The honored event took place inside the 40th District Court room within the historic Waxahachie Courthouse.

Although Italy finished in 3rd place within their own basketball district, the Gladiators flew like a cannonball past the Clifton Pirates (who finished in 1st place within their district) to claim the Bi-District Championship.

Facing a tough competitor from Menard (who also finished in 1st place within their district) for the Area Championship, Italy made it look easy as they swarmed the Yellowjackets setting up a date with destiny and the Itasca Wampus Cats.

The Gladiators found a way and upset their arch nemesis with a 78-71 victory over the Itasca Wampus Cats who the Gladiators had lost twice to during the season and which happen to be the very team that was the District Champion in Italy’s own division.

The unforgettable victory gave Coach Holley and his team the Quarterfinal Championship and catapulted the seemingly enchanted team to Abilene where they went medieval on the Lindsay Knights taking the Regional Semifinal Championship.

At that point, Italy was three games away from playing for a State title. However, the Gladiators would have to escape Abilene with a win over the Roscoe Plowboys if they were to make it back to Austin for the 1st time since Italy’s 1997 State Championship season.

Unfortunately for the Gladiators, the dinner bell rang and the Roscoe Plowboys ended Italy’s amazing Playoff run before mealtime, well at least by halftime. Roscoe ultimately was declared the 1A Division 1 State Champion after flattening Plains in the State Championship.

Although it ended sooner than we wished in the Regional Final game against Roscoe, the goals reached by Italy’s underdog basketball team will not be forgotten by Gladiator fans. With only three Seniors, they started out a young team in a rebuilding year…they finished as Gladiator Legends.

Congratulations to Coach Holley and the Italy Gladiators who are certainly deserving of any accolades bestowed upon them for their efforts this past season.

Ellis County Commissioner Heath Sims, representing Precinct 3 and on behalf of the Ellis County Commissioners Court, made the following proclamation in honor of the the 2009 Italy Boys Basketball Team. Italy’s players and coaches, beaming with Gladiator pride, stood as tall as the pillars adorning the 40th District Court Room as Commissioner Sims read:

STATE OF TEXAS
COUNTY OF ELLIS

PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, the 2009 Italy Gladiators have represented Ellis County well by advancing to and being named Class A Division I Regional Finalist, Region II; and

WHEREAS, the 2009 Italy Gladiators earned the Bi-District Title by defeating Chilton by a score of 87-73, earned the Area Title by defeating Menard by a score of 65-56; earned the Regional Quarterfinal Title by defeating Itasca by a score of 78-71, earned the Regional Semifinal Title by defeating Lindsay by a score of 74-64; and

WHEREAS, the Italy Gladiators ended the year with a record of 24 wins and 11 losses in District 15A; and

WHEREAS, the 2009 Italy Gladiators rejuvenated The Winning Tradition established by the Italy Gladiators many years ago; and

WHEREAS, the 2009 Italy Gladiators benefited from the leadership and direction of the fine coaching staff, headed by Kyle Holley with Larry Mayberry and Josh Ward assisting; and

WHEREAS, Ellis County is fortunate to be represented by such a fine group of outstanding athletes including: Jase Holden, Heath Clemons, Oscar Gonzalez, Diamond Rodgers, Dontavius Clemons, John Isaac, Jasenio Anderson, Aaron Thomas, Kyle Wilkins, Desmond Anderson, Dan Crownover, Colton Campbell, Darrin Moore, Justin Hayes, Donald Walton, DeAndre Sephus and Ryan Ashcraft;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Ellis County Commissioners Court does hereby salute the 2009 Italy Gladiators Boys Basketball Team and its coaches for a season well-played and for bringing recognition and honor to Ellis County by earning the 2009 Class 1A Regional Finalist Title.

WITNESS our signatures this 27th day of April, 2009.

CAROL BUSH
Ellis County Judge

DENNIS ROBINSON
Commissioner, Pct. 1

BILL DODSON
Commissioner, Pct. 2

HEATH SIMS
Commissioner, Pct. 3

RON BROWN
Commissioner, Pct. 4

Attest: Cindy Polley