A talented, high-flying basketball team from Oakland is taking its talents to 100 Mile House.
The Harlem Crowns are bringing their comical and entertaining brand of basketball back to the Cariboo following a game in Williams Lake last year, and tipping off against the Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School senior boys basketball team, along with some teachers, on Nov. 2.
Game time is 7 p.m. Advanced tickets are $6 for students and $9 for adults and can be purchased at the PSO office. Admission at the door is $10.
Proceeds from the event will benefit the athletics programs at PSO.
The Harlem Crowns like to spread a positive message and encourage a healthy lifestyle at these family-friendly events, explains PSO teacher Sean Glanville, who played against the Crowns in Williams Lake.
“A lot of these guys have come from poverty and low income [backgrounds]. They got on the mic last year and mentioned how basketball saved them. They really emphasize how sports in general play a huge role in helping kids reach their potential and give them something to strive for.”
Similar to the Harlem Globetrotters, the Harlem Crowns are known for their version of “Clownball”, incorporating comedy routines and funny improvisational gags alongside skilled basketball moves and slam dunks.
“It's right before basketball season,” Glanville adds. “It will be a good momentum builder for the kids that want to join the basketball team.”