Sports Media Report
The Harlem Globetrotters and Jersey Mike’s Subs have announced the ten national finalists in the third annual Court of Creativity contest – a nationwide competition that challenges K–5 students to channel their imagination through basketball-themed projects inspired by the legendary Globetrotters.
Each finalist school will receive a $1,000 cash prize from Jersey Mike’s to support future creative programming. One grand prize winner will also earn a catered lunch from Jersey Mike’s and an in-school visit from the Harlem Globetrotters later this school year.
This year’s ten standout submissions include custom jersey designs, literacy-driven videos, full-scale performances, STEM activities, and more – all highlighting themes of teamwork, perseverance, and creativity. Finalists include:
- Alpha School (Jackson, NJ) – Used basketballs and paint to create collaborative artwork as part of a sensory-integrated “Athletic Arts” program for students with multiple disabilities.
- Berea Elementary (Berea, SC) – Designed cultural jerseys, studied force and energy in science, and performed freestyle basketball skills in PE class.
- Calvin Public School (Calvin, OK) – Created a March Madness-inspired math and spelling video that turned academic learning into a basketball game.
- Columbia Elementary (Mount Vernon, OH) – Merged PBIS rewards with basketball challenges and community engagement, including a Jersey Mike’s-themed bingo celebration.
- Everson Elementary (Everson, WA) – Produced a schoolwide video starring “Dribble McDunkerson,” a basketball on a journey of self-discovery and trick shots.
- Lincoln Elementary (Vancouver, WA) – Developed a scripted video featuring their school mascot learning to play basketball, with support from every grade.
- Sandhill Elementary (Stoughton, WI) – Led a March Madness-inspired PE unit across all grade levels, culminating in a trick-shot-filled video.
- Shreve Elementary (Shreve, OH) – Celebrated literacy with a student-led video linking reading, research, and basketball in an imaginative classroom setting.
- South Lebanon Elementary (South Lebanon, PA) – Engaged second graders in basketball-themed STEM challenges, creative writing, and history lessons throughout March.
- Twin Oak Elementary (Mount Vernon, OH) – Created a schoolwide March Madness event assigning every student a team role—from Equipment Manager to Jersey Designer—celebrating multiple skill sets.
“Each year, the creativity and school pride in these projects is amazing to witness,” said Rich Hope, Chief Marketing Officer at Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, LLC. “The Court of Creativity is about more than just basketball—it’s about inspiring students to express themselves and work together. Congratulations to all the schools that participated.”
The contest was open to public, private, and vocational elementary schools with grades K–5 across the U.S. and remains a platform for promoting creativity, healthy lifestyles, and community engagement among young students.
