The Harlem Wizards returned to Newtown High School on Sunday, February 22, to perform a comedy basketball game against a team of Newtown teachers and school staff to raise money for the district’s PTSA and PTAs.

The Harlem Wizards are a professional entertainment basketball team, according to a release for the event. Each player brings unique talent and humor to the court, and events include audience participation during the halftime show and a free autograph session at the end of each game.

Head O’ Meadow physical education teacher Steve Dreger coached the Newtown team, called, “Newtown Teachers Unite,” and said, following the event, that the game was a “blowout.” However, Coach Dreger added that the audience responded throughout the game and everyone had fun.

“They are just above and beyond, really professional, loving, and caring people,” said Coach Dreger about the Harlem Wizards. “I was overwhelmed by how incredible they are.”

The Harlem Wizards have performed against teams from Newtown in the past, with each event raising money for local causes.

According to the pregame presentation, the Harlem Wizards have been traveling around the world helping to raise money for causes for more than 50 years.

Tickets for Sunday’s event were $10 for students and $12 for adults at the door, and merchandise was sold during the event.

PTSA President Maggie Conway said over 800 people attended the event, and the crowd represented people from each of Newtown’s seven schools.

Throughout the game, the Harlem Wizard players performed different stunts, offered comedic breaks, and audience interaction was encouraged.

Coach Dreger said the last quarter of the game was more of a celebration than a basketball game, but people seemed to enjoy themselves. The audience responded so much to the game that Coach Dreger said it was hard to speak with his team members during the game.

“They were on their feet, they were dancing, they were screaming, and yelling, and cheering,” he said about the audience.

Speaking in a tongue-in-cheek manner, Coach Dreger said his team “took the loss with grace and dignity,” knowing that the game was all about having fun. He also said his team was led by its top scorer, Head O’ Meadow second grade teacher Karen Dreger.

Coach Dreger was also impressed with the Harlem Wizards for staying for roughly two hours after the event to provide free autographs for eventgoers.

Following the event, Kathi Russ, New England “sales wizard” for the Harlem Wizards, said it was the team’s honor to visit Newtown again.

“There is treasured tenderness about the community; the children are polite, the parents are engaged, the teachers caring and the community surely has a special feel to it,” Ms Russ said. “It was wonderful to see all the laughter and smiles. The smiles are why the Harlem Wizards do what we do. The players and I truly enjoyed the day.”

Ms Conway said, following the event, that feedback from attendees and Newtown Teachers Unite players has been “fantastic.”

“Overall it was a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and fun,” said Ms Conway.