As the historic rivalry heated up, the crowd did too. The Jaguar basketball team faced the Tampa Catholic Crusaders last Friday, January 31, in the District Championship.

If the rivalry was not enough, the adrenaline from the crowd would have been sure to bring excitement. The energy in the gym was contagious, and the stands were full of cheering fans.

It was a battle for the books until the Crusaders broke away offensively and upped the Jaguars with a final score of 42-33. The young Academy squad fought until the end, but the Crusader offense outscored them 26-15 in the final half of the match up.

The last time the Jaguars came home as District Champs was in 2003, so the loss was most certainly a disappointment. Though the team did not win, it will still advance to the Regional Tournament beginning this week.

Mrs. Pam Doherty, parent and Director of Admissions at Academy, was stunned that the AHN squad lost. “I was shocked after we beat TC twice in regular season play, so to have them (TC) come to our home court and lose like that was devastating for everyone.”

The Academy team will travel to Lake Placid High School this Thursday, February 7 for the Regional Quarterfinal game.

Best of luck to the Jaguars as they participate in the Regional Quarterfinals!

2012-13 Varsity Basketball Roster

Megan Bajo
Kelli Cartwright
Olivia Diaz
Colleen Doherty
Natalie Hahn
Caroline Kimbler
Siobhan Lynch
Victoria Martinez
Ashley McWilliams
Cristina Snyder
Caroline Swenson
Brianna Wharton