Harlem Wizards Bring Tricks, Laughter, and School Spirit to Rock Ridge

On March 9, LCPS teachers took the court against the Harlem Wizards in a high-energy fundraiser featuring audience participation.

Rachel Bhardwaj

Surrounded by excited students, Harlem Wizards players turn the game into an interactive experience, filling the gym with laughter, energy, and spirit.

Rachel Bhardwaj, Mariia Pecherkina, and Devika Goureddy • March 24, 2026

On March 9, the gym at Rock Ridge High School transformed into a lively basketball arena as the Harlem Wizards faced off against a team of LCPS teachers in a game packed with trick shots, humor, and school spirit.

The event raised $6,000 for the Rock Ridge Athletic Boosters, helping support student-athletes while also bringing the community together for an entertaining night enjoyed by families and students alike. Known for blending impressive basketball skills with comedy and crowd interaction, the Harlem Wizards delivered a high-energy performance that kept everyone engaged from start to finish.

Music provided by WeVideo.

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About the Contributors

Rachel Bhardwaj, Multimedia Editor

Rachel Bhardwaj is a junior and a third-year staff member. She currently serves as the co-multimedia editor of The Blaze. She enjoys sketching, drawing, and exploring DIY projects. As co-multimedia editor, she is excited to capture broad reactions through her videos and hopes to create more in the future. She has also lived in India for most of her life. Rachel is passionate about helping people and raising voices that often go unheard. Her favorite thing about The Blaze is interacting with people, and she enjoys the welcoming environment.

Mariia Pecherkina, Multimedia Editor

Mariia Pecherkina is a junior this year and is the multimedia editor at The Blaze. Her second year on staff, Mariia enjoys editing videos, gathering interviews, and the entire multimedia aspect of journalism. Being able to represent overlooked perspectives and bringing them to the forefront of discussion is Mariia’s favorite part of journalism. She believes that multimedia is a good medium to conduct this through, due to how it sparks emotional investment within viewers. Outside of The Blaze, Mariia holds a leadership position in the International Club, which she enjoys due to how it unifies the different parts of the school’s community, and is interested in Russian politics. Mariia also enjoys Russian music, playing the piano, and spending time with her two cats and is also a Metro fiend. Her goal in The Blaze this year is to teach people the importance of multimedia journalism and to spread more awareness about The Blaze in the school community.

Devika Goureddy, Staff Writer

Devika Goureddy is a freshman this year, starting her first year as a new staff writer on The Blaze. She is excited to get comfortable with the camera and explore her interest in photography through taking many photos in event coverage, especially sports games. To diversify her skills, Devika wants to take on other forms of journalism, such as creating videos and podcasts, as well as writing opinion pieces. By joining The Blaze, she is enthusiastic to be a part of the journalism community and make lasting memories, along with improving her writing skills, to produce strong, good-quality articles. Outside of the newsroom, Devika is the freshman class president of the Student Council Association and is on the Rock Ridge volleyball team. She is also planning to join the basketball and tennis teams for future seasons and participate in clubs such as Model UN.

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Harlem Wizards Bring Tricks, Laughter, and School Spirit to Rock Ridge

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