IYAA basketball is still rolling in Week 5
IYAA families and friends piece together a winning tradition — Top row: IYAA President Jason Escamilla gives it a shot, 5th & 6th grade boys Coach Andrea Windham, the Commissioners son, #19 Lance McClendon, takes aim; Bottom row: #9 Jason Escamilla shows his form, the lovely Mrs. Cochran has always done her part for the IYAA; Far right: IYAA standout, Ty Windham, takes a moment with photographers (Barry Byers)
The Old Italy Gym – The IYAA is a fun time for families and friends to come together and enjoy exciting youth sports. IYAA Basketball is a perfect example of this with Week 5 now in the books.
Game 1
Italy 8 (Coed 1st, 2nd) coached by Scott Rogers took on Italy 5 (Coed 1st, 2nd) coached by Michele Stephens. Taron Smith #18 earned 37-points along with a bucket from lil’ bro Ricky Pendleton #21, helping Italy 5 win 39-9. Italy 8’s Bryce DeBorde #4 scored 1-point, Hannah Haight #19 scored 3-points, #20 Ethan Rogers scored 3-points and #11 Isaac Garcia added 1-point for their cause.
Game 2
Italy 19 Girls (Boys 3rd, 4th) coached by Misty Escamilla challenged Hillsboro Royal Blue. A talented Italy 19 squad was led by James McIntyre. #2 and Tylan Wallace #24 with both scoring 7-points each. Michael Hughes #18 added 3-points and Gary Escamilla #5 scored 2-points but Italy 19 came up short against Hillsboro 24-22.
Game 3
Italy 23 (5th, 6th girls) coached by Barry Byers, the “Girls In Gold” as they call themselves, were unstoppable once again against Hillsboro Red. Before the action began, the G.I.G.s made all 8 of there free throws earning 7 -points. Led by the talented Tara Wallis (14-points), Italy 23 won 42-11. The rest of the point-makers were Madison Washington, 12-points, Jaclynn Lewis, 9-points, Hannah Washinton, 3-points, Tylar Wilson, 1-point, Jennifer McDaniel, 1-point, McKenzie Davis, 1-point and Kabreona Davis 1-point. Italy 23 has a 5-0 record.
Game 4
Italy 29 (Girls 5th, 6th) coached by Michelle Walton had a rematch with Hillsboro Black. Italy 29 had an aggressive offensive attack but missed several shots. Hillsboro held on to win by 3-points over Italy 29 once again, 23-20. Italy 29’s, point guard, Lillie Perry scored 8-points and center Janae Robertson scored 7-points. Raven Harper scored 3-points and Bailey DeBorde added 1-point for “Walton’s Warriors.”
Game 5
Italy 27 (5th, 6th) coached by Andrea Windham defeated Hillsboro Maroon 26-18. Italy 27 was powered by Ryan “The Threat” Connor who went for 8-points and skilled point guard Ty Windham who hit 7-points. Caden Petry scored 2-points, Colton Petry added 1-point, Levi McBride hit a bucket and Noah Ramirez made 1-point in the winning effort.
Game 6
The last game featured Italy 28 (5th, 6th +1) coached by Ken Norwood vs Italy 29 Boys (5th, 6th) coached by Shedrick Walker. Italy 28 led 35-15 after the 3rd period. However, in the 4th, Italy 29 outscored Norwood’s team 16-4 to make it interesting.
Unfortunately for Coach Walker, the damage had already been done and “Norwoods Net Poppers” held on for a 39-31 victory. Italy 28’s Kevin johnson #12 scored 13-points, Kenneth Norwood #23 scored 7-points, Christian Gatlin #16 made 7-points and Kendrick Norwood #6 (4th Grader) scored 6-points, including a 3-pointer.
Lamondre Johnson led the Italy 29 scoring effort with 8-points. Cody Boyd #20 scored 6-points, Tony Wilson #21 scored 5-points, John Escamilla scored 5-points and Lance McClendon added 4-points for Coach Walker.
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.