Harlem Wizards player throws down slam packed Middletown gym
Harlem Wizards throws down a dunk at the St. Mary School
The Harlem Wizards performed an entertaining basketball show at Saint Mary Catholic School in Middletown.The event served as a fundraiser for school activities and to help families with tuition.The family-friendly performance included dancing, trick shots, and comedy.
MIDDLETOWN — The Harlem Wizards came to the Jersey Shore and put on an entertaining basketball show in front of a packed crowd Wednesday night (Sept. 24) inside the Saint Mary Catholic School gymnasium.
The family-friendly show contained dancing, laughs, trick shots, and dunks for two hours. Though many of the players on the Wizards are former collegiate players, it’s not your typical basketball game. Typically revenue from Wizards’ games is used to fund school activities and tuition help for families.
Alley-oop slam at St. Mary School basketball show
Watch alley-oop slam at St. Mary School basketball show (Sept. 24, 2025)
“It’s really fun,” said Marie McBurnie, a student at the PK-8 school who served as a referee. “I like it because they don’t actually play basketball really. They just goof around.”
The faculty got involved and formed a team to play against the Wizards. The kids even got a chance to play, too. All were part of the spectacle that had a live DJ, cheers and sets of rocking music. Kids held up signs supporting their teachers.
Marie’s mom Michelle helped organize the event. When Marie went to see the Wizards play the Middletown Public Schools, she said she was impressed and wanted to bring that energy to the Catholic school.
St. Mary School gym dances to Cotton Eye Joe at basketball game
St. Mary School gym dances to Cotton Eye Joe at Harlem Wizards basketball game
“It’s an opportunity to see the teachers as themselves,” Michelle said. “Relaxed, having a blast, when you’re in school you have to follow guidelines and it’s all about learning. This about seeing another side of teachers and their spirit.”
The Harlem Globetrotters and then baseball’s Savannah Bananas built valuable franchises as hybrid sports and entertainment teams – the Bananas are estimated by Forbes to be worth around $500 million. The Wizards are nowhere near that valuation but the laughs and joy provided to their young fans Thursday were priceless.