City's 'Dream Team' Has a Ball Playing the Harlem Rockets

Sunday was an exciting afternoon of family-friendly comedy and athleticism at the Woodrow Wilson gym as the Dream Team went up against the Harlem Rockets.

The city was represented by many, including Mayor Dan Drew, Joe Samolis, chief of staff; Ray Santostefano, director of parks and rec; Dean Wilborn, recreation supervisor; Division 2 National Champion LaShauna Jones, Southern Connecticut State University; WWMS Student Assistant Counselor Felicia Goodwine-Vaughters; Tony Jaskot, Xavier High School athletic director; Ricky Romano, public works; Kelly Robinson, City Hall; Councilmen Todd Berch and Phil Pessina.

All displayed a surprising knowledge of the game and equally as impressive basketball chops.

Former longtime WWMS athletic faculty manager Debbie Petruzello was one of two referees.

Six Rockets played and one emceed the event, which included a half-time show incorporating kids from the audience, a hilariously dramatic water routine, raffle prizes and the Cuban Shuffle line dance, which brought dozens up onto the basketball court-cum-dance floor.

Stealing the show for most of the afternoon was front man, James “Speedy” Williams, known as the Prince of Laughs. Williams has performed live with Jay Z at the MTV Music Awards and appeared in the movie Above the Rim, starring Tupac Shakur. Williams is also featured on the Playstation Street-Hoops game, The Crowned Prince of Laughs.

Among those joining him were "The New Kid on the Block,” Devon Curry, who stands 5 feet 11 inches tall; Angelo "TNT" Gordon, the 6-foot-9 former Harlem Globetrotter; and Shagari "Skyscraper" Alleyne, by far the tallest at 7 foot 3 inches.

Having played over 2,500 games in 16 years without a single defeat, the Harlem Rockets won the game 62-53.

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