Italy JH Boys switch from cleats to sneakers

Barry Byers Posted Italy Gladiator Basketball
Image: 7th Grade works defense — The IJH 7th grade squad worked on their defense during Tuesday’s practice session. Pictured are: Kyle Fortenberry(25), John Escamilla(40), Cody Boyd(33), Kelton Bales(55), Tyler Vincell(54), John Byers(52), Colton Petry(14) and Chase McGinnis(23) is the player being swarmed.

7th Grade works defense — The IJH 7th grade squad worked on their defense during Tuesday’s practice session. Pictured are: Kyle Fortenberry(25), John Escamilla(40), Cody Boyd(33), Kelton Bales(55), Tyler Vincell(54), John Byers(52), Colton Petry(14) and Chase McGinnis(23) is the player being swarmed. (Barry Byers)

The Italy Junior High Boys began their basketball practices this week in preparation for the upcoming 2009-2010 basketball season. Junior High Coaches Kyle Holley, Larry Mayberry and Josh Ward have already started transforming their young grid-iron warriors into graceful hard wood hoopsters.

Their first games will be away in Irving North Hills on Monday, November 16 starting at 5:00 p.m. with the 7th grade squad.

The Junior High girls, coached by Stacy McDonald, Tina Richards and Matt Coker, will play their second games of the season at home against Irving North Hills on Monday, November 16 with the girls’ 7th grade squad starting at 5:00 p.m. also.

The first home game for the Junior High Boys will be Saturday, November 21 in the Italy Gladiator Dome. The 7th graders will take on the Avalon Eagles at 10:00 a.m. and the 8th Grade Boys will battle with the Milford Bulldogs at 11:00 a.m.

“Good luck to all the Junior High basketball squads on reaching your goals.”

Go Junior High Gladiators and Lady Gladiators!