Oilfields High School Presents the Harlem Crowns

(Page 10)

The world famous travelers known as the Harlem Crowns are coming to Black Diamond to play the Oilfields Drillers Senior Boys Basketball Team on Saturday, January 29th, at 7:00pm.
The Harlem Crowns began their existence in the mid-50's when a former Harlem Globetrotter by the name of Chico Burrell formulated a team composed of highly talented basketball players.
Chico Burrell was born in Harlem, New York. He attended New York University and upon graduation, he joined the Harlem Globetrotters. Chico played with the "Trotters" for twelve years during which time he was an outstanding performer. Chico blended his talents with such Harlem Globetrotter greats as Goose Tatum, Sweetwater Clifton and Maquis Haynes.
After years of success with the Harlem Crowns, Chico Burrell retired and sold the team to a group of Northern California Businessmen. One of the incumbent members on the Harlem Crowns, Herbert Scaife, is presently managing the team. Herbert Scaife hails from Arkansas and resides in Oakland, California during the off season.
Members of the Harlem Crowns are chosen for showmanship as well as their ability to play above average basketball. At the beginning of each season, approximately two weeks in October, a very organized training camp is held in a designated Northern California city. Candidates and possible new additions are brought in from all over the United States.
The requirements for being considered a member of the Harlem Crowns are:
1. To have former college basketball experience.
2. To have good character and the ability to get along with others.
3. To have basketball ability, the potential to be a showman and a knack for comic improvisations.
The Harlem Crowns play a regulation four quarter game against any opposing team furnished by the sponsors. There is never a dull moment during the game because of the zany acts and laugh-a-minute routines that are very numerous.
From California, eastward, the Harlem Crowns have staggered the comical imagination of spectators in places such as Canada, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado.
The Harlem Crowns have also taken their show several times abroad to places like Tokyo, Japan the city of Manila in the Philippines Islands and Singapore. They also venture south of the border into Old Mexico.
The Harlem Crowns are sponsored by various groups that include the local Police and Sheriff departments, F.F.A., Booster Clubs, Lettermen Clubs, Student Body Clubs and various cities’ Service Groups.
January 29th is bound to be an evening of laughter and entertainment. Tickets are available at Oilfields High School. Come on out and support the Drillers!