IYAA tips-off 2009 basketball season

Image: Taking A Shot — Italy 23’s Jaclynn Lewis, Tylar Wilson, Madison Washington and K’Breona Davis prepare to rebound against Hillsboro Black during first week action. Games were hosted by the IYAA at the legendary Old Italy Gym this past Saturday.

Taking A Shot — Italy 23’s Jaclynn Lewis, Tylar Wilson, Madison Washington and K’Breona Davis prepare to rebound against Hillsboro Black during first week action. Games were hosted by the IYAA at the legendary Old Italy Gym this past Saturday. (Kelly Lewis)

Game 1
The Old Italy Gym – The 1st game featured Italy 4 (Coed 1st, 2nd) coached by Michelle Petry vs Hillsboro Blue. Italy, led by the hustling Cason Roberts, had a 5-4 lead at halftime. Before the end of the 3rd, however, Hillsboro jumped ahead 16-6 by the end of the 3rd period then went on to win 26-10.

Game 2
Italy 5 (Coed 1st, 2nd) coached by Michele Stephens battled Hillsboro Black. Italy, led by #18 Taron Smith, proved to tough to handle for Hillsboro Black as Smith racked up over 25-Points on Italy’s way to a 32-21 victory.

Game 3
Italy 8 (Coed 1st, 2nd) coached by Scott Rogers stumbled out of the gate losing to Hillsboro Red.

Game 4
Italy 23 Girls (5th, 6th) coached by Barry Byers challenged Hillsboro Black in their season opener. A talented Italy squad, led by “twin” towers Jaclynn Lewis and Madison Washington, as well as the court terror Tara Wallis (15-points), overwhelmed Hillsboro Black 37-17.

Game 5
Italy 29 Boys (5th, 6th) coached by Shedrick Walker clashed with Italy 27 Boys coached by Andi Windham in a contest that wasn’t decided until the final seconds. Italy 29, led by point guard J.T. Escamilla, outlasted Italy 27, led by the slick shooting Ty Windham, to win a close one 24-22.

All the Italy squads that traveled to Hillsboro for the season opener reportedly did very well with Italy being victorious in all their games.

All the Italy squads will play again next Saturday, some games will be in Italy and others in Hillsboro. Check with coaches for copies of season schedules and practice times.

IYAA Sports, “The winning tradition starts here.”