Familiar Faces Take Best Shot vs. Wizards

The Harlem Wizards basketball team is coming to this Saturday, March 10 to play two games against the Grafton All-Stars at 3 and 7 p.m.

The lure for many school-age children in particular isn’t the ex-Globetrotters or street ball legends that fill the Wizards roster. It’s the favorite teachers, classmates, and familiar faces around town that draw in the crowds on game day.

The games include full concession services, raffle drawings, and half-time shooting contests.

The Grafton All-Stars are actually two, all-volunteer teams. One team plays at 3 p.m. and a new roster takes the court at 7 p.m. Local volunteers also serve as referees and scorekeepers and assist with a host of supporting activities on game day.

The 3 p.m. Grafton All-Star roster includes teachers Lauri Walsh, Meg McPartland, Lisa Rice, and Linda Page; principal Joanne Stocklin and teacher Tracy Levicki; teachers Jerry Patraitis and Dave Mitchell and students Tyler Rogers and Chase Heck; owners of Theresa and Bridget McClure; South Grafton Elementary School parent Chris Davis; and Millbury student Connor McFaul.

Grafton Little League coach Joe Berube and South and North Grafton Elementary School gym teacher Chris Tamborra (“Mr. T” to the students) will officiate, and Veronica Burke will serve as official scorekeeper for both games.

The 7 p.m. Grafton All-Star roster includes Grafton school superintendent Jay Cummings, selectman Brook Padgett, Grafton Elementary School gym teacher David Oevermann; Grafton Middle School students Gianna Dipinto, Maisy Dauphinais, Brian Fletcher, Nick Lucasevicz, Mairead O’Sullivan, and Sean Thompson; Grafton Little League board members Bill Keeler, Dave Salvatelli, and Larry Sasso; and owner of Millbury’s Sports Clips Matt Corey, and his brother, Millbury teacher Brett Corey.

Bob Ayotte and Dan Oftring from the Grafton Recreation Department will officiate.

“As a parent, I've enjoyed coming to the Wizards games with my children for years," said Cummings in a prepared statement. “It's affordable family entertainment, and a really fun way to support programs for our students. I'm looking forward to experiencing this year's game on the court.”

Not to be overshadowed by the local stars, the Wizards’ Broadway team features former college standouts, street ball legends, ex-Globetrotters, and stars of the Nike freestyle commercials:  Eric “Broadway’’Jones, David “DP’’ Paul, Rashaan “Rocket’’ Barner, Maryon ‘’Mr 540’’ Jackson, Arnold “A-Train’’ Bernard, and James ‘’Roadrunner’’ Tyndal.

Jamel "The Voice'' Thompson will be MC for the evening.

Wizards players will visit the Grafton schools Friday, March 9 for a special lunchtime presentation to the students.

The Wizards basketball game fund-raiser is hosted by the South Grafton Elementary School PTG. All proceeds from the event benefit South Grafton Elementary School programs supporting math, reading and the arts.

For more information and to purchase advance tickets, visit www.wizardsingrafton.com.