Varsity Boys show Dallas Faith Family no mercy

Barry Byers Posted February 12, 2009 2:15pm Italy Gladiator Basketball

Image: Getting fired up — The Italy Gladiators form their team circle at center court. Italy went on to beat Dallas Faith Family 75-27…bring on Itasca! — Getting fired up — The Italy Gladiators form their team circle at center court. Italy went on to beat Dallas Faith Family 75-27…bring on Itasca! (Anne Sutherland)

ITALY – Once again, Jasenio Anderson was sidelined wearing an ankle brace but is scheduled to see the doctor Wednesday. Even with the Italy rotation altered, it didn’t take Faith Family long to realize they didn’t have a prayer against the mighty Italy Gladiators.

Italy’s #3 Oscar Gonzalez put in 6-points and #33 Darrin Moore scored five of his 20-points, including the first of four 3-pointers, in the opening quarter. Italy also hit 3-of-4 free shots to take an early 20-4 lead over Dallas Faith Family.

In the 2nd, six different Gladiator players scored in the quarter. Moore led the attack with two, 3-pointers. Gonzalez along with #2 Heath Clemons, #11 Jase Holden and #2 Ryan Ashcraft each scored a bucket. #10 John Isaac made 3-points total and Italy led at halftime 37-8.

Halftime

Dallas Faith Family doubled their 1st half score in the 3rd to 16. However, the Gladiators fueled by three, 3-pointers, hammered in a total of 24-points in the quarter. Moore along with #12 Aaron Thomas and #15 Desmond Anderson each put in a trey. Italy’s #21 Deandre Sephus led all scores in the 3rd with 6-points and the Gladiators went cruising into the final quarter, dominating, 61-16.

Moore’s 6-points in the 4th quarter helped seal the deal for the Gladiators as they win easily 75-27 over Dallas Faith Family. With J. Anderson on the bench nursing his ankle injury, the Italy squad as a whole has gained valuable experience that should serve them well in their rematch with the Itasca Wampus Cats.

The Gladiators will play their last home game against Itasca at 7:30 p.m. on Friday night, in Italy. The previous game between these two ended with Itasca winning by three points, in Itasca. Obviously, home court could be a huge advantage for Italy so get your game paint on Gladiator fans.

Head Coach Kyle Holley realizes the district standings, playoff matchups and bragging rights all hinge on Friday night’s outcome. Coach Holley’s statement says it all, “Itasca will be a tough and emotional game. We won’t know what place we are in until after the game is over.”

Gladiator Scoring:
33-Darrin Moore, 20-points
3-Oscar Gonzalez, 12-points
2-Heath Clemons, 10-points
10-John Isaac, 10-points
21-Deandre Sephus, 8-points
12-Aaron Thomas, 5-points
11-Jase Holden, 5-points
15-Desmond Anderson, 3-points
20-Ryan Ashcraft, 2-points

The Cousins of Chaos — Cousins, Jasenio Anderson and Desmond Anderson, partake in the shootaround session before the game against Dallas Faith Family. (Barry Byers)

The Beast lurks — Beast is sidelined for now…but he’s out there somewhere, plotting his attack. (Barry Byers)

Darrin Moore — Darrin “Butter” Moore lets it fly from one end of Italy all the way to the basket. (Barry Byers)

Moore’s introduced — Darrin “Butter” Moore gets introduced to the fans to start the game against Dallas Faith Family. (Anne Sutherland)

Isaac’s introduced — Starter, #10 John Isaac, receives applause. (Anne Sutherland)

Dontavius is introduced — Senior starter, Dontavius Clemons, gets introduced before the game. (Anne Sutherland)

Coming together — The Gladiators huddle in a display of team unity. (Anne Sutherland)

Turnover — The Gladiator defense forces a turnover. (Anne Sutherland)

Let’s go! — Rodgers, Holden and Ashcraft head into battle. (Anne Sutherland)

Oscar rebounds — Italy’s got this rebound, no problem. (Anne Sutherland)

Coach lends a hand — Thanks to Head Coach Kyle holley, the Gladiators have this Dallas Faith player completely surrounded. (Anne Sutherland)

Wait up! — Dallas Faith players just couldn’t keep up with the running Gladiators attack. (Anne Sutherland)

Jase jumps — Italy’s #11 Jase Holden rises between two defenders. (Anne Sutherland)

Ashcraft attacks — Ryan Ashcraft lays it in. (Anne Sutherland)

Heath hoops — The Gladiator bench has the best view in the Coliseum. (Anne Sutherland)

Diamond fights — Fighting for the rebound is #4 Diamond Rodgers. (Anne Sutherland)

Italy shoots — The high powered Italy offense can score from anywhere at anytime. (Anne Sutherland)

Another basket — Italy’s offense pumps in another 2-points. (Anne Sutherland)

Coach and player — Coach Holley preps #12 Aaron Thomas for action. Aaron is following in his father’s footsteps by playing for the Gladiators. (Anne Sutherland)

Thomas for two — Italy’s #12 Aaron Thomas floats in another bucket for the Gladiators. (Anne Sutherland)

Ready to reload — Here come the reinforcements, Ryan, Jase and Justin. (Anne Sutherland)

Thomas blankets — Italy’s #12 Aaron Thomas blankets the inbound pass. (Anne Sutherland)

Game over — Unfortunately for the Dallas Faith Family players, the other three sides of the scoreboard tell the same story. (Anne Sutherland)