MONDAY

JV: Italy vs Grandview
On Monday, during the IHS Boys Summer Basketball League games, the Italy JV overwhelmed the Grandview Zebras JV with their relentless defensive pressure.

The Italy JV led 34-10 by halftime, and continued to play hard in the 2nd half, chasing the Zebras out of the Gladiator Coliseum. (clearing throat) It was a blowout to say the least.

Varsity: Italy vs Grandview
Italy’s Varsity Boys had a tougher time with the Grandview Varsity. The Zebras were in control most of the way but failed to pull away as the Gladiators hit another speed in the 2nd half.

For several minutes both sides traded baskets, however, Italy was starting to steal the momentum. Grandview made a couple of 3-pointers to slow the Gladiator comeback, but the furious four consisting of Jasenio Anderson, John Isaac, Heath Clemons and Desmond Anderson began taking over.

As Italy closed in, Grandview lost their composure and committed key turnovers late. Italy took advantage and jumped ahead in the contest. And even in summer league play, the tension can mount as a both teams shared a double technical foul after a heated exchange.

Italy had a 52-49 lead with seconds left as Grandview tried to tie with a 3-pointer. The shot attempt fell short but a hustling Zebra put back in the rebound for 2-points.

Italy’s Jasenio anderson held the ball instead of inbounding it and the last couple of seconds ran off the clock securing the win for Italy 52-51.

TUESDAY

JV: Italy vs Blum
On Tuesday, Italy’s JV Boys, for lack of a more appropriate word, “D E S T R O Y E D” a Blum Bobcat team that was compiled of JV and Varsity Bobcats.

It’s hard to tell when the Italy JV’s defense turns into their offense because the transition happens in a blink of an eye.

And let’s face it, Blum looked like a Bobcat in the headlights as Italy floored it and ran up another high score, winning 72-28.

Tyvion Copeland is magical at times, Jase Holden has one gear and it seems to be stuck in fast, Corrin Frazier shows flashes of greatness, Larry Mayberry is carving out a name for himself in the paint, Kayden Jacinto and Reed Jacinto are becoming reliable spot up shooters along with Cole Hopkins, Tony Wooldrige is a smooth operator at the guard position, Kyle Jackson, Brandon Souder and Devonta Simmons bring versatility and agressiveness on the boards.

Varsity: Italy vs Blum
Heath Clemons had back-to-back assists to John Isaac followed by a layup and-1, during one stretch in the 2nd half, to help lead the Gladiators over the Blum Bobcats 76-32.

Jasenio Anderson has been expertly running the show as he constantly distributes the ball to his teammates. Anderson lets the game come to him and will knock down an occasional jumper just to remind everyone he’s still in the gym.

Senior Desmond Anderson played with great enthusiasm on defense including snagging a Blum pass that ventured through the Gladiators’ half court defense.
However, it’s in the full court press that Desmond Anderson has made improvements from last season.

And John Isaac was scoring at will with a smile on his face as the game almost became painful to watch. The Gladiators slowed the tempo somewhat in the fourth, but the beat goes on, as the song says.

Deciding the 5th member of Italy’s starting five for next season will be vital although several players could fill the roll. At the moment, Colton Campbell seems to be thriving in that roll with his ability to dribble and drive or spot shoot a 3-pointer.

Italy looked right at home in the dome with the IHS boys teams winning 4 straight games. In fact, Italy’s only losses during summer league play have been against 2A Dallas Life and 3A Ferris making Italy’s Varsity record 2-6 while the JV’s record is 9-0.

Tournament play will start Monday, June 29 – The 1st games for Italy are listed below:

Italy V Boys vs Milford 5:00 p.m.

Italy JV Boys vs (Itasca or Milford) at 8:00 p.m.

Italy V Boys vs Itasca 9:00 p.m.