10-3-12 —     The world famous Harlem Wizards "50 Year Anniversary Tour" will make a stop in Monticello, at Wayne County's Cardinal Gym on Monday  October 8, with a tipoff time of 7 p.m. The Wizards will face the H & W All-Stars, a group of former local players, administrators,  teachers and elected officials.

     The All-Stars are looking to snap the Wizards 3,600+ game winning  streak. The event is sponsored by the Monticello-Wayne County Event  Committee, with all proceeds going to support the 2012 Fall Fest,  

slated for October 26-27 in downtown Monticello.

    "We have been pleased with the response and I think people will  really enjoy this team of Wizards captained by Dewayne "Swoop" Simpson. The Wizards are speaking to every school age child in both  school systems, so I think we'll have a great crowd. To enjoy the  finest in entertainment basketball in your hometown for just $7 is a  great deal," said Event Committee chair Shannon Hutchinson.

    The Event Committee is also proud to announce the addition of halftime performances by both the Sparklers Cheer and Dance teams.

    "The Sparklers have experienced tremendous growth in such a short time, so we were extremely excited to invite them to provide an excellent halftime program.  Both Nikki Criswell and Amanda Phillips do great work with young ladies, so it's great to provide a venue for them to perform," said Hutchinson.

    The Wizards have three teams that tour throughout the country and the one scheduled for Wayne County is headlined by Dewayne "Swoop"  

Simpson.  Simpson a former Harlem Globetrotter and team stalwart at  Southern Connecticut State has been with the Wizards organization  since 2007.  The veteran is known for his zany humor and fans will love the creative juice he has for the game.

    "King" Arthur Lewis also will appear in the Wayne County game.   Lewis, an Academic All American at Bowie State and 2-time All-Star in  both the IBL and ABA professional leagues has been with the Wizards  since 2009.

    Also confirmed for the game with the H  & W All-Stars is TJ  "Tomahawk" Stukes. Stukes was a 2-time state champion in high school  and averaged a double-double while playing college ball at both Pitt  State and Independence College. Tomahawk has been with the Wizards  organization since 2009.

    Leon "Space Jam" Sewell, a former seven-time slam dunk champion and  MVP at Bethel University along with Lloyd "Lunatik" Clinton are also  slated to play in the game. Clinton has been with the Wizards  organization since 2007 and finished his career at Allen University  by averaging an impressive 24 points and 12 rebounds per game.

    "We really think anybody that enjoys basketball will be impressed  with the skills of the Wizards.  The H&W All-Stars also have some  excellent talent and athleticism, so it should be a great night of  trick-hoops and alley oops," said Hutchinson.

    The H & W squad is close to finalized led by the co-coaches of Wade  Upchurch and Sherman York. Mayor Jeffrey Edwards, County Judge-

Executive Greg Rankin are a couple of the local elected officials on  the roster, while former players from both local school systems have  agreed to play.  David Phillips, Evan Dick, Melissa Gossage, Frank  Phillips, Trevis Upchurch, Leon Allen, Jim Handlos, Bryan Worley,  Stewart Gregory, Austin Shearer, Leslye Rice, Samantha Elam, Brittany  

Carrender and Sandra Baker all are scheduled to play, while James  Sloan, Darran Vickery, Brandon Davis, John LaFevers and Jamie Reagan  have also been confirmed.

    "This is a community event and we attempted to get a good mix of  former players, coaches, officials and teachers.  We have a roster of  over 20 players, so I think we have a lot more depth than the  

Wizards, maybe we'll press them all night and let fatigue set in.  Actually win, lose or draw we think it should be a lot of fun for the  fans and players," said Hutchinson.

    Tickets are just $7 in advance and available at City Hall, County  Judge-Executive's office, H &W Sport Shop and Vision Care.  Tickets  at the door will be $10, so purchasing advanced tickets is encouraged.

    "I know people like to wait until the last minute, but we are  

encouraging everyone to get the $3 savings per ticket.  We have cut  their suggested ticket prices to better facilitate families with  children and we want to thank all of our sponsors for their continued  support," said Hutchinson.

    Tip-off is set for 7 pm Monday night October 8, at Wayne County High  School's Cardinal Gym.   For more information on the Harlem Wizards  and their history go to  www.harlemwizards.com, or for information on  the event call Shannon Hutchinson at (606) 348-4241.