The Harlem Wizards return to the Williamsport Area High School to perform their feats of basketball prestidigitation on Thursday, January 22, at 6:30 p.m., with doors opening at 5:30 p.m., to again help raise funds for the Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation.
“Our ongoing partnership with the Harlem Wizards, along with the generous sponsorship support that helps make this event possible, reflects the incredible commitment our community has to our schools. The enthusiasm we continue to see from families, students, staff, and local partners is truly meaningful and impactful,” Greg Hayes, Executive Director of the Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation, told Webb Weekly. “The funds raised through this event for the education foundation go directly back into our classrooms, supporting innovative opportunities and enriching learning experiences that allow our teachers to expand what’s possible for students.”
Hayes continued, “This remains one of our most well-supported community events; attendance averages about 1,500 people, and with the backing of families and sponsors, last year’s event generated more than $19,000 to support our schools.”
“The event made its initial appearance at the ‘Magic Dome’ in 2014 and continued annually until 2018. Following a five-year hiatus, the Wizards have returned annually since 2023. The event has collectively generated gross revenue of more than $188,000 for the education foundation.”
The Harlem Wizards feature a variety of basketball trickery, from crazy slam dunks to three-man alley-oops. The New Jersey-based organization promises a night of spontaneous humor and excitement in “basketball wizardry” on the hardwood.
The “Wizards” will be taking on a “Millionaire Magicians” team comprised of teachers, principals, staff, and students from across the district.
Coached by Williamsport Area Middle School (WAMS) Principal Kirk Felix, the “Millionaire Magicians” are set to challenge the entertainment basketball squad known for its fancy teamwork and ball handling. The district’s team is made up of the following:
• Josh Aarons, intervention specialist, WAMS
• Jacob Anderson, assistant principal, Curtin Intermediate
• Jamie Bower, teacher, Lycoming Valley Intermediate
• Kye Diakite, WAHS senior
• Dewey Dobbs, intervention specialist, Curtin Intermediate
• Jaquille Drummond, intervention specialist, Lycoming Valley Intermediate
• Parker Fox, WAHS senior
• Kylie Gilmore, teacher, Curtin Intermediate
• Jackson Mackey, WAHS senior
• Nicole Pish, teacher, WAHS
• Avani Rainier, WAHS senior
• Talesha Taylor, teacher, Lycoming Valley Intermediate
• Maya Trump, teacher, Cochran Primary School
• Saige Whipple, teacher, Curtin Intermediate
• Giovanni White, WAHS senior
Tickets are available online at http://www.harlemwizards.com. Tickets are $15 for students and $15 for adults. Children 3 and under are free and do not need a ticket.
This year’s ticket packages:
– Reserved tickets for both students and adults can be purchased for $20.
– Reserved ticketholders receive special reserved seating close to the court, and a free team poster for kids, and $5 souvenir voucher for adults.
– Courtside Plus tickets for both students and adults are available for $50. These ticketholders receive courtside seating, a pregame meet-and-greet with players, a color team photo, and a $10 souvenir gift certificate for adults.
The WASD Education Foundation is the recognized nonprofit affiliate of the school district.
The education foundation facilitates charitable giving and permanent legacies based on individual areas of interest in educational innovation, the arts, athletics, and scholarships. For more information on the foundation, visit http://www.wasdeducationfoundation.org.
