Reserves to play hoops legends

The Stutsman County Reserve Sheriff’s Association will have its hands full this Saturday afternoon when members take the court for a special game of basketball.

Former Harlem Globetrotter Legends Meadowlark Lemon and Tyrone “Hollywood” Brown will lead a team of former Globetrotters against the sheriff’s reserve at noon Saturday at the Civic Center.

The former Globetrotters will be taking on the Fargo Sheriff’s Department Sunday and were in the area so they will see what kind of game the local sheriff reserves can play.

Lemon, 78, is arguably the most legendary player to ever wear the Harlem jersey. He played in more than 16,000 basketball games all around the world and has played for dignitaries ranging from popes to presidents.

He is also a member of the NBA Hall of Fame and received the NBA lifetime achievement award, the John Bunn Award. Lemon has also been an ordained minister since 1986.

“They are just as important as people in the armed forces because they do so much good for us — and we’re lucky people to live in a country where we can have people like that — watching our backs and looking over our shoulders for us,” Lemon said of the Stutsman County Sheriff Reserves. “You know it’s so important that we have people involved in our lives like that.”

The reserves here are called into action when needed, whether that’s protection at a street dance or assisting in search and rescue operations.

According to Chad Kaiser, Stutsman County sheriff and former member of the reserves, the reserves provide “any of the extra stuff or things needed in the county we just wouldn’t be able to provide.”

“They are an important asset to the community and the county,” Kaiser said.

The reserves are also excited to play in a family-friendly basketball game with the legends, said Stutsman County Sheriff Reserve Association member Jason Vogel.

“I don’t think we’re scared, we’re looking forward to it,” Vogel said. “It’ll be fun and I’m sure he’ll make fools of us — pretty good chance of it.”

Lemon is also known as the “Clown Prince of Basketball,” and along with the bust in the NBA Basketball Hall of Fame, he has a place in the International Clown Hall of Fame.

Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the gate. Each ticket admits one adult or two children under 12. Advance tickets are available at Hugo’s, County Market, all Stop-N-Go locations and the Jamestown Civic Center.

“They’re going to get to see a living legend,” said former SCSRA president Ryan Anderson. “They’re going to be entertained and part of the proceeds will go to folks helping out in the community.”

Sun reporter Ben Rodgers can be reached at 701-952-8455 or by e-mail at brodgers@jamestownsun.com

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