A group of high school kids from around the city took on NYPD officers in a basketball game at Harlem’s Rucker Park on Sunday.
The friendly matches were part of the fourth annual “Peaceful Rivalry” tournament hosted by the Daily News.
“It’s been great for the community, as well as for community policing,” said Detective Roberto Diaz of the Community Outreach Division.
The game was close and went into overtime before the community team pulled away 56-51.
“I’ve been playing this since I was 4 or 5,” Sabion Edmonds, 17, of Brooklyn, said before the game.
“I have a passion for the game,” the Brownsville teen said. “So any chance I get to play, I’m gonna play.”
Harvey Garcia said the game had larger meaning.
“You get to help the community, for all the violence that’s going on,” the 16-year-old from the Bronx said.
“It helps us get more in touch with the cops so everybody could know that cops are not bad people. We’re all here together.”
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