Ashby-Lee Elementary School teacher Bill Harlow remembers the days when he used to work on his dunk in the old gym at Stonewall Jackson High School.
Harlow, who played two years of JV and two years of varsity basketball for the Generals, says he’s been humble about his post-high school career.
“I’ve never told anyone, but I taught Jordan his fadeaway when I played for the Bulls,” he revealed in an exclusive interview with the Journals.
That’s why Harlow, who teaches PE at Ashby-Lee, is confident that he and his team of Shenandoah County educators can school the Harlem Superstars during their Feb. 25 charity match-up to benefit the high school’s athletic boosters.
“I know that these guys are pros, but they are coming in our house… Some of the players on our team had to play in the old small gym when we were in school, so we are looking forward to claiming ownership of the bigger, newer gym...We’ve got enough talent here to make these guys not want to come out of Harlem ever again.”
In between watching game footage and lifting weights, Harlow answered a few questions about the upcoming event:
What are the strengths of your team?
We have numerous older players that can help our younger players out by telling them what should be done because we can’t physically do it anymore.
Who is your secret weapon?
I would say that since [School Resource Officer] Keith Cowart is a deputy, and he actually carries a weapon, he would be our “Secret Weapon.”
I don’t see a coach on your roster. Do you have one?
Not sure who will be in charge, or that we need a coach. We are all so talented that I doubt that we will need “one” certain leader. We will be able to read each other’s minds and know what to do and how to do it right. We are all the coach.
How have practices been going?
Practices have been great. I am sure, like me, that everyone has been watching lots of games on TV getting ready for the showdown. I know I’ve gotten sore from staying up watching all those games night after night. Preparation is the key to success, and I know we will be prepared.
How about your biggest shooting threat?
I have seen Jeff Burner make shots from any spot on the court. Mike Dorman can shoot a ball through the eye of a needle. I only mention these guys because we have played together in the past and we are the youngest on the team and still have some get- up-and-go in us. But I wouldn’t be scared to put any of our players against anyone out there.
Zone or man?
We’ll probably go man on these guys. I’m sure they will try to get the ball in to the 7-footer, and we’ll just chop him down, and anyone else who comes in our paint!
There’s a noticeable height difference between your team and the opponents? How will you deal with this?
The height advantage is pointing towards them for sure. We have a few ladies that may do some sweet-talking to get their attention and then we’ll just play small ball and go under them while they are distracted. They may be taller, but we’ve got some beefy players that will bust them up inside. Then our quicker players will blow by those boys like they were sleeping.
The game is Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. in the gym. Presale tickets are $7 and available at The Home Store & Valley Sports Connection in New Market, C & S Carpets and Main Street Flowers & Gifts in Mt. Jackson and the school office. Tickets at the door will be $8. For more information, call740-2969.
