IYAA Basketball squads perform in front of a packed crowd in Italy this past Saturday. Parking and seating was scarce as Hillsboro and Italy fans cheered on area youth who put it all on the line this weekend.

Game 1
Italy 8 (Coed 1st, 2nd) coached by Scott Rogers took on Hillsboro Navy Blue to tip-off the days events. Italy’s Hannah Haight put in 5-points and Hannah Baxter added 2-points in a valiant effort. Unfortunately, Hillsboro Navy Blue apparently had their Wheaties this morning tilting the scoreboard 24-9 in their favor.

Game 2
The 2nd game featured Italy 10 (Coed 1st, 2nd) coached by Michele Petry vs Hillsboro Red. Italy, led by Jace McIntyre (11-points) and Cason Roberts (9-points) propelled Italy to 23-11 victory. Jacob Wiser hit a free throw and Kreana Hurtt added 2-points to help Italy build a 19-9 halftime lead.

Game 3
Italy 9 (Coed 1st, 2nd) coached by Michelle Stephens challenged Hillsboro Maroon in a close contest. Italy trailed 10-5 after the 1st period, but “Stephens’s Stars” took a 17-12 lead into the break. Italy’s Taron “The Talent” Smith was unstoppable scoring all 30 of Italy’s points including a 3-pointer. Italy’s Jaylon Davis, Ricky Pendleton, C.C. Jones, Virginia Stephens and Kaylea Davis helped to hold back the Hillsboro Maroon’s shooters to secure Italy’s 30-24 victory giving them a 3-0 record.

Game 4
Italy 14 (Girls 3rd, 4th) coached by Tina Haight squared off with Italy 13 coached by Elizabeth Evans. An Italy vs Italy game is always intense and this matchup didn’t dissapoint. Italy 13 only led at the half 11-7 but blew the game open in the second half to win 26-11. Brycelen Richards powered the Italy 14 scoring effort with 3-points along with 2-points from Bailee Coffman and 2-points from Brooke Deborde. Charisma Anderson put in 13-points to lead Italy 13 to their third win in three games.

Game 5
Italy 19 (Boys 3rd, 4th) coached by Misty Escamilla tangled with Italy 18 coached by Jordan Hugghins. Italy’s 18’s David Delahoya put in 3-points to help his squad but Tylan Wallace led the way for Italy 19 scoring 7-points ensuring another win for Coach Escamilla.

Game 6
The highly anticipated matchup between Italy 23 (Girls 5th, 6th) coached by Barry Byers and Italy 24 coached by Michelle Walton showcased two talented Italy squads. Both squads were missing players so all the girls had to push themselves to the limit. Lillie Perry shouldered the scoring for Italy 24 with 5-points. An under-the-weather Tara Wallis gutted it out for Italy 23 before exiting in the 4th period. Wallis managed 10-points to go with 6-points by Jaclynn Lewis to help out point Italy 24, 25-17. Coach Byers’s “Girls In Gold” are now 3-0.

Game 7
Italy 28 Boys (Boys 5th, 6th) coached by Ken Norwood competed against Hillsboro Maroon. Italy 28 led by Ken Norwood, Jr., who put in 12-points, defeated Hillsboro Maroon 36-25. Italy’s Kevin Johnson and Christian Gatlin added 7-points each for Coach Norwood as well.

Game 8
Italy 29 Boys (5th, 6th) coached by Shedrick Walker collided with Hillsboro Blue on Saturday. Italy 29, led by point guard J.T. Escamilla (10-points), outscored Hillsboro Blue by 2-points to win 25-23. Escamilla had a little help from his friends as Italy’s Lamondre Johnson hit 4-points and Tony Wilson added 3-points to help Italy post a 2-1 record.

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.