The cross-town rivalry between Danbury and Immaculate will come to a head Saturday, Dec. 15 in the annual News-Times Tip-Off Classic, which began Thursday with both schools winning and advancing to Saturday’s final.

Both teams trounced their opponents in the first round, with the Hatters defeating Abbott Tech 57-28 and Immaculate beating Bethel 63-37.

Senior Denali Burton led the Hatters with 14 points; their defense held Abbott to 1 point in the first quarter.

The meeting of the two teams is the talk of the school, and the administration has already stepped in to quell tensions by prohibiting fans from bringing into the stands signs because of concern that some may be offensive.

Last year, the Hatters won the FCIAC tournament and, on their way, they also beat Immaculate, 58-45.

Although the team lost eight players from last year, it has talented players to carry out the expectations, including five seniors — Burton, Taylor Heady, Javon Hernandez, Keyon Moore, and Marson James.

The Hatters are coached by Casey Bock, who is in his 10th year as head coach.

“We’re doing well,” Bock said. “We have four seniors that will play big minutes and will be a big part of the team. We have some younger guys that are going to have to step up and contribute at the varsity level.”

The team’s goals include winning another FCIAC title this year. Heady said he likes the Hatters chances.

“So far the team is looking good,” Heady said. “We had a large senior class last year, and a loss of Diante Vines going to Taft, so we have a lot of young guys on the team.”

The Immaculate game is one that the Hatters and their fans always look forward to. “This game is one of the most exciting games of the year,” Heady said.“We get to play against our hometown rivals and get to put on a show.”

Students are exhilarated for this game every year, too. Last year, the Hatters’ Hooters won the best fan section in the FCIAC. Hatters Hooters captain and senior Benjamin Palardy said this year’s squad of fans is ready.

“I’m really excited for the game,” Palardy said. “There’s always a lot of build up for games like this, especially for one of the first games of the season.

“Last year’s game was so much fun because there was a lot of people with a lot of passion for the players on the court, there was definitely a lot of energy there,” Palardy continued. “This year we will have a ton of anticipation for this game, just because everybody knows how much support we bring and the reputation Danbury has.”

This hometown game will be at Immaculate, following the consolation game between Bethel and Abbott, which begins at 6 p.m.

“There is a lot of talk that goes on, but at the end of the day Danbury gets to show why we are the better basketball team and take home the win,” Heady said.