1st Game – 8th Girls
The undefeated Italy Lady Gladiators (8th grade) showed why no team has come close to beating them as they opened with a monstrous first period. Italy, led by #5 Jameka Copeland who scored 6-points in the period, jumped out to a staggering 14-2 advantage.

Italy’s Copeland stayed productive offensively scoring another 4-points in the 2nd period. At the 1:34 mark, Italy’s #21 Chante Birdsong added a layup after stealing the ball as well. Trying to beat the buzzer, Italy’s #40 Katie Byers’s shot missed to the left and Italy led at halftime 20-2.

Halftime

Several Italy players left their mark on the 3rd period including a jumper by #10 Brianna Perry and a layin by #24 Alyssa Richards. Italy headed into the 4th with a commanding 29-2 lead.

Italy added 10-points more in the final minutes to finish off the Hampton Phoenix 39-4.

Italy Scoring:
10-Brianna Perry, 14-points (Player of the Game Award)
5-Jameka Copeland, 10-points (Playmaker Award)
2-Paola Mata, 6-points (Most Hustle)
24-Alyssa Richards, 4-points
21-Chante Birdsong, 3-points
22-Brianna Burkhalter, 2-points (6th Man Award)

Hampton Scoring:
23-B. Seaife, 2-points
J. Mitchelle, 2-points

2nd Game – 8th Boys
The Italy Gladiators (8th grade boys) were defeated by the Hampton Phoenix for the 2nd time this season. Regardless, the boys continue to give it their all no matter the score. With much regret, the Italy Neotribune was unable to have writer attend the game. Fortunately, we do have some pictures from that game over on the left, simply click to view full size photos.