Italy Junior High girls split games with Red Oak Life
Tara Wallis hits a jumper over the Lady Mustangs — Tara Wallis(2) finished with 7-points as her 7th grade team answered a 3rd quarter challenge to finish off the Lady Mustangs from Red Oak Life 39-26. (Barry Byers)
Italy’s 7th grade girls:
The Italy Junior High 7th grade girls team corralled the Lady Mustangs of Red Oak Life on Thursday, January 21 inside Italy Coliseum. Leading the round-up was Italy’s Jaclynn Lewis who finished the game with 12-points.
After the Italy 7th grade girls lead the whole first half and into the 3rd quarter, the Lady Mustangs charged out in front to take the lead 17-15. Italy tied the game 17-17 and then Lewis swished in 2 free throws to reclaim the lead for the Lady Gladiators.
With 0:13 left in the 3rd, high flying Kortnei Johnson finished of the fast break to separate Italy from the Mustang herd and take a solid 25-19 lead into the 4th.
Defensively, Bailey Eubank, Tylar Wilson, Alex Minton, Ana Luna kept the pressure on the Lady Mustang guards while Kelsey Nelson, Kierra Wilson, Madison Washington and Bailey DeBorde blocked out on the boards.
Offensively, Tara Wallis and K’Breona Davis pushed the ball as Makenzie Davis-Goodwin was alway in the right spot at the right time to help keep offensive possessions alive for Italy.
In the end, Italy’s 7th grade girls trampled the Red Oak Life Lady Mustangs 39-26, putting smiles on the faces of coaches Tina Richards and Matt Coker.
| Player | Points |
| Jaclynn Lewis | 12 |
| Kortnei Johnson | 11 |
| Tara Wallis | 7 |
| Madison Washingon | 4 |
| Tylar Wilson | 2 |
| Alex Minton | 2 |
| K’Breona Davis | 1 |
Italy’s 8th grade girls:
The Italy Junior High 8th grade girls team tried to break the Lady Mustangs of Red Oak Life but those wild horses just refused to be tamed. Riding tall in the saddle for Italy was Kendra Copeland who finished with 7-points.
Italy’s 8th grade girls team works hard and always give 110% on the court. If they have a weakness, it’s the lack of depth on their roster with just 7 players. Cowgirl hats off to the 8th grade girls basketball team for meeting the challenge every game and giving everything they have for four quarters.
Italy managed to stay close but the up-and-down pace set by the Lady Mustangs allowed Red Oak Life to jump the fence and get a win over Italy 25-20.
| Player | Points |
| Kendra Copeland | 7 |
| Ryisha Copeland | 4 |
| Ashley Harper | 4 |
| Jesica Wilkins | 2 |
| Taylor Turner | 1 |
| Monserrat Figueroa | 2 |
The Italy Junior High boys played away games at Red Oak Life. Below are player scoring statistics:
7th Grade Boys – 15 vs. Red Oak life – 28:
| Player | Points |
| John Escamilla | 7 |
| Chace McGinnis | 4 |
| Colton Petrey | 4 |
8th Grade Boys – 29 vs. Red Oak life – 37:
| Player | Points |
| Darol Mayberry | 6 |
| Treyvon Robertson | 6 |
| Bailey Walton | 5 |
| Deiondre Cockran | 5 |
| Justin Wood | 3 |
| Kevin Roldan | 2 |
| Zain Byers | 2 |