Clownball comes to Matthew Halton School

The Harlem Crowns assist "Shorty" to the net
Josh Davis photos

Josh Davis, Pincher Creek Voice

The Harlem Crowns displayed their own particular brand of ad-lib clownball in front of a full crowd at the Matthew Halton High School on January 11, showing off their trick, shtick, and banter to hilarious ends. But don’t be fooled, the Crowns aren’t just clowns. Each member of the Harlem Crowns demonstrated phenomenal talent and ability on the court; these well-trained athletes made it look easy, their court antics are very well practiced.

The first quarter saw them playing with the Matthew Halton Boys, demonstrating their energy as well as some fancy passing and dribbling, with the Crowns leading 11 – 17. In the second quarter they went up against members of Pincher Creek Emergency Services, coming out ahead 17 - 31. For the third quarter the Matthew Halton Girls had their turn against the Crowns, bringing the total score to 39 - 56 in the Crowns' favour. The final quarter saw the Crowns play against a mix of Matthew Halton's Boys and Girls, ultimately winning the game 59 - 71.

The Crowns spent some time harassing the refs, at one point hiding the ball from them in a player's shirt. Later, two Crown players held the ball as they carried it, arguing that travelling can only be called on one of them. “That’s a rule” shouted Herbie Scaife, Jr, a 6 year member of the team.

Herbie Scaife Jr.

As funny as their tomfoolery, however, was their ongoing banter with each other, which continued throughout the game. “I saw a bird,” declared Scaife upon missing a shot, with the rest of the Crowns insisting the referee get the bird out of their court.

The Crowns also involved their Halton counterparts in the antics, at times passing and shooting in the wrong direction, and in one particularly memorable gag grabbing a chair to assist a Halton player in making a shot. They also made it a common ploy to trick Halton, who were often gracious enough to play along, assisting on goals in their own net, or leaving their end of the court. A great deal of travelling calls were made by the ref when Harlem players decided to “assist” their opponents.

Started in the mid-1950s by a former Harlem Globetrotter, members of the team are picked for their skills and showmanship abilities, and all have at least college basketball experience. Playing high school basketball teams to raise money for community organizations, the Crowns combine their antics with some practical education. Teams they play often develop their skills to a new level by playing with these talented showmen.