Twelve students in the JMG program and some of their friends helped take tickets, sold food at the concessions booth and mementos for the Superstars, or painted faces for a small fee. 

JMG instructor Barbara Jewett said the fundraiser has been held for five or six years.

“Usually $800 to $1,000 is raised,” she said. That’s enough to fund JMG programs such as the installation and initiation in the fall when the student’s family is invited. With about 200 people at that event, it has significant expenses.

Every JMG student also receives a T-shirt or sweatshirt each year. In some years, enough money has been raised to award drivers’ education scholarships.

Jewett was pleased with the attendance at this year’s game. All food had been sold before half-time was over..

New participants on the Spruce Mountain Dream Team this year were “The Aunts.” Sisters in real life, Quintina Fettucini was played by Aurelie Merrill while Fiona Mastacolli was portrayed by Carmel DeMillo.

The two sported bright orange shorts covered with large black flowers, glasses and gray or white wigs. They entertained the crowd with their protruding backsides and the many antics on the court.

Other members of the Dream Team were Darcie Calden, Nate Purrington, Autumn Greenleaf, Josh Albee, Susie Hastings, Jason Wyman, Jessica Ellingwood, and Matt Gaudet.

Roosevelt Lee, Chuck “Sky Scraper” Henson, Cliff “Wi-Fly” Malone, Lamarr “Greenlight” Shorts, Donnie “Razzmatazz,” Seale and Kevin “Showboat” Jackson made up the Harlem Superstars team.

The Superstars showed off their many basketball skills. Layups, slam-dunks and half-court shots were easily made. Their quick hands led to many steals. Dribbles between the legs and around the back also made it challenging for the Dream Team. Nevertheless, several members of that team scored repeatedly and by  halftime, they were only behind by 11 points.

In the first half, Chrissy Maberry’s pocketbook was borrowed by one of the Superstars. When Showboat saw him dribbling with one hand and holding the small purse in his other, Showboat stopped the game until he could figure out who it belonged to.

Eventually, Chrissy was brought onto the floor and asked to dance. Little Addison Swett who was with her dad, Michael Swett, and Chrissy, was held by another member of the team until the action ended.

During halftime, players autographed pictures, T-shirts and basketballs.