Staff writer
 |
| JEROME A. POLLOS/Press Jesse Whintly, the Harlem Ambassadors tour manager, questions Chariah Moss, 12, regarding the players' stories about staying in school and remaining drug free during a presentation and exhibition Monday at Post Falls Middle School. |
Slam-dunk messages
POST FALLS -- Breezy Arnone heard messages about staying in school and off of drugs, then scored on the Harlem Ambassadors on Monday.
The eighth-grader was among those pulled from the Post Falls Middle School student body to challenge the tricky Ambassadors at basketball.
"I was really happy that I got to go out there because I play basketball," Arnone said with a wide smile afterward. "It was kind of intimidating because I only come up to their waists, but it was really fun."
Arnone earned playing time by correctly answering questions that quizzed students on their listening skills during the Ambassadors' messages.
She said she's heard such messages before, but it can make a difference with some students coming from talented athletes rather than from family members, friends or teachers.
"It's nice to hear it from other role models," Arnone said. "I listened to their speeches, and they were really good."
The Ambassadors play the Kiwanis Klassics, a group of local leaders, tonight at 6:30 at Post Falls High for a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club and youth scholarships.
Before dazzling students and staff with behind-the-back passes, half-court shots and high-flying dunks, the Ambassadors spoke about the importance of college degrees, having goals and staying away from drugs.
Player-manager Jesse "Nephew" Whintly said two of the requirements of becoming an Ambassador are to have or be pursuing a degree and being drug free.
"We cannot say no to taking a drug test," Whintly told the students. "If one of our players fails a drug test in North Korea, they have to find their own way home. Imagine that."
Ambassador Ashley Wilson spoke about being confident in yourself.
"We all look different and have different personalities, but we all have something to bring to the table," she said. "Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something."
Player B.J. Williams said he was kicked out of school in the second grade before rebounding with better grades.
"If you're struggling right now, it can get better," he said.
Sixth-grader Jeff Sauce, who also took on the Ambassadors, said the messages hit home because they came from respected people who have played hoops all over the world.
"This gives us more of a reason to not do drugs," he said.
Check them out tonight
• The Harlem Ambassadors Basketball Show, a fundraiser for the Kootenai County Boys and Girls Club and Kiwanis scholarships for college-bound Post Falls students, will be at 6:30 tonight at Post Falls High. The Ambassadors will play the Kiwanis Klassics, a team of local leaders. Tickets can be purchased today at $9 for adults, $7 students/seniors at Community First Bank, Inland Northwest Bank, Panhandle State Bank and BankCDA. The cost at the door is $11 for adults, $9 students/seniors, or pre-game pricing with a two-item food donation to the Post Falls Food Bank. Children younger than 4 are free. Information: 777-8937
