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The All-American Redheads world champion women's basketball team played a comedy-filled match against the Hotshot All-Stars, who mixed ball-handling skills similar to the Harlem Globetrotters.

We want this column to be the talk of the town, so if you run into a Hot Shot player on the street, ask them about the game and get some first-hand behind-the-scenes stories about the game.

I saw the Harlem Globetrotters play at the Olympic Arena in Lake Placid. They were founded in 1926 by Abe Saperstein. “It shocked the world” They now play 400 games a year in 25 countries, having defeated the NBA champion Minneapolis Lakers twice in 1948.

Now, let's talk about the local game with a great article by Enterprise reporter Steve Cohen.

“Despite rain, sleet and snow, basketball enthusiasts came out to Saranac Lake High School last Friday night for a scholarship fund game, as the Hot Shot All-Stars, made up of local teachers and coaches, hosted the All-American Red Heads World Champion Girls Basketball Team.

“The standing-room only crowd was treated to some great basketball. Although the Hot Shots were defeated 103-58 in a routine game, the carnival-like atmosphere created by all the players dictated the outcome of the game. From the very start of the game, it was clear that this was no ordinary game.

“Local basketball players, under the guidance of Fraser Sturgeon and high school principal Werner Haught, took turns fielding three teams. Representing the Hot Shots were Paul Smith's College football coaches Chuck Koehler and Mike Leahy, NCCC instructor Murray Heller, and Saranac Lake teachers and coaches Duane Fisk, Chuck Bell, Ed McCarthy, Dick Zellern, Jim Keogh, Pat Hogan, Breck Chapin, Jeff Wisher, Ron Keegan and Randy Bickford. Rounding out the all-stars were Tupper Lake basketball coaches Pete Riley and Rod Gale.

“Coach Charlotte Adams introduced her team of seven athletes, including Redheads Barbara Hostert, Wanda England, Cheryl Clark, Marsha Tate, Lynette Shawquist, Susan Callahan and Donna “Spanky” Rossier.”

“After introducing the team, Coach Adams explained that the girls of 'Carrot Top' will be on the road for seven months, playing every night and traveling 70,000 miles to entertain audiences in 42 states.”

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Hot Shots Get the Spotlight

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“It was decided before the game that the two teams would play one-on-one defense. Each Redhead would choose a “gamemate” to announce their defensive assignment to the fans by voice. The announcement of “Here's Ed” or “Here's Pete” foreshadowed the matchup. The complements of Ed McCarthy and Spanky Rossier, the Redhead's hilarious on-court Andrew, brought countless laughs. Spanky brought the laughs, and Ed's soft touch at the hoop provided many of the Hotshots' much needed points.

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The Marx Brothers Revisited

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“Teasing the referees and making fun of the opposing players' games were Spanky's basketball trademarks. As the central figure in many unexpected and unusual occurrences on the court, Spanky created a series of humorous happenings and predicaments. Arrows of satire and ridicule, likened to lines from the Marx Brothers, were fired at those in power.

“The person who bore the brunt of this attack was umpire “Bub” McGrain. Spanky and his staff did everything they could to drag the good-natured, mild-mannered umpire into their actions. Insults such as “Pillsbury Doughboy” were not shyly hurled at Bub due to his tall, stocky build. Bub was also allowed to hold a trick ball-handling exhibition in the center of the court.

“No one seemed to escape the parody. Police officer “Beef” Bevilacqua, standing on the sidelines, was handed the stolen game ball and then accused Redhead of hiding evidence. Even Coach House was insulted. “It's not funny, it's not funny,” Spanky repeated as he took a free throw. “What's funny?” a teammate asked. Spanky immediately pointed at Coach House and shouted, “His hair!” That's what was funny. (Of course Mr. House was bald.)

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Halftime Sports

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“During the halftime show, the Redheads put on a flashy ball-handling display. Looks of awe appeared on the faces of the audience as each artist demonstrated their individual skills. Clark's dribbling wizardry and one-finger ball spin were highlights of the show. Other precision moves included a behind-the-back basket and juggling four basketballs. Callahan capped the finale by holding, or “palming,” a basketball in each outstretched hand.

“The excitement and laughter continued throughout the rest of the competition, with Ed McCarthy and Dick Zellern shining with their hot shots and Wanda England doing well with her long sets and jump shots.

“Particular thanks go to those who gave their time and effort: coaches Fraser Sturgeon and Warner House, presenter Jack Muldowney, the Hotshots and umpires Babb McGrane and Ed Goetz.”

Wow! That game was 49 years ago. A few days ago I saw some of the guys who played for the Hotshot team. They haven't changed a bit.