9-12-12 —     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. 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 plus 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 think this will be an awesome night of good affordable family-friendly fun.  I know the last time it was in town it was a huge hit,  so hopefully a big crowd will come out and enjoy entertainment  basketball at its highest level.  The Wizards put on a tremendous  show and we have a great team of All-Stars that could snap their  winning streak.  It will be a good-time for everyone in the family,"  said Event Committee chair Shannon Hutchinson.

    The H&W squad is not finalized, but several players have committed  to participate in the game.  Mayor Jeffrey Edwards and 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, Austin Shearer, Brittany  Carrender and Sandra Baker all are scheduled to play. Wade Upchurch  

and Sherman York have agreed to co-coach the All-Stars.

    "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.  We hope to sell 2,500 tickets, that's our goal," said  

Hutchinson.

    Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. Monday, 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 Hutchinson at (606) 348-4241.