The basketball court is in session with plenty of court jesters promising a fun night out with family on Tuesday.
The Harlem Crowns will be making the trip to Vauxhall High School next week as the team plays the varsity Vikings boys basketball team, taking a unique brand of showmanship to fans in the stands.
“When the coach called, I thought, wow, what a great opportunity for Vauxhall and surrounding communities to see some fun, fast and entertaining basketball,” said Todd Ojala, principal at Vauxhall High School, having seen a similar brand of basketball flare having watched the Harlem Globetrotters. “They put on a good show and it should be a great evening.”
The Harlem Crowns began their existence in the mid-1950s when a former Harlem Globetrotter in Chico Burrell formulated a team comprised of highly talented basketball players. Burrell played with the Globetrotters for 12 years, having blended his talents with such Harlem greats as Goose Tatum, Sweetwater Clifton and Maquis Haynes.
After years of success with his Harlem Crowns initiative, Chico Burrell retired and sold the team to a group of Northern California businessmen.
Members of the Harlem Crowns are chosen for showmanship as well as their ability to play above average basketball. Each Harlem Crown player has played college basketball, are of good character being able to get along with others and along with their basketball ability, have the potential to be a showman and have a knack for comic improvisations.
The flow of basketball in the Crowns versus the Vauxhall Vikings will be filled with some off-the-wall acts, and comedic routines in which the audience is often involved. The Crowns have traveled all over North America along with Japan, the Philippines and Singapore.
“They put on an entertaining show which is family friendly and fun. We are sure hoping for a big crowd,” said Ojala.
With construction still ongoing at the school, parking for entrance into the gymnasium will be at the back of the high school, through the alley and by the old shop. Parking will also be available along the street by the sidewalk by Jets Stadium along the east side of the gym.
Tuesday’s Harlem Crowns’ game against the Vauxhall Vikings varsity boys basketball team starts at 7 p.m. at the Vauxhall High School gym. General admission is $9 in advance and $10 at the door.
Kids six and under get in free.
Tickets can be purchased at Vauxhall High School or by phoning Vikings’ head coach Daryl Johnson at 403-654-7074.