It was a rematch for the ages, particularly the grade-school ages: the dads of Southeast Elementary School hosting the dads of Anna K. Davie Elementary in a five-on-five, full court basketball game.

The last time these teams faced one another Anna K. Davie took home a 64-51 win and a few weeks worth of bragging rights. But that game was played at their home court, while the rematch took place at Southeast.

In the end, Southeast evened the series with a huge 53-28 win. Actually though, the real winners are the kids.

“In sports you challenge your opponents,” explained Regina Smith, parent involvement coordinator for Southeast and Anna K. Davie. “We’re challenging the dads to be more involved with their kids and their kids’ schools.”

And the game isn’t just for dads; uncles, older brothers, step-dads or any positive male role model in the students’ lives are welcome to participate.

Before the game the adults play word and math games with the youngsters, decorate cookies, and make signs the kids can use to cheer on their team during the game.

Corey Barner said he always tries to be involved with activities his nephews — Jaylin, 11, and Jordan, 7 — are involved in, especially sports. He said he wants them to know he’s there for them.

“That’s the point,” said Smith. “To bridge the gap and have the teachers cheering the dads to be involved so they can see that they are needed.”

Smith said she has worked with her fellow involvement coordinators in the school system and they are planning more games likes this one between other schools. They already have a soccer match planned.