3/1/07

Harlem Rockets bring lots of smiles to kids and former kids
By Brian Jarvis

BRIAN JARVIS/Manning Times
7-footer Rick “The Rim Rocker” Lopes of the Harlem Rockets makes a new fan during a sold-out show at the Manning High School gymnasium.

The Black River Missionary Baptist Association Brotherhood found a surefire recipe to draw a huge crowd, raise funds and provide lots of laughs that can be summed up in five words: Bring on the Harlem Rockets.

“It brought the community together,” said Andrew Dorch, president of the brotherhood. “We help unfortunate kids by taking them to games and activities.”

Featuring a night of comedy basketball, the show sold out every ticket inside the Manning High School gymnasium and inspired local residents to comprise their opponents, the “Manning Dream Team,” among them Rev. Eddie LaSaine and Gene Morris.

“It was the most wonderful thing I’ve seen in quite some time,” said Manning police chief Randy Garrett, who served as one of the coaches. “Anytime we can bring out a crowd that size and make them laugh, it’s a good thing.”

As a boy, Garrett’s mother took him to Charleston once a year to see the Harlem Globetrotters – a part of his youth that he never forgot, especially the time he got to meet famed player George “Meadowlawk” Lemon.

“I was impressed with the fact that a lot of parents took their kids,” Garrett said. “Even people who couldn’t be there still bought tickets to show their support. It was an honor to be asked and I hope they do it every year. It was a lot of fun.”