Jaydin Lamin takes an open layup during the game.
The young athlete from Davenport Williams put up six points Thursday night as players from both teams continued a tradition of inclusion
MUSCATINE, Iowa — Some stories deserve a sequel. Thursday night at Susan Clark Junior High, the 8th grade basketball game against Davenport Williams Middle School delivered one.
Jaydin Lamin, the student-athlete with Down syndrome who captured hearts last February with a full-court layup cheered on by both teams, returned to the Muscatine gym. This time, he put up six points while players from both squads once again made sure he had every opportunity to shine.
For those who remember last year’s viral moment, the scene felt familiar. Players encouraging Jaydin. Fans on their feet. A gym full of people witnessing something bigger than basketball.
His mother, Jasmine Lamin, noted that the evening almost started differently. “He was having kind of a tired day,” she shared. “But as soon as I told him he got to go play, he got so excited.”
That excitement showed on the court.
When Muscatine’s Wyatt Anderson saw Lamin check into the game, Guy heard him call out: “I’ve got 0” — Jaydin’s jersey number. She immediately recognized him as the same player who had guarded her son during last year’s memorable game.
“I’ve got 0.”
What followed was a masterclass in competitive kindness. Anderson appeared to defend Jaydin closely, selling the contest while quietly ensuring his opponent had clear looks at the basket. The approach worked. Jaydin found his shots and the crowd found its voice.
When asked after the game if that number 3 was any good at defense, Jaydin flashed a big smile, laughed, and delivered a one-word scouting report: “Nope!”
It was a small moment, but it said everything about the night.
Jaydin has continued to grow as a player over the past year, logging significant court time and showing marked improvement in his game. His love of basketball remains as evident as ever, fueled by a family legacy — his mother played at North High School, his father Alex Lamin-Carr starred at Central.
For the young athletes on both benches Thursday night, inclusion has become instinct. What started as a single memorable moment last February now looks like something more durable: a tradition worth protecting.
The Muskies won handily, but the night’s real victory showed up in a jersey numbered zero — and in the young players who made sure he felt like the most important person on the court.
A video capturing highlights from both years will be available on Discover Muscatine’s Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok pages. You can read last year’s story here.
Jaydin’s Highlights
Full Game Video
