7th grade girls – Italy’s #10 Kendra Copeland makes a free throw that are Italy’s only points in the 1st period. The Red Oak Life Mustangs lead going into the 2nd period 4-1.

At the 4:28 mark in the 2nd, #21 Jesica Wilkins nails a 3-pointer to tie the game 4-4. ROL’s #25 hits from the left wing making the score 6-4. Then ROL’s #25 makes another basket, at the 1:41mark, increasing the Mustang advantage 8-4.

Italy’s #4 Ryisha Copeland creates a steal just before the half ends and gets 2-points after going to the goal. The score at halftime is ROL still ahead 8-6.

HALFTIME

An inbound pass to ROL’s #40 pushes the Mustang advantage back to 4-point lead, 10-6. Ater a R. Copeland takeaway, Italy inbounds to #14 Taylor Turner for an easy score from the low block and the score is now 10-8, 3:20 left in the 3rd.

ROL is awarded two technical shots and hits both to make the score 12-8. Then ROL’s #31 steals and scores the layup to make it 14-8 with :40 left in the 3rd period. The final seconds of the 3rd tick-off and the score remains 14-8.

In the 4th, ROL scores at the 1:40 mark making the score 16-8 leaving no chance for Italy to make a comeback, right? Italy’s R. Copeland hits a 3-pointer with :45 left, changing the score to 16-11. Then with only seconds left, Italy’s K. Copeland hits a 2-pointer in the lane to narrow the gap 16-13. Unfortunately, time expired on the young Lady Gladiators an that’s were the game ended.

Italy’s Player of the Game – #4 Ryisha Copeland
Most Hustle – #14 Taylor Turner
Big Shots – #21 Jesica Wilkins / #4 Ryisha Copeland

7th grade boys – Probably the most anticipated rematch since Stallone vs Creed in Rocky II, the Italy Gladiators (7th Grade) traded blows once again with Red Oak life. And true to the script, the underdogs came out victorious.

Italy had won the previous matchup over Red Oak Life by 1-point in a game that went all four-rounds to determine the victor. This time around it was over after the first-round as ROL came out swishing!

The Red Oak Life Mustangs broke out of the gate in full stride taking 9-0 lead over Italy after the 1st period.

In the 2nd, Italy’s #13 Justin Wood passed to Robertson making the score 9-2 at the 5:00 mark. ROL puts in the next 4-points to make it 13-2 with 4:10 remaining in the half. Italy’s Eric “Flash” Carson pulls up and cans a jumper on an Italy fast break to make it 13-4. Italy’s Trey Robertson hit’s 1-of-2 free throws to close the gap on ROL 13-5. However, ROL responds and puts in the last 4-points of the half, the score is 17-5 at the break.

HALFTIME

Red Oak Life would run off 10-straight points taking big advantage over Italy 27-5 starting the 3rd period. Carson finally answered for Italy at the 4:08 mark driving and hitting to make it 27-7. Then Carson passes to Italy’s #3 Trey Robertson who hits making the score 27-9, 3:35 left.

At the 3:16 mark, Robertson finishes on the fast break changing the score 27-11. ROL manages to score again and the scoreboard shows ROL leading 29-11. Robertson adds 2 free throws before the end of the 3rd and the score is 29-13, ROL’s lead.

In the 4th, ROL is leading 37-13 before Italy’s #12 Deiondre Cockran makes a deuce with 4:18 left in the contest. The score is now 37-15 and grows to 39-15 after ROL scores again. Italy’s Wood adds a late free throw but ROL puts in one more bucket to win 41-16. The Mustangs avenge their first loss to Italy in impressive fashion.