The Harlem Globetrotters are known for their highlight-reel moves. But for player Cherrelle “Torch” George, the real thrill is meeting fans.
“It’s a beautiful feeling after a game when a little girl comes up to you and she wants a hug or a high-five or she’s wearing my jersey and wants an autograph or calls me her hero,” she says.
“Those moments are just priceless, and that’s why I do what I do and that’s why I love what I do.”
Fans can mingle with the Globetrotters when they visit the Valley for two events — Saturday, March 4, at the Footprint Center in Downtown Phoenix, and Sunday, March 5, at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale.
“We are gifted basketball players,” she says. “We know the game and we can play the game, but it’s also a balance of being a good basketball player and an entertainer and giving fans fun, entertainment and laughs.”
Called the “Queen of the Crossover,” George set a Guinness World Record for the most basketball-under-the-leg tumbles in 1 minute for a woman with 32 in 2018.
The 5-foot-3 guard attended Iowa Western Community College, where she led the Reivers to a 26-5 record her sophomore year while averaging 25.5 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 4.3 steals per game.
She finished her sophomore year with four single-game records and was inducted into IWCC’s Hall of Fame in 2019. After a brief stint at Purdue University, she transferred to Oklahoma City University, where she earned a degree in kinesiology.
She recently launched her own clothing line, Hood to History, which aims to show young people how to dominate without a ball in their hands. One day, she says, she hopes to coach a Division 1 school’s team.
Meanwhile, George is enjoying her time with the Globetrotters, who are well known for their fun dunks and trick shots. Among its former players is NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain.
“There is no game in the world like a Globetrotters game,” she says. “We have some of the best dunkers in the world. Some of the best dribblers. Expect a great game and great showmanship.”
A Globetrotter since 2017, George doesn’t take her job for granted.
“It’s an honor,” she says.
“Being able to travel the world and do what I love, it definitely doesn’t feel like work. I thank God for the opportunity to showcase my talent and be an inspiration to so many people.”
Harlem Globetrotters
WHEN: 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, March 4
WHERE: Footprint Center, 201 E. Jefferson Street, Phoenix
COST: Tickets start at $20
INFO: footprintcenter.com, harlemglobetrotters.com
WHEN: 2 p.m. Sunday, March 5
WHERE: Desert Diamond Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Avenue, Glendale
COST: Tickets start at $20
INFO: desertdiamondarena.com, harlemglobetrotters.com
