Harlem Wizard Visits Mahwah Schools: Ready To Take On The Mahwah Thunder!

In preparation for the at Ramapo Ridge Middle School, shooting guard Rashaan Barner visited fourth through eighth grade students in Mahwah Monday.

A long stream of excited fourth graders at greeted the player with wide smiles and high fives.

“I love putting smiles on the kids faces. They get so excited when I come to the school that they can’t wait to pack in the gym for the game in March,” Barner said.

Barner, who is known for his trick throws and slam dunks on the court, captivated his JK audience by asking for volunteers to learn his tricky moves and play a fast-paced game of “catch and return.” Winning volunteers were awarded free tickets to the game, and Wizards basketballs.

In a game whose proceeds will help fund the “Safe Night” gala held on graduation night for seniors from , the Wizards will take on the “Mahwah Thunder.”

According to Beth Pollock, one of the organizers of the event, Mahwah teachers, officers, and fire fighters will make up the team. Some of the teachers playing in the game include fifth grade teacher William Howe and Assistant Principal Kevin Ulmer from Joyce Kilmer, gym teacher Brian Girardi and seventh grade English teacher John Snowden, from Ramapo Ridge, and science teacher Mark Bitar, math teacher Michael Doris and language arts teacher David Jankowski from the High School.

Police officers David Vega, Timothy Letavish, John Lange, Jonathan Weber, Harry Hunt, Keith Iorio, Kevin McCombs and Mike Direnzo will also be hitting the court for the Thunder.

Pollock was very impressed with Barner’s promotional visit to the schools this week.

“He knew how to reach out to each group of kids. He shot some hoops with the eighth graders, and the younger kids were were flocking around him like a rock star!” she said. 

Students seemed more excited about the upcoming game after the visit from the Wizard’s #24. 

“I am most excited to see my teachers in the game!” Daniel, a fourth grader at Joyce Kilmer, enthusiastically said.

The Wizards are promising a good match up.

“I hear that they have some good players on the team, I anticipate a good game,” said Barner.

“We are going to have a blast.”

Residents can purchase tickets on the school district’s website.