Kerens outscores Italy to win Tournament Championship

Barry Byers Posted January 2, 2009 2:05am Italy Gladiator Basketball

Image: Diamond Shines — Italy’s #4 Diamond Rodgers scores late in the contest against Kerens but the Bobcats come from behind to defeat the Italy Gladiators 69-55 and get crowned the Tournament Champions of the 2008 Kiwanis Classic. — Diamond Shines — Italy’s #4 Diamond Rodgers scores late in the contest against Kerens but the Bobcats come from behind to defeat the Italy Gladiators 69-55 and get crowned the Tournament Champions of the 2008 Kiwanis Classic. (Barry Byers)

Tournament Championship – The Italy Gladiators Jumped out to a 9-1 advantage over the Kerens bobcats to begin the contest. The 1st period was fast and furious with all the breaks and loose balls bouncing Italy’s way. Kerens would eventually get into the game, but thanks to Italy’s #5 Colton Campbell hitting a 3-pointer, the Gladiators still lead 16-11 going into the 2nd period.

Italy is winning 23-11 in the 2nd period when Keren’s makes an 11-0 run. Capped off by an offensive rebound and score by Keren’s #11, the Bobcats pull within 1-point of Italy 23-22, 1:55 remains in the 1st half. At the 1:05 mark, Keren’s #2 scores inside giving the Bobcats the lead 24-23. Campbell hits another 3-point shot for Italy who now leads 26-24. Kerens tries to answer, but Italy’s #4 Diamond Rodgers thunderously blocks the last second attempt and the Gladiators hold on to the 26-24 lead going into the break.

HALFTIME

The lead switches back-and-forth in the opening minutes of the 3rd period. At the 5:28 mark, Kerens gains the upper hand 31-29. Then the Bobcats score the next 8-points before the Gladiators score again at the 2:30 mark to make the game 39-33. Italy’s #3 Oscar Gonzalez would connect on a 3-pointer before the end of the 3rd, but Kerens has the lead going into the final period 43-36.

Kerens begins the 4th period scoring 8 straight points again until Italy’s #11 Jasenio Anderson puts in 1 free throw making the score 53-37, 6:15 remaining. Italy would score 5-points in succession including a 3-pointer from J. Anderson at the 4:42 mark. The score is 53-42 but Keren’s #2 gets fouled trying to finish the fast break. His 2 free throws are good and Kerens leads 55-42. J. Anderson puts in 2 free throws for Italy making the score 55-44 at the 3:52 mark. Later, at the 2:23 mark, Keren’s #11 drives and scores making it 65-47. Italy’s J. Anderson counters by driving into the lane and double pumps for 3-points the hard way and makes the score 65-50, 1:41 left. Kerens continued to fast break and went on to outscore the Italy Gladiators 69-55 to win the 2008 Kiwanis Classic Championship.

Congradulations to Italy’s #11 Jasenio Anderson who was named to the All-Tournament Team for his efforts.

Italy Star Performers:
Player of the Game – #11 Jasenio Anderson, 22-points (Italy high scorer)
Impact Player – #2 Heath Clemons
Most Hustle – #4 Diamond Rodgers (Defensive blocks)
6th Man – #3 Oscar Gonzalez
Best Block – #33 Kyle Wilkins
Playmaker – #20 Darrin Moore

Isaac Shoots Under Fire — Italy’s #10 John Isaac puts a shot up from the corner. (Barry Byers)

Clemons For Two — Italy’s #2 Heath Clemons drives into the lane for a score. (Barry Byers)

Trying To Stop Anderson — Kerens had it’s hands full trying to stop Italy’s #11 Jasenio Anderson. (Barry Byers)

Anderson From The Elbow — Italy’s #11 Jasenio Anderson helps his Gladiators jump out to a 9-1 lead over the Kerens Bobcats. (Barry Byers)

No Turbulance — Italy’s #2 Heath Clemons racked up on frequent flyer miles during the 2008 Kiwanis Classic Basketball Tournament. (Barry Byers)

True To Form — No surprise, Italy’s J. Anderson played well in the Championship game but Kerens’ fast breaking offense eventually ran away with the game. (Barry Byers)

Desmond Lays It Home — Italy’s #15 Desmond Anderson attacks the glass. (Barry Byers)

Hanging Around — Italy’s #11 Jasenio Anderson hangs out with a couple of Kerens defenders on his way to the house. (Barry Byers)

Clemons In The Lane — Italy’s #2 Heath Clemons floats a tear drop over a Kerens defender. (Barry Byers)

Isaac Takes A Fall — Italy’s #10 John Isaac and his Italy Gladiators fall to Kerens 69-55 in the Tournament Championship Game. (Barry Byers)

Halftime Ritual — Gladiators stay loose during the break. (Barry Byers)

Jasenio “Reel Deal” Anderson — The human highlight reel, #11 Jasenio Anderson scores 22-points in the Championship game and is named to the All-Tournament Team. (Barry Byers)

Colton At The Line — Italy’s #5 Colton Campbell earns free throws against Kerens. (Barry Byers)

Colton Looks To Pass — Italy’s #5 Colton Campbell gets into the lane trying to make a play. (Barry Byers)

Anderson Leads Break — Italy Sophomore #11 Jasenio Anderson leads the fast break. (Barry Byers)

Floating On Air — Italy’s #11 Jasenio Anderson manuevers in mid-air for a score against Kerens. (Barry Byers)

Trip To The Line — High flyer #11 Jasenio Anderson (Barry Byers)

Jasenio’s Jump Shot — Italy’s #11 Jasenio Anderson puts up a jumper against Kerens. Anderson scored 22-points in the game. (Barry Byers)

Rally Time — Coach Kyle Holley encourages his squad late in the game. (Barry Byers)

Out Of Reach — A Championship win was just out of reach for the Gladiators. Italy played well but came up short of Kerens at the end 69-55. (Barry Byers)

The Three Bomb — Italy’s #11 Jasenio Anderson fires the cannon in the 2nd half. (Barry Byers)

Gaining Moore-mentum — High flyer #20 Darrin Moore takes off for the goal trying to grab the momentum for Italy. (Barry Byers)

Desmond Dives — The ball rolls beyond the reach of Italy’s #15 Desmond Anderson and the game got out of reach also as Kerens defeated the Gladiators 69-55 in the Tournament Championship game. (Barry Byers)