Gastonia cops and Gaston attorneys took it to the court for two good causes

There were two winners in the instant classic "Catch Me on the Court" charity basketball game between Gastonia Police officers and local attorneys.

Gaston County Boys and Girls Clubs and the Gastonia Police Foundation each received $3,500 in donations from the game Saturday at Stuart Cramer High School that really served as a precursor to the Final Four basketball games later that night.

Several hundred people turned out to watch the game and cheer on the men and women playing.

The Roaring Panther Band from Gastonia's Pleasant Ridge Elementary School served as the pep band for both sides.

Gaston County attorneys, led by Chip Harrison in the Gaston County Public Defender's Office, helped organize the game not only to help raise money for the two organizations, but to also show both groups as part of the community.

"People used to say, 'Police officers are your friend. If you're in trouble call the police,'" said Harrison. "We want to show people that police and attorneys are not only for the bad stuff."

Both the attorneys and the police officers say they would like to see the game become an annual event and maybe include even more groups.

As for the basketball game itself, the police officers had a distinct size and athleticism advantage, and won the game 50-36, although the game was much more competitive until the fourth quarter.

A couple of players on both sides left the game hobbling a bit, but no one needed a stretcher.

You can reach Kevin Ellis at 704-869-1823 or email him at kellis@gastongazette.com.