It’s been four years since Herb Scaife’s Fabulous Harlem Crowns basketball team laid a comically sound beating on a local men’s basketball team comprised of members of the police and the fire department.
On Nov. 13 at Columneetza secondary the Oakland, CA. resident and his cast of crazy teammates will be back in the lakecity once again to challenge a local team to a game of his team’s specialty — “clown ball.”
“Probably no other word in the language better describes the type of basketball we play,” Scaife said. “People coming to the game can expect some good comedy, but we do play a serious game of basketball and we just have a good time.
“It’s good family entertainment. The kids enjoy it for sure and you’ll see a good show and you’ll see a good brand of basketball. We’ll have a good message for the whole community, especially the kids.”
The message is something the Crowns call Steer Clear Through Sports — and will address several issues in a way kids in the audience can understand.
“It’s just giving the kids advice on how to stay away from drugs and alcohol through sports,” Scaife said. “We’ll do that at half time of our show. We stress education and we stress participating in sports — anything from golf to running to any other type of exercise.”
He added the message isn’t just for kids but can also help parents understand what their children may be going through.
The Harlem Crowns were founded in the 1950s by Chico Burrell, who was born in Harlem, NY. after he spent 12 years playing for the Harlem Globetrotters. After Burrell retired Scaife took over the team as manager.
Scaife said the first time the Crowns came to Williams Lake was in the 70s.
“It was about 1971, 1972,” Scaife recalled.
“We’ve been coming there a long time and we’re looking forward to it.”
Tip off for the game goes at 6 p.m. The last time the Crowns visited in 2008 the Columneetza secondary gymnasium was at capacity. Seating is limited so arrive early.
Tickets are by donation at the door. Proceeds from the event go to the Punky Lake Wilderness Camp Society.