Jan 12, 2011
Last night the Harlem Crowns were in town playing against the GFSS Wolves.
OR would that be more properly be described as playing with the Wolves?
The Crowns showed why they can draw a crowd - they're crowd pleasers.
Their antics weren't confined to the court - they wandered off into the crowd and brought the the act to the audience. Some people got new seat mates while others got new hairdo's. One boy was brought on the court and given special instruction in how to shoot hoops and when that didn't work they gave him a lift - literally.
On court they treated the Wolves like the puppies they might be considering the oldest Crown has been playing basketball, as a Crown, far longer than any of the Wolves has been alive! (30 years)
Running well rehearsed dazzle routines they entertained, mesmerized and danced their way through the Wolves` pack.
Alternating between competitor, instructor and chum, the Crowns helped the Wolves find that extra bit of funny that really experienced players can add to the game.
Hiding the ball in the jersey, playful wardrobe adjustments and just stopping to chat are just a few bits of their shtick.
Not even the refs were immune from their new chums, the Crowns. At one point both refs were led off court and shown the door - then it was closed behind them.
All in all the evening was fun entertainment. Good value for the admission in a good cause.
- Les Johnson
PS: My only lament is I forgot the good camera so all the shots appearing above are from a point & shoot. Video recording was not allowed so you have to put up with stills. Why do many? Some are burst sequences of action plays or funny shtick.