The Harlem Wizards brought their signature mix of basketball and comedy to South Side High School on Jan. 24, facing off against the Jennie E. Hewitt Hawks — a team made up of the elementary school’s faculty — in a high-energy exhibition that packed the gym with cheers and laughter.
From the opening tip, it was clear the night was about more than the score. Students, parents and teachers filled the stands for a community event that blended athletic skill with over-the-top entertainment.
Known nationwide for their dazzling ball-handling, behind-the-back passes, trick shots and constant crowd interaction, the Wizards delivered the type of show that has made them fan favorites for decades. The Hawks kept pace when they could, drawing big reactions for every basket and plenty of laughs when the Wizards turned defense into comedy.
One of the evening’s highlights came at halftime, when 5-year-old Gianni Sacco of Rockville Centre won a crowd-pleasing contest. Sacco raced across the court collecting items from the floor, freezing in place each time the music stopped, earning cheers from the stands and a postgame moment with Wizards player King Arthur.
Founded in 1962, the Harlem Wizards have long combined basketball with showmanship while supporting schools and communities through fundraising events. By the final buzzer, the scoreboard mattered far less than the smiles in the crowd, as the Wizards’ visit left students and adults alike with a memorable night at South Side High School.
