Traveling basketball squad returns with fundraising fun

Comedy and family entertainment are on tap as the Harlem All-Stars play three nights at area schools.

By PATRICK COOPER

© St. Petersburg Times, published March 1, 2001

INVERNESS -- The Harlem-All Stars comedy basketball team is back in Citrus County for the fourth year and ready to play.

The team, which travels the country raising funds for local groups and presenting positive role models, will take on the Citrus County Sheriff's Office team, the "Almost" All-Stars, in three games this week. The proceeds will benefit the Florida Sheriffs Youth Ranches.

Games will be held today at Lecanto High School, Friday at Citrus High School and Saturday at Citrus Springs Middle School. All start at 7 p.m.

Although like the Harlem Globetrotters, the Harlem All-Stars are unique in their level of spontaneity and involvement with local charities, player and Illinois state Trooper John Merrifield said Wednesday.

After arriving in the area this week, Merrifield and team captain "Magic" Valentino Willis have visited nearly a dozen local schools, promoting drug- and violence-free lives.

Herman Schayes, who will once again be the head referee at the games, said the public's response "has been better and better" each year the Harlem All-Stars have come to the county.

"(Families) get a good 2 to 21/2 hours of family entertainment," he said. There is a comedy show at halftime, and children can receive all the free autographs they want after the game.

And it's all volunteer work for a good cause, he said. "That's the bottom line."

The team has a core unit, including Willis who is also the coach, and the other players, who all have full-time jobs, change as the team travels around the country.

By setting a good example, the players on the team hope to have children in the audience relate to them, said J.R. Allen, another team member. Allen was a basketball star at Crystal River High School and went on to Bethune-Cookman College after graduating in 1995.

"I do the best I can be to be a role model," he said, whether he's teaching school or playing basketball.

Schayes said Allen and the other players were living up to their aim. "These are people you'd want your kids to take after."

Tickets are $5 in advance and $7 at the door.

They can be purchased at: Best Western Citrus Hills Lodge, Beverly Hills Bowl, Cinnamon Sticks restaurant in Inverness, Citrus High School, Citrus Springs Middle School, Dillon's Inn restaurant in Crystal River, J & J School Supplies, Lecanto Middle School, the State Farm office in Inverness, and sheriff's offices and substations.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright