Harlem Wizards Bring a Night of Fun to Massapequa

As if they didn't have enough to contend with teaching, making up lesson plans and administering tests, the faculty at had something else to contend with Wednesday. They had to face a basketball team that never loses.

The Harlem Wizards came to   to play in a fun and hilarious game of basketball against some of Unqua’s teachers, who called themselves the Unqua Super Swishers.

The night helped raise some money for the school's  PTA, but a big  reason for this event was just for pure fun. The smiles on kids faces could be seen from a mile away, and their laughter and cheers surrounded the entire crowd.

“It totally made their whole day, and their night,” teacher Erin Rohan said. “And that’s what we do, we do it all for the kids.”

Coming into the game, the teachers knew what they were getting themselves into. The Wizards are known for their tricky maneuvers with a basketball, and they used those moves at the expense of the teachers who were great sports about the whole evening.

“Our expectations weren’t very high, but you know what, my pride was hurt big time,” teacher Mike Viola said.

The Wizards players really enjoyed themselves as well. They all obviously love playing basketball, but they also love interacting with a crowd.

“Just to see the reactions on the people’s faces, especially the kids, because we’re pretty much hands on with the kids,” Arnold “A-Train” Bernard of the Wizards said. “So we get a chance to interact with them and get to know some of them on a personal level where we get to keep in touch with some of them.”

After being asked if any of the players made him nervous on the court, A-Train thought for a moment. “All the tall guys usually make me nervous because I’m only 5'5. So if you’re over 5'8 or 5'9 I’m usually nervous,” Bernard said.

That should give some of the Unqua teachers solace after Wednesday’s game.

All proceeds for the event went towards Unqua’s PTA. The gymnasium bleachers were packed to capacity which left only standing room by the time the game was starting, so to say the event went well is an understatement.

“I’d say it was a huge success. I think it was their first time but there was definitely a big turnout,” Dave Fitzsimmons, a parent of an Unqua student said.

The event was such a success that more PTA sponsored events like this are not out of the question. In fact, this exact event is almost a guarantee.

“We’re thinking about doing this again in another year,” Allison Prystupa, co-chair of Unqua Elementary School’s PTA said.

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