Their nicknames are as unique as the zany basketball antics they’ll perform on Sunday, March 9 beginning at 3 p.m. inside Johnston High School’s Edward L. DiSimone Gymnasium.
“Broadway,” “A-Train,” “Mr. 540,” “Road Runner,” “Tomahawk,” “Air Revolution” and even “The Voice” are the monikers of Harlem Wizards players who’ll be in Johnston for what promises to be a slam-dunk fundraiser for Winsor Hill Elementary School.
Kathi Russ, the executive sales director for the touring Harlem Wizards, announced the players listed above will suit up against the Winsor Wizards, who this week also announced their complete roster for the unique community basketball event.
“The Broadway Unit will be in Johnston for the March 9 game,” said Russ, whose office is in Bowe, N.H. “All our guys are really looking forward to helping Winsor Hill School raise money and putting on a super special show.”
Tickets for what Russ called a “slamtastic event” are currently on sale at Winsor Hill Elementary School, which is located at 100 Theresa St. and can be reached at 831-4619. Advance tickets are $10 for students and $14 for adults, and will be $14 on game day. Tip-off is 3 p.m., and the doors will open at 2:15.
Organizers are hoping to fill Johnston High’s gym for Winsor Hill’s fundraiser of the year.
“We understand that your mayor is an alumnus of Winsor Hill,” Russ said. “I’m sure our coach will assign Eric ‘Broadway’ Jones – a star of Broadway proportions – to guard the mayor.”
Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena is indeed a Winsor Hill alumnus, and is looking forward to suiting up against the Harlem Wizards, who have treated audiences around the world to their clever basketball antics while serving as goodwill ambassadors who have helped schools and non-profits raise thousands of dollars since their inception back in 1962.
“I’m encouraging all Johnstonians to show their support for our Winsor Wizards on March 9,” Polisena said recently while signing on to play for his alma mater. “This will no doubt be a great day for Winsor Hill School that will obviously directly benefit our children.”
The Harlem Wizards Broadway unit, one of four troupes that tour the world, includes Eric “Broadway” Jones, Arnold “A-Train” Bernard, LaMarvon “Mr. 540” Jackson, James “Road Runner” Tyndal, T.J. “Tomahawk” Stukes, Devyn “Air Revolution” Erwin and Jamel “The Voice” Thompson as master of ceremonies.
Russ said of Jones, “Broadway is known for many things; the most notable of which are the exciting plays that will take people’s breath away. Luckily, the Harlem Wizards have a Broadway of their own in Eric ‘Broadway’ Jones, a crowd-pleasing basketball showman who makes jaws drop with his trickery and world-class ball handling ability.”
A native of the Bronx, N.Y., Jones starred at Our Savior of Lutheran High. Despite being only 6 feet, 2 inches, he averaged a team-leading 15 rebounds per game to go with his 15 points per game and earned All-Private School honors. As a result of dominant play and excellence in the classroom, Jones was selected to play in the World Scholar Games that were held at URI’s Kingston campus in 1993.
From there, Jones went to Urbana University of the Mid-Ohio Conference, where he led the team to a 48-14 record in two years. He graduated with a degree in human resources and business management.
Russ said, “Eric has played all over the world and is really looking forward to the March 9 game in Johnston.”
Although he once starred with the Harlem Globetrotters from 1999 to 2001, Jones said his favorite moments – like the ones in Madison Square Garden and China – have come as a Harlem Wizard.
Jones and the Harlem Wizards’ appearance will include audience participation, a unique halftime show and free autographs.
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