The 14-and-under Natchez Red Devil AAU Basketball team is hoping that the second time’s the charm, rather than waiting around for the third.

The Red Devils are competing in the AAU state tournament this weekend.

Red Devil head coach Barr Brown got AAU&160;basketball started in Natchez last year, and he foresees a very bright future for not only his team, but many other teams to come.

&uot;It was more of a learning experience for the kids than anything else,&uot; Brown said.

Brown said there is no better evidence that AAU&160;basketball is growing in popularity than the fact that this season, there are two Natchez teams.

Michael Calcote and Harrison Knight are coaching a 15-under team, which will also be competing this weekend in Jackson.

Brown has six players returning from last year’s team.

&uot;We went out and scouted the competition last year, and we made the changes that we feel needed to be made, and we are ready,&uot; he said.

&uot;This year, up and down the lineup we feel that we are as just as good as anyone else in the state.&uot;

Members of the 14-under team are Ryan Rachal, Anthony Strauder, Louis McNulty, DaMorris Merrick, Dantrell Minor, Jeffrey Thomas, Mike Williams, Velle Good, Gregory Ketchings and Chase Brown.

Barr Brown is assisted by Greg Ketchings.

&uot;I’m very optimistic about our chances against anyone in the state,&uot;&160;Brown said.

The 15-under team, under Calcote and Knight, consists of Ronald Calcote, Chad Ridley, Brian Williams, Leon Stewart, Victor Harris, Wesley Calvitt, Harrison Knight Jr., Trevell Williams, Garrick Martin, Charles Stevenson and Mike Lickliter.

&uot;We really want to thank our sponsors Natchez Steam Laundry and Eddie James, Joe Stedman, United Mississippi Bank, Concordia Bank and Ken Whittington at State Farm,&uot; Brown said.