Police, Coaches Defeat High School Players in Annual Fundraiser Game

It didn't have the drama of Detroit 1-8-7, but the fourth annual basketball game between had plenty of action and enjoyment for all.

The police, or "Cops" team, defeated the players, or "Kids," 101-99 Thursday evening, making the record 3-1 with the Cops leading the series.  

The Cops had a roster of 14 players who rotated in the game; the Kids team, comprised nine seniors.

More of an exhibition than competition, the contest featured two dunks by senior Eric Thompson and several 3-point attempts by both teams in the Clawson High School gymnasium.

But the purpose behind the game was much bigger than a contest between Cops and Kids. The game raised more than $600 for the Clawson Schools Liaison Officer program and the Clawson Athletic Booster Club.

Officer Kelly Bauss, the Clawson Schools' police liaison, will use the funds to purchase items for the programs throughout the school year.

"I go over to the elementary schools and present programs, like safety programs (such as) 'Stranger and Danger,' and I teach in the health class at the high school," Bauss said. "I'm here as a preventive measure and to counsel kids when necessary."

Kathy O'Connell, Athletic Booster Club member and mother of senior player Steve O'Connell, said she understands the importance of the game.

"It helps the kids get to know the policemen in a fun way," she said. "They understand that they are real people and good guys."

O'Connell estimates the games have brought in more than $2,000 since the club started hosting them in 2008.

The seniors said they enjoyed the game even though they lost to the Cops.

"We played hard, and we never let up," senior said. "We weren't scared of them. We had to keep it close, we couldn't get blown out. No way."

This was the first year the Clawson High School girls and boys basketball coaches teamed up with the police.

"That's the way we like to have it. We've got to be on the good guys' side," varsity girls coach Kelly Horne said. "It's a big game every year and fun to play in. We try to get our mismatches in there."

The booster club had plenty of items raffled at halftime, including restaurant gift certificates and much more. There was also a 50/50 raffle.

Detective Jody Horne said the Cops were fortunate to win. "We were very lucky we had the Clawson coaches with us," he said. "They can shoot. We need some work as a team, and next year, we might even have a practice. We just showed up, but it turned out good."

Steve O'Connell said he wasn't scared to play the police. "I've grown up around these guys my whole life," he said. "It was fun."

Senior Cody Lehman enjoyed the game as well and graded the performance of competitor Bill Shellenbarger, boys varsity coach.

"It was a tough game, but it was all fun and games," Lehman said. "Coach (Shellenbarger) had a couple of (3-pointers) there. He was all right, he started out pretty slow. He didn't start the game, and I was surprised by that. But of course, like he always does, he picked it up."

The winning Cops team was awarded a trophy for its third victory in four years.

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