The world-famous Harlem Wizards returned to Norwood on April 12 for a repeat embarrassing performance at the expense of numerous Norwood teachers. The team visited in November of 2024 for an afternoon of great fun and help raise money for Norwood’s school programs. The event, which will showcase teachers as coaches, players, referees, ushers, and ticket takers was  all for the benefit of the Coakley Middle School PTO. All monies will be used to help enrichment programs, field trip assistance, school programs, and activities as well as school-wide events. Some 50 Norwood teachers and staff have volunteered their time for the fundraiser. 

“It is really important for families to feel that connection with their kid’s teachers,” Norwood Net Ninja team captain and facilitator of the event Eileen Siegal said. “It’s a warmth and personal connection. They got to meet the teachers as soon as they walked through the high school doors. It’s a fundraiser, but something that I fully support and believe in; it brings a lot of fun to the families.”

Kristen McDonnell, Norwood High School girls’ basketball coach and Allison Doliner, former Norwood field hockey coach were the referees of the contest. Jeffery Baguma attempted to coach the Net Ninjas, while Assistant Coach Mustang Sally stood quietly by his side. 

Playing for the Net Ninjas: Siegel, Joe McDonough, Connor O’Sullivan, Madison Meany, Danielle Conway, Mike Gearty, Sarah Rubino and Moly Holm. Other players were Mike Downss, Maura Brown, Cait Joyce, Meg Bissanti, Liz Healey, Mike Sullivan, Nate Weber, Jay Perreira, Paul Nimblett, and Connor Moroney. Rounding out the Norwood team was Kate Lyons, Deana Thomas, Sarah Griffin, Fred Ferreira, Mereneis Camacho, and Colleen Reynolds. Nurse Eve Pallang supported the team as their trainer.

The energy at a Wizards basketball game is always electric; the laughter is infectious, the dunks are rim-tattling, high flying, and awe-inspiring. The players bring artistry to the game of basketball with their ball handling, tricks and mesmerizing teamwork. What really took the game to the next level was the participation of the Norwood faculty.

“The entire afternoon was basically a show made up of three periods,” Siegel said. “During the first period, it’s basically a show, the second period is more competitive, and the third period was all out with the teachers trying really hard. But it was all in good fun and a wonderful atmosphere.” 

Prior to the game, the kids were allowed to warm-up with the Wiards as long as they were wearing one of their jerseys, and throughout the game audience members had the opportunity to take part in contests and acts of silliness. The final culmination came at the end of the game where all the students were allowed to step onto the court and celebrate the Wizards victory with them. 

“We were so excited to host the Wizards again this year,” CMS event committee member Katie Neal-Rizzo said. “They were superb showmen who delivered fantastic all-age entertainment for a great cause.”

Founded in 1962, the Wizards have played over 15,000 games throughout the country and have raised over $25 million dollars for school and charitable causes. In addition to the United States, the Wizards have also played in 25 foreign countries on six continents. 

Some of today’s Wizards on the roster include Eric “Broadway” Jones and Dwayne “Swoop” Simpson, former Globetrotters; “King Arthur” Lewis, an All-American at Bowie State University; Arnold “A-Train” Bernard, a highly acclaimed trickster and 7-year Globetrotter veteran and James “The Roadrunner” Tyndal, a diminutive speedster.

Also, Devon “Livewire” Curry, FIBA’s former #1 ranked USA 3-on-3 player; Lamarvin “Showtime” Jackson, a world-class dunker; Jordan “Ice” Southerland, who finished second on TNT’s Dunk-King; Leon “Space Jam” Sewell and Brandon “The Werm” Lacue, both featured-on TNT’s “The Dunk King” reality competition series. “Lacue has also won four Sprite slam dunk contests and Rashaan “The Rocket” Barner, one of the greatest dunkers in Wizard history.