Ascend Middle School Basketball Builds Community On and Off the Court

On Friday, January 16, Ascend students, families, and staff came together at our Pitkin Campus for an exciting middle school basketball game between two Ascend schools: Brownsville Ascend Middle School and Central Brooklyn Ascend Middle School. The gym was full of energy, school pride, and community support.

More than 50 family members and 50 students were in attendance, cheering loudly for both teams and creating a spirited, welcoming atmosphere.

In the words of Akeem Gooding, Director of the Ascend Basketball Program and Assistant Principal of Operations at Central Brooklyn Ascend Middle School, “Our scholars do so much academically and this supports what they do in the classroom. This is three years in the making and I’m so happy we have this.”

Competition, Teamwork, and School Pride

Ascend athletics give students opportunities to grow beyond the classroom. Through basketball, students build teamwork, discipline, confidence, and leadership while representing their schools with pride.

In addition to playing one another, Ascend middle school teams compete against other Brooklyn-area schools, including Achievement First, KIPP, Hebrew Language Academy, Eagle Academy, and others. These games help students challenge themselves, build sportsmanship, and connect with a broader school community across the borough.

A Celebration of Our Community

The January 16 matchup was more than a game. It was a reminder of what happens when students take the court and families show up to support them. Moments like these strengthen our community and create lasting memories for students and families alike.

We are proud of our student-athletes, coaches, and families who made this night such a success and look forward to many more games this season.