The 13U Ascension Jaguars competed in the Division I Nationals June 28 - July 5 in Memphis against 108 teams battling for the right to call themselves National Champions.  

Ascension opened the tournament by defeating Maryland’s state runner-ups Mt. Royal/Baltimore Elite 53-52 on an last second free throw by Jaquel Gant after trailing 32-12 at halftime. 

The Jaguars then defeated the Florida Gold Coast Champions, the Hollywood Buccaneers, 65-47 and the Kansas Players 58-56 to advance to the championship bracket with three wins in pool play.

Ascension took a 51-50 victory over Florida State Champions, Florida Select Basketball when Patrick Thompson Jr. hit a contested 3-pointer with seven seconds remaining.

The Jaguars defeated the Tennessee Tigers 56-52 in the second round despite trailing by as many as 16 points.

Ascension fell to the United Stars from North Carolina, the third ranked in the nation, 76-54, in the third round and dropped into the loser’s bracket.

The Jaguars fell to the Juice All-Stars from New York 72-52 and finished the season with a 35-11 record and a Top 20 finish in the AAU National Tournament.

Along the way, the Jaguars won three tournament championships and finished runner-up in two others. 

The 13U Jaguars would like to thank all the players, parents and coaches who supported them this season. 

The Jaguars would like to give special thanks to their sponsors who made this season possible: Eatel, Dutchtown Pharmacy, Ralph's Supermarket, T-N-T Gas Station, CF Industries and Harvest Supermarket. 

Ascension would also like to thank East Ascension High School, Gonzales Middle School, Dutchtown High School and Dutchtown Middle School for allowing them to utilize their practice facilities. 

The team was coached by Brian Young, Lane Frederic and Ernest Bringier.  Team members are Ja'Cardo Hawkins, Deandre Darville, Jarred Adams, Patrick Thompson, Jr., Tyler Briley, Erin Bringier, Nicholas Whalen, Samuel Morris, Marvin Roberts, Jr, Jalen Watts, Tyras Thompson, Jaquel Gant and Charvon Julien.