Italy vs Itasca…enough said.

Barry Byers Posted February 2, 2009 4:30pm Italy Gladiator Basketball

Image: Italy VS Itasca — Italy traveled to Itasca on Thursday night to make a statement on the basketball court. Although the game was very exciting, it was Itasca who had the last word defending their floor 62-59. — Italy VS Itasca — Italy traveled to Itasca on Thursday night to make a statement on the basketball court. Although the game was very exciting, it was Itasca who had the last word defending their floor 62-59. (Anne Sutherland)

What can you say other than, “Wow!” Itasca vs Italy has always been and still is one of the areas most heated rivalries. At the same time, the memories a player carries with them from playing in the Italy vs Itasca rivalry can last a lifetime. I’m certain we fans, who witnessed the football game this past season between these two powerhouses, won’t be forgetting that one anytime soon ourselves. Thursday night was no different as both schools laid it on the line battling to the very end.

Italy controlled the tip but little else in the at the beginning of the game. Itasca led by #3 D. Mayberry, who hit a 3-pointer in the 1st period, was obviously determined to defend their home floor against their arch nemesis the Italy Gladiators. Italy’s #2 Heath Clemons, #11 Jasenio Anderson, #12- Aaron Thomas and #21 Colton Campbell each scored a bucket in the period, but Itasca jumped out to an 14-8 advantage going into the 2nd.

The two teams equalled each other in the 2nd period. Italy’s J. Anderson put in 7-points for the Gladiators establishing himself as the man Itasca would have to contain. However, it was #10 John Isaac who introduced himself to the Wampus Cats by powering in 8-points, including a slam dunk, that got Italy fans on their feet.

Itasca kept pouring in the points as well, drilling four 3-pointers in the period. Itasca was starting to get to the free throw line as Italy was tacked with several fouls. Despite Itasca’s 10-free throw opportunities in the 2nd, both squads managed 18-points before the period ended. Unfortunately, for Gladiator fans, Itasca held on to the lead 32-26 going in to the break.

Halftime

Italy came out of the locker room confident as five seperate Italy players scored points in the 3rd period. Italy’s Isaac put in another 8-points and #21 Colton Campbell rained in a 3-pointer to help Italy total 18-points in the period. Despite Itasca’s #3 D. Mayberry hitting three of his five 3-pointers in the 3rd, the Wampus Cats only added 15-points to their side of the scoreboard. It was enough, however, to give Itasca a 47-44 advantage into the final period.

The Gladiators broke the huddle ready to start the 4th. Thanks to 4-points more by Isaac and a clutch 3-pointer by H. Clemons, Italy battled back to tie the game 53-53 at the 3:15 mark.

Italy fans were up and cheering as Italy’s J. Anderson tried to close the game out for the Gladiators. Itasca was allowed another 10-free shots in the 4th, but with the game on the line, J. Anderson nailed a late 3-pointer to give Italy a chance. However, a bucket in the final seconds by Itasca’s #5 M. Marshall gave Itasca a 3-point lead 62-59. Italy’s 3-point attempt to tie the game fell short and the Wampus Cats defend their home floor by a few whiskers, 62-59.

It’s not unheard of for both Italy and Itasca fans to get overly worked up when our two teams meet. Unfortunately, some unruly fans had to be escorted from the game Thursday night. It’s important we support all our teams with passion but not to the point we become distractions to the players, coaches and referees.

Italy Head Coach Kyle Holley stated the following response when asked about his thoughts on the disappointing but exciting close game. “I thought our kids played well. It was a very big game and a hostile environment, and for the most part, I thought our kids responded very well.”

Fouls: Italy 20 – Itasca 6

Italy Scoring:
18-John Isaac, 18-points
11-Jasenio Anderson, 17-points
2-Heath Clemons, 13-points
21-Colton Campbell, 5-points
4-Diamond Rodgers, 3-points
33-Darrin Moore, 3-points

Itasca Scoring:
3-D. Mayberry, 20-points
4-M. Rice, 3-points
5-M. Marshall, 14-points
12-D. Guy, 16-points
11-J. J. Boralez, 8-points

Tip-Off — Everyone was up for this one as the Italy Gladiators started off by winning the tip-off but it was Itasca that won the game 62-59. (Anne Sutherland)

Heath Clemons — Italy’s #2 Heath Clemons lays the ball in for two of his 13-points. (Anne Sutherland)

Darrin Moore guards Itasca — Italy’s #33 Darrin Moore tries to take the ball from a Wampus Cat. (Anne Sutherland)

Colton Campbell Works — Italy’s #21 Colton Campbell tries to keep stride with an Itasca Wampus Cat. (Anne Sutherland)

Colton Collides — Italy’s Campbell collides with a runaway Cat. (Anne Sutherland)

Colton D’s Up — Italy’s defense kept the game close although Itasca got to the foul line 15 times which potentially gave them almost 30 free shots. (Anne Sutherland)

Gladiator power — The Gladiators unite to start the 2nd half down by 6-points. (Anne Sutherland)

Heath and Jasenio — Italy’s half court trap kept Itasca in check. (Anne Sutherland)

Colton puts it in for three — Campbell scored 5-points against Itasca but the Gladiators lost by 3, 62-59. (Anne Sutherland)

Standing tall — The Gladiators almost conquered the Cats on Itasca’s home floor. (Anne Sutherland)

Jasenio goes up — Italy’s #11 Jasenio Anderson dropped in 17-points against Itasca, but in the end, it wasn’t enough as the Wampus Cats won 62-59. (Anne Sutherland)

Heath Combats — Coach Mayberry urges on his troops during the heated battle with Itasca. (Anne Sutherland)

Coach gives directions — Italy Head Coach Kyle Holley was more like a war general Thursday night. However, this battle would go to Itasca, as the Wampus Cats won a close contest 62-59. (Anne Sutherland)