Students from East School, West School and Long Beach Middle School received lessons in sportsmanship, determination and effort on Oct. 12, thanks to a visit from Harlem Wizards basketball player Dwayne Simpson. Known as “Swoop,” Simpson shared his skills and talents, then involved students in drills and other activities.

Swoop’s first stop was East School, where he addressed kindergarteners through fifth-graders. He engaged several students and staff members in a basketball drill and challenged them to be on the lookout for tricks. He then made his way over to the middle school and concluded his tour with an afternoon presentation at West.

The day helped build excitement for a game that will be held on Nov. 5, when the Harlem Wizards will face off against Long Beach teachers and community leaders with a halftime show featuring guest singer Alexandra Starr. Hosted by the East School PTA, it will be held in the High School gym at 7 p.m. and tickets can be purchased at http://harlemwizards.thundertix.com/events/131415 Prices vary, so please visit the website for specific details.