Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Tuesday, October 13, 2009

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Eighth-grader Roosevelt Bell took a timeout in Spanish class to demonstrate the fingertip spin.

A Wizard wowed students at Edythe J. Hayes Middle School with snazzy tricks and sleight of hand – but instead of wielding a magic wand, he cradled a red, white and blue basketball.

This magician was David Paul of the Harlem Wizards’ show team, who demonstrated amazing ball-handling skills as he whipped up excitement for Hayes’ Oct. 19 benefit game. “DP” glided from classroom to classroom and held court in the cafeteria as star-struck boys and giggly girls vied for his attention.

“I’m just having fun with the kids,” said the 6-foot-6 Paul, who played ball in college and a year professionally in Germany before joining the Wizards in 2003.

“Show basketball,” as presented by the Wizards and fellow entertainers like the Harlem Globetrotters, is all about the fun. “They want to see some comedy, some tricks, some slam dunks,” Paul said.

When his Wizards take the court Monday night against the Powerhouse Panthers, the audience can expect a full range of antics, showmanship and hoops skills. Members of the ABA’s Bluegrass Stallions will also play.

“We wanted a community, family event, and this is what we found,” said parent Lynne Washbish, who set up the celebrity basketball game – one of the handful of fundraisers the school’s PTSA organizes every year.

Proceeds from ticket sales, souvenirs and concessions will go to Hayes’ arts and humanities and reading programs.

The Panthers, made up of Hayes faculty and staff, expect to absorb their share of goodhearted jabs, including some heckling from the student section.

Sammy Hall, the boys’ head coach, figures his young players are eager to see if he’s got game.

“To not embarrass myself – that is my one goal,” he said with a laugh, even though, “That’s (the Wizards’) job: to make us look ridiculous.”

Hall, who played intramural basketball at the University of Kentucky and still plays in local recreation leagues, said the Panthers don’t really have a game plan. “It’s just going to be a free for all,” he predicted.

Dale Smith, assistant coach for the Hayes boys’ and girls’ teams, will also don a Panthers T-shirt for the cause.

“We’re characters as it is, so along with (the Wizards), it should be a hoot,” said Smith, who played small-college ball in the mid-’80s.

“The fear is we don’t know what they’re going to do,” he added. “These guys are unique and talented at what they do.”

Hall said the Panthers will be good sports regardless of what the Wizards throw at them.

“I hope there’s a lot of time for breaks and for them to dance a little and for me to catch my breath,” he said. “I know CPR, but I can’t do it on myself!”

The big game

What: Celebrity basketball game

Who: Powerhouse Panthers (featuring Hayes teachers and staff), a Harlem Wizards show team and members of the ABA’s Bluegrass Stallions

When: 7 p.m. Monday Oct. 19

Where: Edythe J. Hayes Middle School gym, 260 Richardson Place

Admission: $10 for students and seniors, $12 for adults at the door. Advance tickets ($8, $10) are available at the school office until game day.

Contact: Lynne Washbish, (859) 230-6701 or lwashbish@qx.net