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Basketball game benefits West Forsyth High band
Wizards visit on March 27
wizards 4 jd
Some of the local players showed more than a little talent going up against the pros last year. - photo by File photo

Ready for roundball?

Advance tickets for the Harlem Wizards game March 27 are available at Sun Deck Tanning, 1715 Friendship Circle Road, and Curves on Post Road in the Midway Shopping Center. Cost: $10 for students and seniors, $12 for adults. Tickets at the door will be $12 for students and seniors and $15 for adults. For more information, contact: Joanne Baskerville at (678) 607-7618 or e-mail harlemwizardswfband@comcast.net.

West Forsyth High School’s band boosters have found a unique way to raise funds for musical instruments.

They pit high school teachers, staff and members of the community against a team of former pro athletes and sporting showmen for a friendly game of basketball.

Community members will test their talents against the Harlem Wizards at 7 p.m. March 27 in the school’s gym.

The Wizards are a traveling team of basketball players similar to the Harlem Globetrotters. Last year, they dominated the court against the county’s own Forsyth Phantoms.

Booster president Angie Donohue said the inaugural event last year drew a crowd of about 750 people and raised more than $3,000 for the school’s “Pride of the West” band.

“Everybody had a great time last year,” she said. “They definitely beat us, but we put up a big fight.”

Band booster parent Linda Kromer agreed.

“The Wizards are very experienced and accomplished athletes,” she said. “They’re also funny. They do a lot of slapstick kind of stuff. It’s very entertaining.”

According to team spokeswoman Alisha Rodriquez, the Wizards aim to “create an amazing, joyous and awe-inspiring basketball experience for all.”
Kromer said the game lasts close to two hours and the “kids there just have a blast.”

“They’re just beside themselves,” she said. “They’re hooting and hollering and having a great time.”

The West Forsyth Band has grown quickly. Donohue said it’s gone from 50 members last year, when the school opened, to 180 members this year.

The band needs help providing instruments for its members. According to Donohue, just one bassoon or tuba can cost $5,000. Funds may also be used for uniforms.

Email Frank Reddy at frankreddy@forsythnews.com.