Italy 7th graders rematch the Hampton Phoenix

Barry Byers Posted January 28, 2009 7:30pm Italy Gladiator Basketball

Image: Carson Corners — Italy’s #1 Eric “Flash” Carson turns the corner after getting a screen set by teammate #12. Unfortunately, Italy’s 7th grade boys were unable to get over the hump as they lose 41-27 to the Hampton Eagles. — Carson Corners — Italy’s #1 Eric “Flash” Carson turns the corner after getting a screen set by teammate #12. Unfortunately, Italy’s 7th grade boys were unable to get over the hump as they lose 41-27 to the Hampton Eagles. (Barry Byers)

1st Game – 7th Girls
The Italy Lady Gladiators stayed close to the Hampton Phoenix thanks to a free throw by #4 Ryisha Copeland and a basket inside by #14 Taylor Turner. A 3-pointer by Hampton’s #34 to start the game and a layup before the end of the 1st period gave the Phoenix a 6-3 lead.

Hampton held our gals down in the 2nd denying Italy any points. At the 5:12 mark, Hampton’s #23 got things going for her squad as Hampton ran off 10-straight points to take a 16-3 halftime advantage.

Halftime

Hampton remained stingy in the 3rd period as well. When Italy wasn’t getting their shot blocked by Hampton, the ball wasn’t about to drop in either. On the other end, Hampton put in another 10-unanswered points and built a 20-3 lead to take into the last period.

Needless to say, the Italy 7th Girls lose to Hampton one more time. The effort is there but sometimes things just don’t go your away. Don’t worry Italy fans, our girls have plenty of spirit and will undoubtedly rewrite a better ending the next time they step on the hardwood.

2nd Game – 7th Boys
The Hampton Phoenix picked up where they left off after the last meeting with Italy. Hampton came out on fire and it looked like it might be another blow-out win for the Phoenix as they took an early 13-4 advantage.

Italy’s #3 Trey Robertson rallied his team by scoring 6-points in the 2nd period. Italy went on to outscore Hampton 9-points to 5 in the 2nd, but Hampton still had the edge at the break leading 18-13.

Halftime

Italy came out more aggressive in the 3rd period. Led by the hustling #3 Trey Robertson (7-points in the 3rd) the Gladiators pulled within 1-point of Hampton 23-22. Unfortunately, Hampton’s #0 J. Jefferson heated up again and starting scorching the nets to give Hampton a 29-22 going into the final period.

Italy managed only 5-points total in the 4th. Point guard #1 Eric Carson hit a free throw, #14 Zain Byers scored down low and Darol Mayberry added 2-more points. However, Hampton’s Jefferson kept pouring points in and Italy looses for the second time to the Hampton Phoenix 41-27.

Italy Scoring:
3-Trey Robertson, 13-points
1-Eric Carson, 5-points
33-Darol Mayberry, 4-points
12- [Name Withheld], 2-points
14-Zain Byers, 2-points
41-Bailey Walton, 1-point

Hampton Scoring:
0-J. Jefferson, 26-points
23-H. Lilly, 12-points
10-J. Roberson, 3-points

No Pressure — Mayberry shrugs off the pressure from a Hampton defender and releases another 3-point attempt. (Barry Byers)

Carson Cuts — Italy’s #1 Eric Carson is so fast that he can turn out the lights and be in bed at home before the dome gets dark. (Barry Byers)

Darol from Downtown — Mayberry has the green light but there was no stopping Hampton as they beat Italy 41-27. (Barry Byers)

Walton Was Fouled — Italy’s #41 Bailey Walton goes to the line and makes a free throw against Hampton. (Barry Byers)

Surrounded — Eric Carson #1 has these four players from Hampton surrounded. (Barry Byers)

Byers Elevates His Game — Italy’s #14 Zain Byers levitates in the lane for a score but it was Hampton who floated away with the win 41-27. (Barry Byers)

“Flash” Snaps A Shot — A picture perfect #1 Eric Carson zooms in on the hoop. (Barry Byers)

Mayberry Shoots — Italy’s #33 Darol Mayberry rises over a Hampton defender as teammate #13 Justin Wood moves in for the rebound. (Barry Byers)

Carson Pulls Up — Italy’s Eric Carson #1 stops on a dime and pulls up for the jumpshot. (Barry Byers)

Trey for Two — Italy’s #3 Trey Robertson goes up and over Hampton defenders for a score. (Barry Byers)

Turner Goes Straight In — Taylor Turner #14 powers her way through the heart of the Phoenix defense. (Barry Byers)

Ole’ — Italy’s #4 Ryisha Copleand puts a some salsa on this shot. (Barry Byers)

Pass Block — Monserrat Figueroa #31 and a teammate try to slow down the Hampton fast break. (Barry Byers)

Figueroa Fights For It — Monserrat Figueroa #31 battles for the basketball with a Hampton defender. (Barry Byers)

Figueroa Focuses — Italy’s #31 Monserrat Figueroa blocks everything out concentrates completely on the basket. (Barry Byers)

Harper’s Ready — Italy’s #5 Ashley Harper is ready to pounce at the bounce of the ball. (Barry Byers)

Turner Takes ‘Em On — Italy’s #14 Taylor Turner tries to make a post move in the paint. (Barry Byers)

Copeland Shoots — Italy’s #4 Ryisha Copeland rockets a shot at the goal. (Barry Byers)

Seeing The Floor — Italy’s #4 Ryisha Copeland scans the court for an open teammate. (Barry Byers)

Jesica Jumps — Italy’s #21 Jesica Wilkins goes up strong against a Hampton defender. (Barry Byers)

Letting It Fly — Italy’s #2 Bernice Haley let’s it fly against the Phoenix. (Barry Byers)

Enjoying The Game — Italy’s #14 Taylor Turner’s parents Ronda and Paul Cockerham enjoyed watching Taylor and her teammates give it their all against Hampton. (Barry Byers)