Local First Responders Play Basketball for a Cause

At Pace University Saturday evening, local police and fiefighters teamed up to play a charity basketball game against the Harlem Magic Masters to raise funds for the New York Police Disaster Relief Fund and The Graybeards Organization, to help vicitms of Hurricane Sandy.

Fans cheered and laughed at the comedic antics of the Magic Masters as they dominated the game led by three players who stood 7-feet-tall and more including seven foot five inch Curtis "Tiny" Johnson.

Led by James "Speedy" Williams who was miked-up, the Magic Masters blended raw basketball talent with jokes and physical antics which included audience participation throughout the game.

The locals brought their own "ringer" employing the services of Mookie Jones who lead Peekskill High School to three New York State basketball championships before playing for Syracuse University. The rest of the team was made up of police officers and fire departments including, Chappaqua, Archville, Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown, Briarcliff Manor, Ossining, Croton and Irvington.

Event organizer Jill Lakin said approximately $4,000 was raised—including donations from area Police Benevolent Associations and individual donations. 

You can still donate by making out a check to "Harlem Magic Masters" and emailing jlakinesq@yahoo.com.