Italy stomps Menard for Area Championship

Image: On the road to victory — Dontavius and Diamond, along with the “Spirit Squad,” show Gladiator fans where the team is headed.

On the road to victory — Dontavius and Diamond, along with the “Spirit Squad,” show Gladiator fans where the team is headed. (Barry Byers)

Image: The Gladiator Faithful — Karen, Kristi and Birdie, the Ladies behind the Legends.

The Gladiator Faithful — Karen, Kristi and Birdie, the Ladies behind the Legends. (Barry Byers)

Image: Kristi & Other — Just kidding, Coach. Kristi and Kyle make a pretty good team themselves.

Kristi & Other — Just kidding, Coach. Kristi and Kyle make a pretty good team themselves. (Barry Byers)

Image: Gladiators in 3D — Dontavius, Desmond and Diamond.

Gladiators in 3D — Dontavius, Desmond and Diamond. (Barry Byers)

Image: Ready to play — Diamond, John and Jasenio get ready to climb aboard the bus and head to Dublin, Texas to take on Menard for the Area Championship.

Ready to play — Diamond, John and Jasenio get ready to climb aboard the bus and head to Dublin, Texas to take on Menard for the Area Championship. (Barry Byers)

Image: Cousins of Chaos — The “Cousins of Chaos,” Desmond and Jasenio keep their emotions in check before the game.

Cousins of Chaos — The “Cousins of Chaos,” Desmond and Jasenio keep their emotions in check before the game. (Barry Byers)

Image: We got spirit! — The Italy student body forms spirit lines to cheer for the team as they exit the parking lot.

We got spirit! — The Italy student body forms spirit lines to cheer for the team as they exit the parking lot. (Barry Byers)

Image: We schooled Menard — Dontavius and Diamond give an early sign as to who was about to win the Area Championship.

We schooled Menard — Dontavius and Diamond give an early sign as to who was about to win the Area Championship. (Barry Byers)

Image: Jas and Des text — Jas: Are you as excited as I am? Des: Absolutely!

Jas and Des text — Jas: Are you as excited as I am? Des: Absolutely! (Barry Byers)

Image: Picture perfect! — Italy’s Cheerleaders certainly brighten up the old gold with their beautiful smiles.

Picture perfect! — Italy’s Cheerleaders certainly brighten up the old gold with their beautiful smiles. (Barry Byers)

Image: Loading up — Several Italy fans stop off in Hico, Texas for a bite to eat before the game in Dublin, Texas.

Loading up — Several Italy fans stop off in Hico, Texas for a bite to eat before the game in Dublin, Texas. (Barry Byers)

Image: The Morrisons — The Morrisons take a break on their way to Dublin, Texas to support the team.

The Morrisons — The Morrisons take a break on their way to Dublin, Texas to support the team. (Barry Byers)

Image: Road trip! — Anna, Alyssa, Katie, Morgan and Shelbi share some laughs before the Gladiators served Menard a 65-56 loss.

Road trip! — Anna, Alyssa, Katie, Morgan and Shelbi share some laughs before the Gladiators served Menard a 65-56 loss. (Barry Byers)

Image: Taking it all in — This future Gladiator absorbs the moment hoping to get his shot at State someday.

Taking it all in — This future Gladiator absorbs the moment hoping to get his shot at State someday. (Barry Byers)

Image: Rodgers leads — Diamond sparkled Friday night in Dublin, Texas helping his Gladiators bring home the Area Championship.

Rodgers leads — Diamond sparkled Friday night in Dublin, Texas helping his Gladiators bring home the Area Championship. (Barry Byers)

Image: Fans in full force — Italy fans anxiously await the tip-off between Italy and Menard.

Fans in full force — Italy fans anxiously await the tip-off between Italy and Menard. (Barry Byers)

Image: Isaac rises — The 6’ 3" Logan McSherry was no match for the hops of Italy’s #10 John Isaac.

Isaac rises — The 6’ 3" Logan McSherry was no match for the hops of Italy’s #10 John Isaac. (Barry Byers)

Image: Critical moment — Coach Holley settles his players as they prepare to finish off the Yellow Jackets.

Critical moment — Coach Holley settles his players as they prepare to finish off the Yellow Jackets. (Barry Byers)

Image: Close game — Menard stayed close but Italy stayed focused on the prize.

Close game — Menard stayed close but Italy stayed focused on the prize. (Barry Byers)

Image: Yelling support — Fans and cheerleaders were yelling support to the Italy players all game.

Yelling support — Fans and cheerleaders were yelling support to the Italy players all game. (Barry Byers)

Image: John attacks — Italy’s #10 John Isaac splits the Menard big men for a score.

John attacks — Italy’s #10 John Isaac splits the Menard big men for a score. (Barry Byers)

Image: Isaac lays it on the line — John helps put the finishing touch on a Gladiator victory.

Isaac lays it on the line — John helps put the finishing touch on a Gladiator victory. (Barry Byers)

Image: Jasenio reads — Sophomore point guard #11 Jasenio “Beast” Anderson was unleashed against the Yellow Jackets.

Jasenio reads — Sophomore point guard #11 Jasenio “Beast” Anderson was unleashed against the Yellow Jackets. (Barry Byers)

Image: Shooting one more — Jasenio came through in the clutch drawing fouls and hitting his free throws late in the game.

Shooting one more — Jasenio came through in the clutch drawing fouls and hitting his free throws late in the game. (Barry Byers)

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