Chester Academy Hambo All-Stars triumph over Harlem Wizards during fun-filled basketball game

The stands in the Chester Academy gymnasium buzzed with anticipation as community members cheered for their favorite faculty members, who played against the Harlem Wizards on Monday, March 10, 2025. The Hambo All-Stars were victorious in the end, winning 85-82. Click here to view photos from the game! 

Prior to the game, students had the chance to warm up with the Wizards, shuffling up and down the court and practicing their free-throws. A lucky number of students also had their name announced over the loud speaker, giving them the opportunity to enter the court as the Hambo All-Stars reached their hands out for high-fives. 

The Chester Academy band performed before the game, prancing around the gym as they played a boomy beat. Freshman Liam Peterman also sang a rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner.” 

Then, it was time for the players to enter the court and the game to begin. One by one, players from both teams were introduced to the crowd, as excited fans screamed and applauded for their favorite players. 

From the Hambo All-Stars, there was Carolyn Dilorio, Rachel Newhaus, Jana Circosta, Vanessa Marsilio, Jon Marsilio, Sean Cunningham, Patricia Fasseta-Ganz, Stephanie Steiler, Rob Alonso, Becky Krauss, Christine Sisco, Chris Denato, John Maggi, Monica Gonzalez and Alexis Mack.

“It’s fun to get out and be a little silly and have them see me play,” said Jon Marsilio, Physical Education teacher and Boys Varsity Basketball coach. 

Throughout the game, the Harlem Wizards put on belly laughing skits to make the audience smile like splashing water on each other. One student was even swept from the crowd as a Wizard brought him onto the court in the middle of the game! 

“It’s been really fun, I like the part where they were splashing water on each other,” Madisyn Torrence, a fifth grader at Chester Elementary School. 

In between quarters, the Wizards continued to perform tricks and threw Wizard’s merch into the crowd. Additional gear could be purchased during the event such as jerseys, basketballs and hats. A part of the proceeds goes towards the junior class and their prom. 

“A certain percentage of the money goes to the Wizards, and then any extra money that we make goes towards our prom,” said Brooke Battiato, junior class president. “It’s going to help lower the ticket, pay for decorations, the DJ, stuff like that. It really was a collective effort; everyone really helped, we have a lot of volunteers from our class and we have a lot of teachers who also volunteered to help.”

At half time, four students had the chance to play a shooting game for a chance to win big. Throughout the evening, students had the opportunity to meet players, sign their merch and take photos with them.

In the third quarter, when two players from the Hambo All-Stars switched with two players from the Wizards, leaving the audience in awe. 

“It’s been great, I’m having a lot of fun,” said Carolyn  Dilorio, librarian at Chester Academy. “I don’t usually get on the court very often, I’m usually on the sidelines as one of the chaperones there. I made my first basket during the game!’

The game finished strong; as players swiftly jogged up and down the court as the crowd was at the edge of their seats to watch the Hambos take home the win. The event ended with everyone on the court for an epic dance party!