By Kirk Geller ’16 and Jake Wolf ’17
Wessex Wire online exclusive

National basketball star team the Harlem Wizards took down a team of local “superstars” from West Essex High School and Churchill School in a fund-raiser on Saturday, Dec. 5, at the high school. The day was full of laughs, dunks and high-flying entertainment as the Wizards got the crowd roaring. The superstars team consisted of a mixture of West Essex and Churchill faculties, including assistant principal Damien Macioci, science teacher Eric Johnson and even some West Essex alumni.

“I enjoyed the entertainment,” Macioci said. “They made it … not just a sporting event, but entertaining as well.”

The game was hosted by the Fairfield Municipal Alliance, an organization that, according to their website, is made up of volunteers who work to fight alcoholism and drug abuse in the community. The group works closely with West Essex, and played a large part in organizing the afternoon.

The Wizards spent the game all over the court, and even off of the court. At multiple points in the game, Wizards players went into the crowd to do everything from using a fan’s cell phone to kissing random fans on the cheek.

Prior to the game, the Wizards invited some of the kids in attendance to come onto the court, calling them “Wiz-Kids.” These kids were able to warm up with the players, stretching and shooting around while also getting to greet the players after the game.

The Harlem Wizards were founded back in 1962 by Howie Davis, who envisioned a show and organization that would put a different spin on how to play basketball. In every year of their existence, the Wizards get the crowd pumping with different activities and pranks. From embarrassing the refs to showing kids new tricks in the middle of the court, the Wizards have dedicated themselves to ensuring a great time and energetic party.

The game drew a large crowd, and the spectators were roaring with laughter. Even the teacher volunteers had a great time. Following the positive outcome for this year’s game, both parties are hoping they can continue this new tradition for many years to come.

“Many teachers participated, and we were very happy to work with the Fairfield staff in order to bring the game together,” said athletic director Anthony Minnella.