Lewes cops vie with student-athletes on the basketball court
Lewes police officers took on the Fred Thomas Middle School boys’ basketball team in the inaugural Cops vs. Kids game Feb. 18.
Chief Tom Spell reported that in the hotly contested game, the Fred Thomas team prevailed by a score of 43-41.
He said the LPD All-stars, who had the halftime lead, were led in scoring by Patrolman Isaiah Brown and Detective Cpl. Casey Crapps and on defense by wrestling state champion Patrolman Lucas Hudson, who only knocked down two kids.
While the officers brought size and strength to the court, the FTMS boys’ basketball team relied on hustle and sharp shooting to keep the game competitive. With seven three-point shots, James Frederick ran circles around the officers. Smiles never left the floor, and officers cheered on students just as enthusiastically as their own teammates.
Spell thanked the Lewes Police Foundation for sponsoring the team shirts and McGruff the Crime Dog for taking part in the opening tip-off and doing his best to distract the Fred Thomas players.
Spell also recognized Cpl. Nick Yatsko and Fred Thomas Principal Elyse Baerga for organizing the event.
No ACLs, quads or Achilles tendons were hurt in the game, according to Spell.
Preceding the main event was a Students vs. Parents matchup. Students came out strong, using their speed and quick ball movement to build early momentum. Parents answered with experience, physical defense and smart teamwork. FTMS parents team members were Mackenzie Hay, Rob Myers, Jack Frederick and Jason Pease. The crowd roared as players on both sides knocked down big shots and dove for loose balls. Laughter echoed throughout the gym as parents and students playfully guarded one another and celebrated great plays. Ultimately, the FTMS boys’ team was defeated by the parents by 20 points.
Although the scoreboard kept track of the points, the true purpose of the night went far beyond wins and losses. The event strengthened connections between families, students and local law enforcement while raising funds for upcoming school activities.
Bill Shull has been covering Lewes for the Cape Gazette since 2023. He comes to the world of print journalism after 40 years in TV news. Bill has worked in his hometown of Philadelphia, as well as Atlanta and Washington, D.C. He came to Lewes in 2014 to help launch WRDE-TV. Bill served as WRDE’s news director for more than eight years, working in Lewes and Milton. He is a 1986 graduate of Penn State University. Bill is an avid aviation and wildlife photographer, and a big Penn State football, Eagles, Phillies and PGA Tour golf fan. Bill, his wife Jill and their rescue cat, Lucky, live in Rehoboth Beach.
