IYAA’s Monday games were a slam dunk

Barry Byers Posted March 11, 2009 7:20am IYAA Basketball

Image: Victory is ours — Head Coach Elizabeth Evans and her girls show team spirit as they hang on to win 26-25 and go undefeated two seasons in a row. — Victory is ours — Head Coach Elizabeth Evans and her girls show team spirit as they hang on to win 26-25 and go undefeated two seasons in a row. (Barry Byers)

Congratulations to Coach Elizabeth Evans and her 3rd and 4th Grade Girls squad for finishing their second season in a row undefeated. Italy Gold had to earn this one after Italy White’s Bryclin Richards tied the game at 24-24. Italy Gold’s #12 responded with a score after grabbing an offensive rebound with 12 seconds remaining in the contest. Italy White made it to the free throw line with 2 seconds left but only banked in 1-of-2 from the line and Italy Gold held on for a 26-25 victory preserving their two year, undefeated streak.

Also, congrats to Coach Ken Norwood and the “Norwood Net-poppers” for successfully completing an undefeated season as well. After leading 34-20 heading into the 4th quarter, Coach Andi Windham’s, Italy White team, rallied late to close the gap. However, Norwoods team held on against playmakers, Ty Windham and Ryan Connor, to win 35-31 and remain undefeated.

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Haight hoops — Italy White was intent on making a statement Monday night. (Barry Byers)

Annie & Brycelin — Annie Perry & Brycelin Richards head up the court. (Barry Byers)

Going for it — It was no boy’s land under the basket when these two Italy girls teams were battling. (Barry Byers)

Anxious — Bryclin Richards tries to keep her emotions in check sensing a chance for her team to pull off the upset. (Barry Byers)

Cuties in the crowd — These darlings are enjoying the action on the court. (Barry Byers)

Shouting encouragement — The game was too intense to even relax during a water break. (Barry Byers)

Brycelin powers — Brycelin Richards tries to power up to the basket. Richards later hit a shot to tie the game 24-24. (Barry Byers)

Coach Holden — Coach Shawn Holden helps his girls get a handle on the moment. (Barry Byers)

A needed break — These defensive daredevils take a deserved break from the action. (Barry Byers)

We did it! — Coach Evan’s team celebrates their second straight undefeated season. (Barry Byers)

Posing for the press — Basking in the glory of a 26-25 win. (Barry Byers)

The boys await — Levi, Ty and Thomas relax before their game. (Barry Byers)

Connor concentrates — Ryan Connor drops in a free shot for Italy White. (Barry Byers)

The Commissioner’s crew — IYAA Basketball Commissioner Glen McClendon checks on his “peeps” before the game. (Barry Byers)

Thomas takes a shot — Thomas practices free shots before the game. (Barry Byers)

Calm coaches — Coach Andrea Windham, her daughter Drew Windham and Coach Scott Connor takes some deep breaths before the contest begins. (Barry Byers)

Nice form — Italy Gold practices free shots at halftime. (Barry Byers)

Taking a breather — Italy Gold was holding their breath late in the game but held on to win. (Barry Byers)

Got water? — Sometimes one water bottle just isn’t enough. (Barry Byers)

Eyeing the prize — Italy White stayed focused and mounted a late comeback. (Barry Byers)

The triple double — Head Coach Ken Norwood and his two sons are three of a kind. (Barry Byers)

Practice pays off — Guess who made her first free shot of the season! (Barry Byers)

We play for the IYAA — The end of the 2009 season may be drawing near, however, the winning tradition always starts here, in the IYAA. (Barry Byers)