Page 14 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, May 10, 2024 Harlem Wizards thrill the crowd in jam-packed performance at Malden High Many Malden and area residents fill gym as faculty & Malden PD compete in MHS Class of 2024 fundraiser By Steve Freker S miles and fun were in no short supply on April 7 when the world-famous Harlem Wizards came to Malden. They took on Malden Public Schools staff and members of the Malden Police Department in a fundraising game at the Finn Gym at Malden High. Part of the proceeds from the game benefitted this year’s Malden High graduating Senior Class of 2024. Close to 1,000 fans turned out to witness a thrilling display of thunderous dunks, eye-opening dribbling and passing displays and lots and lots of laughs. The Malden team was coached by Malden High Principal Chris Mastrangelo, and MHS Varsity girls basketball star Tori Gammon served as guest referee. Malden Mayor Gary Christenson was in attendance and sat on the bench as guest assistant coach for the Malden team. “It was a great day and though it took a lot of work in both planning and up to the day of the game, it was all worth it,” said Kristen Kirby, MHS Class of 2024 advisor. **** A History of the Harlem Wizards since the 1950s The Harlem Wizards have toured nearly all of the 50 United States and many countries. The Wizards have had 10 tours of China since 2000. Other tours included a USO tour of the Far East, as well as trips to Italy, Belgium, Taiwan, Israel, Malaysia, Brazil, Argentina, Poland and Venezuela. Crowds as high as 10,000+ have watched the Wizards in soccer stadiums and bullrings, as well as basketball arenas of many Chinese Basketball Association teams in China, and, in Tel Aviv, at Menora Mivtachim Arena. In addition, the Wizards have done numerous charitable events at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Half-time guests dribble and shoot during the game. Wizard “Top Flight” lives up to his name, soaring high on this dunk. “We made one!” – Malden schoolteachers celebrate a basket. Harlem Wizards guard “Giant” dances with Beebe schoolteacher Michael Nicholson, Mike Bowdridge and others during a prize giveaway segment. Looking to pass is Salemwood School physical education teacher and Girls Softball Coach Rebecca Krigman. Harlem Wizards “Fresh Prince” Pregame huddle for the Malden Public Schools and Police Department team jokes around with guest referee Tori Gammon at the game. “Jet” #12 makes everyone happy with a thunderous dunk. Everyone got on the floor for a final dance party with the Wizards at the end of the game.
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