There were plenty of tricks, hoops and alley-oops on Oct. 14 but also smiles, fun and fundraising.

Mexico High School’s Gary Filbert Court hosted the Harlem Wizards, a world entertainment basketball organization that has been around since 1962, for an exhibition game and plenty of other basketball-related fun. Community members made up the Mexico Muggles to help raise money for the Audrain County Shelter Resource Coalition’s efforts for Room at the Inn, an emergency warming shelter for those in need during the winter months.

Ra’Vae Moore, executive director at the ACSRC, said the turnout was “better than we all expected.” Moore said she is friends with a woman who helps sign up the Wizards for events in Missouri. They have been in Cole and Callaway counties at Jefferson City and New Bloomfield, respectively.

Harlem Wizards Photo Gallery

“It’s amazing for the community,” Moore said. “It brings a lot of joy and fun. If you saw the kids’ faces out there, they were having a blast and so were the adults.”

Kyle Louder is the Mexico Middle School principal who joined the Muggles after a full-court press by his students. It was a “no-brainer” for Louder to play after community members and the kids urged the former Bulldog to play on the Mexico High School court for the first time in 25 years. 

“I was glad to get one to go in,” Louder joked. “I would say the rust is probably still on. I will be getting a hard time (from the kids) after I air-balled one.”

During the night, spectators could purchase souvenirs from the Wizards, and some lucky kids were given some after participating in various games. There was more fun to be had with music blaring and even some comedic skits happening during the game. 

It resembled a dance party most of the night, which provided a fun atmosphere for the many kids in attendance. Louder said events like this are special for the kids and his kids also had a fun time.

“Working at the school, we talk all the time about experiences and experiences they are able to have,” Louder said. “I remember being young and seeing the Harlem Globetrotters play at Mizzou. It’s nice to do something here because it’s easier for our kids to get to.”

The Wizards have different units and they sent their six-man All-Star unit to Mexico. Arthur Lewis, also known as “King Arthur,” is a 16-year veteran with the Wizards after an extensive career playing with Bowie State University and the International Basketball League. He has coached the game since he started to play in third grade. The Baltimore, Maryland, native gained his nickname while playing in the IBL.

Lewis said players can be scouted and might seek out the Wizards but need to have high character and a good attitude while being a great entertainer with a healthy body. Before participating in various bits during the game, Lewis was rolled on a makeshift throne during pregame introductions. 

“All the life-lasting memories, the smiles, the dancing and just having a great time,” Lewis said about his favorite part of being with the Wizards. “The money we raise can help change communities. It’s been a very rewarding time to raise money for different causes and bring families and communities together.”

Lewis is the team’s dribbling extraordinaire but said he has seen many “phenomenal” things while with the Wizards. “Several times,” he said, he has witnessed the backboard shattering. 

“We’re just thankful for the community,” Lewis said. “Without the community, we wouldn’t have a job. It gives us an opportunity to come into a community for one night and have a great time.”

Audrain County Associate Commissioner Leslie Meyer said “you can’t say no” to Moore and to the cause she and the ACSRC are supporting. Once Moore reached out to Meyer, Meyer said she was on the Muggles despite not playing basketball in 30 years. Meyer described herself as “not that great” when she played but was happy to support the cause, especially after federal budget cuts.

“It’s shocking how many rural counties don’t have a shelter resource program or Room at the Inn program that not only deal with immediate homelessness but also to help them transition,” Meyer said. “A program that is that important, you want to do well.”

Meyer said she “super stoked” after making a basket and skidding across the court for the ball, leaving a mark on her leg. She was amazed by the Wizards’ talent and was amused by them teasing the Muggles before the game. This included her daughter and Community R-6 Lady Trojan, Kat Meyer.

“I introduced Kat to one of them and said, ‘She’s a 3-point shooter,’ and he’s like, ‘No way’ so he made her shoot,” Meyer said. 

Regina Johnson is connected to the Mexico community as the MMS coordinator for Tyronn Lue’s Commitment to Community program. She was also voted as the Muggles’ MVP at the end of the third quarter.

Johnson said she played basketball in junior high and high school for Mexico but hadn’t “touched a ball in a long time.” She said enjoyed being on the court with her team and with the Wizards.

“You turn on music and I’m likely to dance,” Johnson chuckled. “It was just fun entertaining the kids and community.”

Johnson said she volunteered because the cause can help the people that don’t have a place to go when basketball season rolls in.

“The shelter, they need more support to help people that don’t have a place to go to keep them warm during the winter,” Johnson said. “It’s cold outside. Everybody needs a warm place to stay.”

Moore said there was a lot of work such as advertising on Facebook with videos, assembling the list of local sponsors, selling tickets, making programs and gathering players, but it was “worth every penny and every second” for a cause that is “very near and dear to all of us with the Coalition.”

“Winter is a very scary time,” Moore said. “When you don’t have a place to warm up and lay your head, it’s even scarier. Being able to provide that service to the community is extremely dear to all of us.”