Lads vs. Ladies – 8th grade boys scrimmage the Lady Gladiators

Barry Byers Posted February 5, 2010 2:15pm Lady Gladiator Basketball

Image: The 8th grade boys scrimmaged the Lady Gladiators on Thursday — Treyvon Robertson(24) takes off while Lady Gladiators Brianna Burkhalter and Kaitlyn Rossa pursue the ball during a fun but intense scrimmage between lads of the Italy Junior High 8th grade boys team and the Varsity ladies. — The 8th grade boys scrimmaged the Lady Gladiators on Thursday — Treyvon Robertson(24) takes off while Lady Gladiators Brianna Burkhalter and Kaitlyn Rossa pursue the ball during a fun but intense scrimmage between lads of the Italy Junior High 8th grade boys team and the Varsity ladies. (Barry Byers)

Thursday after school, Italy Lady Gladiator coaches Stacy McDonald and Tina Richards organized a scrimmage between their ladies and the lads of the 8th grade boys basketball team.

The goal of the scrimmage was to give the Lady Gladiators some stronger competition than they have competed against the last few weeks in district play.

Plagued by turnovers in a Tuesday night loss against Dallas Gateway, Coach McDonald felt practicing against the aggressive 8th grade boys squad would better mirror the playoff competition Italy’s Varsity girls might be facing in a few weeks.

The scrimmage was fast paced and intense at times but both sides shook hands near center court of the old Italy gym and walked away with a mutual feeling of respect.

The Lady Gladiators got to improve their ball handling skills while the 8th grade boys simply enjoyed competing against the High School players they look up to.

The JV Lady Gladiators take on Itasca’s JV girls Friday, February 5 starting at 4:30 p.m. at Italy Coliseum. The varsity Lady Gladiators will play Grand Prairie Advantage at 6:00 p.m. followed by the Gladiators at 7:30 p.m. who will be playing Grand Prairie Advantage as well.

Go Italy!

On the move — Darol Mayberry(54) pushes the ball while Justin Wood and Brianna Burkhalter rush up the floor. (Barry Byers)

Learning opportunity — Lady Gladiator head coach Stacy McDonald organized the scrimmage to give her varsity girls stronger competition. (Barry Byers)

Kyonne is key — Kyonne Birdsong and her teammates concentrated on making better passes and controlling the ball. (Barry Byers)

It’s our turn — Bailey Walton(41), Justin Wood and [Name Withheld](12) inbound the ball after a Lady Gladiator score. (Barry Byers)

Bombs away — Lady Gladiator Kyonne Birdsong takes an open jumper over the 8th grade boys defense. (Barry Byers)

Rossa to pass — Justin Wood(4) tries to deflect a Kaitlyn Rossa pass. (Barry Byers)

Treyvon slips inside — Treyvon Robertson gets a shot up against the ladies in the lane. (Barry Byers)

Norwood vs. Wood — Sa’Kendra Norwood tries to disrupt Justin Wood’s jump shot. (Barry Byers)

Norwood vs. Wood, II — Sa’Kendra Norwood tries to take the charge against Justin Wood. (Barry Byers)

Fun and game — Jaleecia Fleming, Kaitlyn Rossa, Alyssa Richards, Kyonne Birdsong, Chante Birdsong and Brianna Burkhalter give coach Stacy McDonald something to smile about. (Barry Byers)

Jaleecia attacks — Jaleecia Fleming attacks a void in the 8th grade boys defense. (Barry Byers)

Kyonne scores — Kyonne Birdsong gets inside for a layup. (Barry Byers)

Megan drives baseline — Megan Richards bullies her way into the lane for 2-points. (Barry Byers)

Wisdom vs. youth — The cagey veteran, Jaleecia Fleming, ball fakes Zain Byers and then rises for the score. (Barry Byers)

Zilla and Rossa — 8th grader Zain Byers and Lady Gladiator Kaitlyn Rossa enjoyed competing in the “Lads vs Ladies” scrimmage Thursday after school. (Barry Byers)

Giving it their all — Both squads gave it their all in what proved to be a productive scrimmage.