Plus Tickets:** Priced at $50 for both students and adults, this package includes courtside reserved seating, a pregame meet-and-greet with players, a souvenir lanyard, a color team photo, a $5 discount on a Wizards replica jersey for kids, and a $10 gift certificate for adults.
New this year: Five lucky attendees who purchase a raffle ticket will be selected to participate in the Wegmans Half-Court Haul at halftime. Each participant will have up to three attempts to sink a half-court shot, with the first to make a shot winning $500.
“We’re making every attempt to bring back this event with as much impact as possible,” Hayes remarked. “We are very grateful for our sponsors who have stepped up to help make that happen, particularly Geisinger, which is returning as our presenting sponsor.”
Other sponsors this year include EQT, Bayada Home Health Center, and Woodlands Bank, with media sponsorship from the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, Webb Weekly, Lamar Advertising, and Backyard Broadcasting.
The WASD Education Foundation is the recognized nonprofit affiliate of the school district. The foundation facilitates charitable giving and creates permanent legacies based on individual areas of interest in educational innovation, the arts, athletics, and scholarships. For more information about the foundation, visit wasdeducationfoundation.org.
