Dublin, Texas – Head coached by Kyle Holley, Italy grabbed their first lead of the game, at the 3:35 mark in the 1st period, to make the score 6-5. Led by Senior #5 Dontavius “D-Man” Clemons and his 8 rebounds in the 1st half, Italy was leading 14-10 after the 1st period.

With a 21-10 lead 3:30 left in the 2nd period, Italy struggled to add to their advantage. Head coached by Jerry McSherry, Menard stole back the momentum navigating through the Gladiators’ full court pressure. The Yellow Jackets stung Italy for 12 straight points to take the lead 22-21, with 1:00 remaining in the 1st half.

Italy’s highflying, #10 John Isaac, made a drive to the hoop drawing a two-shot foul. Isaac, confidently, put in both free throws to regain the lead for the Gladiatiors 23-22. Isaac was sweet as honey Friday night dropping in 30-points against the Yellow Jackets.

Before the half ended, Menard’s #14 Logan McSherry heaved a desperation 3-point shot that fell short but McSherry was able to draw a shooting foul giving him three attempts from the free throw line. McSherry made 2-of-3 free throws to give the Yellow Jacket fans something to cheer about as Menard took a 24-23 lead at the break.

Halftime

Italy wasted no time in the 3rd cranking it up a notch to jump back in front 35-27. Defensively, it was Italy’s big men that defined the 3rd period as Isaac, Dontavius Clemons and Senior #4 Diamond Rodgers each registered blocks against Menard shooters.

Not to be outdone was Italy Senior #15 Desmond Anderson and #33 Darrin Moore as they helped Italy create 20 steals over the course of the game keeping Menard’s offense out of rhythm.

After Italy’s #2 Heath Clemons and Isaac scored off offensive rebounds, Jasenio Anderson scored with 4 seconds remaining in the period making the score 45-38 in favor of the Gladiators.

Menard just wouldn’t give up though and pulled within 2-points of Italy, 51-49 with 4:30 left. After Italy’s Rodgers drew a charging foul against Menard’s #20 John Zamore, Italy’s Jasenio Anderson scored on a drive increasing the Gladiator lead 58-53 at the 1:39 mark.

With the minutes ticking away, however, Menard had to start fouling sending Italy to the line.The Gladiators stepped up and hit the shots they needed to seal the deal 65-56. Finishing off the Yellow Jackets, Jasenio Anderson went 5-of-6 from the free throw line in the 4th period to send the Menard Yellow Jackets back to their hive.

Italy will now rematch their arch nemesis, Itasca, for the Regional Quarterfinal crown on Wednesday, March 4th at 7:00 p.m. in West, Texas. The Gladiators feed off fan support so unpack the pom-poms and loosing up those vocal cords!

Gladiator Stats:
2-Heath Clemons, 10-points, 3-rebs, 2-steals
4-Diamond Rodgers, 2-rebs, 1-steal
5-Dontavius Clemons, 3-points, 11-Rebs, 1-assist
10-John Isaac, 30-points, 2-rebs, 6-steals, 1-assist
11-Jasenio Anderson, 13-points, 3-rebs, 5-steals, 2-assist
13-Colton Campbell, 2-rebs
15-Desmond Anderson, 1-steal
33-Darrin Moore, 9-points, 5-rebs, 5-steals

Menard’s Notable Stats:
14-Logan McSherry (Coach’s son), 17-points, 9-rebs, 1-steal

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