Harlem Ambassadors set to play in Falls

When the Harlem Ambassadors decided to make a stop in Fort Frances and International Falls on April 17, they made it clear they were looking for some stiff competition.
And with the talented team of basketball pros ready to do what they do best, it will take the cream of the crop from both sides of the border to put up a fight.
The Ambassadors are a team of basketball entertainers who “offer a unique brand of basketball, featuring high-flying slam dunks, dazzling ball-handling tricks, and hilarious comedy routines.”
They are enjoying their 10th anniversary tour, which will see them take to the floor at the Falls High School gym next Thursday.
The team also is dedicated to promoting the values of staying in school, staying off drugs, and fostering racial harmony. As they tour, the Ambassadors often work closely with non-profit and service organizations.
It is this type of fundraising opportunity upon which two local teams are looking to capitalize. All the proceeds from the event will go to the Fort Frances Muskie Sports Association and the Falls High School Bronco Basketball Boosters.
“This serves as the major fundraiser for the year,” said one of the booster organizers.
It was decided the game would take place at International Falls due to a higher seating capacity in the high school gym there.
With players from both Fort Frances and International Falls coming together to make up competition for the Ambassadors, it was only appropriate the team be called the Can-Am Hoopstars.
The Ambassadors are one of the most widely-travelled basketball teams in the world, having performed in 19 countries over the past decade. They have played in every corner of the U.S., from Florida to Alaska, and have performed at dozens of military bases throughout Canada.
The Ambassadors’ roster is made up of both men and women who sport an array of accolades from the college level. Head coach Lade Majic Prophete was a star at the University of Missouri, where she was a member of the Tigers’ Big Eight Championship team.
She has attended WNBA camps and has been featured in SLAM Magazine.
T’Neisha Turner was a star at Wesley College, where she earned a degree in sports management. She also was named PAC Conference Player of the Year from 2004-06, in addition to three nods as team MVP.
LaRon Bradley was MVP at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, where he earned All-Sooner Athletic Conference honours in 2005 and 2006. Amonzo Gantt earned top newcomer honours with the North Greenville Mounties, as well as NCCAA Player of the Week recognition.
Taking on that level of skill, some of the top local players were invited to take part in the game.
The Canadian contingent of the Can-Am Hoopstars will be comprised of some impressive local talent. Both current and former Muskie players will take the court, including John Sivonen, Adrian Chapman, Rob McGinnis, Mike Belluz, and Sarah Noonan.
Muskie senior boys’ coach Paul Noonan will take the floor with current players Kayla Windigo, Jeremy Strain, Travis Stromness, and Garnet Cornell.
Todd Richards also will suit up for the Canadian side.
On the American side, talent was drawn not only from the ranks of current and former high school players, but also from various levels of government.
Rich Mastin, a Falls police officer, will suit up alongside Falls city administrator Rod Otterness and recreation director Bill Mason.
Falls Mayor Shawn Mason will take the floor while State House Rep. Tom Anzelc tentatively is scheduled, as well.
Tammy Sullivan and Mason Hanover make up the alumni segment of the team while Josh Mastin, Dylan Ice, Cody Christianson, Kevin Gordon, and Matt MacKenzie represent the current Bronco players.
Long-time area basketball guru, Gerry Parent, will serve as guest referee for the game.
Members of the Can-Am Hoopstars squad met together Monday night for a practice and shoot-around at the Fort High gymnasium. The atmosphere was relaxed among the players, who played laid-back games of 4-on-4 before moving to full teams.
The game is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 17. Tickets are available in advance at Betty’s, Northwoods Gallery & Gifts, and La Place Rendez-Vous for $8 for adults and $6 for students.
Tickets at the door will run $10 for adults and $8 for students.