New Haven Independent

The game in the Cross gym was held in honor of fallen Officer Dan Pacagli, who was fatally struck by a car while working traffic duty in Wooster Square last month. The event raised $2,500 for the family.

Cops descended on the school, armed with a tough team, including formidable inside players Det. Daryl Breland and Off. Jeffrey Fletcher. The Cross team brought basketball coaches, teachers, staff, and spirited student fans.

Cross cheerleaders — with interludes of guest dancing by football players — rallied behind their teachers. Both were gearing up for a Thanksgiving Day rivalry match against Hillhouse High. Click on the play arrow above to watch them.

At halftime, the cops were leading 27 to 21. The Cross band provided halftime tunes.

But the Cross Governors (or rather, those who govern the Governors) stayed in the game, thanks to star players like Sam Shaw (pictured shooting), the freshman boys’ coach. “Go Canelli!” cheered students as Principal Bob Canelli flung a fadeaway three-pointer into the basket, and ended up lying on his back on the court.

Throughout the second half, when some of the cops’ best players started to huff and puff, Canelli and Co. kept running. They pulled off a 56 to 45 win, sending students pouring onto the court for a congratulatory pile-on … and an early break before a holiday.

“We played a great game,” said Canelli.

“I’m just so proud of the students,” he added. “They gave up a whole pep rally to do this.”

As for the cops, perhaps a flood of new recruits will bring fresh talent before next year’s rematch.