When it comes to basketball, the Old Hammondtown School sixth graders are the ones to beat.

In the past six years, they’ve only conceded the student v. staff charity basketball game once. One year the two teams tied.

For the seventh annual matchup on March 20, both teams say they have a shot at the win.

“We’re hoping to do better this year,” said physical education teacher Chad Cabeceiras.

Around 15 staff members have signed up to take the court, more than the usual 10 to 12. The competition will be stiff, however, with almost 50 students planning to participate.

Cabeceiras and fellow teacher Mike Bowman have been working with kids after school to help them get ready for the game.

“We’ll give them all the help they need until that ball gets tipped off,” said Cabeceiras. “They are showing a lot of energy. They can be a pretty competitive group and they’re fast.”

Said Bowman, “There’s some skilled players that play in very competitive leagues. They’re a close-knit group that have played together for a long time.”

Molly Janiki said she’s ready for an intense game against her teachers, but she believes the sixth grade class will be able to keep up its winning streak.

“We’re going to beat them,” Molly said, though she acknowledged it wouldn’t be easy.

Will Stark said he and his teammates have already been psyching out their somewhat taller competition.

“We talk with teachers, joke around, trash talking,” said Will. “We’re ready.”

On game day, the students will be coached by Asst. Principal Kevin Tavares, “the most winningest coach at OHS.”

But the game isn’t all about who takes home bragging rights. The event is a way to collect donations for the St. Vincent DePaul Food Pantry in New Bedford and to raise money for the PTA. Everyone must bring a canned good or cash donation for admission.

Having outgrown the OHS and junior high gyms, the game will be at the Old Rochester Regional High School gym, and Cabeceiras hopes many from the community will come support the cause.

“We’re hoping to have our biggest year,” he said. “The kids are really into it.”

Doors open at 6 p.m. on March 20 and the game starts at 6:30 p.m.