Hamilton, Texas — The 2009-2010 Italy Lady Gladiators (18-12) Basketball Team ended their playoff run in Hamilton, Texas after losing in the Area Championship game to the Mason Cowgirls (23-11) by a score of 45-24 on Friday, February 19, 2010.

Finishing 3rd in district for the second year in a row, returning to the playoffs for the second year in a row and coming off the program’s first playoff win in 18 years to claim a bi-district championship, Lady Gladiator head coach Stacy McDonald and assistant coach Tina Richards arrived in Hamilton with the team on Friday in hopes off adding an area championship to the teams list of accomplishments.

The Mason Cowgirls had their own agenda as well scoring first at the 4:15 mark of the 1st quarter. Mason went up 6-0 when Italy’s Jameka Copeland knocked down a shot from the baseline at the 1:25 mark to excite Lady Gladiator fans. Unfortunately, Copelands effort proved to be Italy’s only points in the opening quarter and Mason took a 10-2 lead into the next period.

In the 2nd, Mason went up 12-2 and then stole the inbound pass which resulted in a 3-point shot, 15-2 Mason on top. After a timeout by Italy’s head coach Stacy McDonald, Mason swished their third 3-pointer of the game to take control of the contest 17-2.

Italy’s Megan Richards responded for the Lady Gladiators who were desperate for points by popping a 3-pointer with 2:00 left in the opening half, 17-5 Mason still in control.

Mason answered on their next offensive possession to go up 19-5. With 1:05 left before the break, Mason scored again off a pass inside to the post to make the score 21-5, which is how the score remained until halftime.

In the second half, Italy center Jimesha Reed was unable to return to the line-up after agravating a knee injury that hampered her during the regular season as well.

Italy’s Jaleecia started the 3rd quarter with a steal but the Lady Gladiators were unable to get any points off the turnover. Moments later, Mason stole an Italy pass and converted it into points to put the Cowgirls back in the saddle, 23-5.

Italy’s Kaitlyn Rossa worked the ball into Fleming who got the shot up and in to make a small dent in Mason’s lead, 23-7 with the Cowgirls still holding the reigns. Rossa forced a Mason turnover and Copeland managed to score again for the Lady Gladiators to shrink the deficit 23-9.

Mason scored to push their lead back to 16-points, 25-9. Then Italy’s M. Richards swished a jumper near the 3-point line to make the game 25-11 bringing Italy’s fans to their feet.

Not worried, Mason scored again to go up 27-11. At the 3:15 mark of the 3rd, a Copeland free throw made the score 27-12 followed by three missed 3-point launches by Mason. Italy’s Brianna Burkhalter finally corralled the rebound and passed ahead to Copeland for a transition basket to close the gap 27-14, Mason continues to lead.

The Cowgirls continued to fire away and put in 3 more points to take a 30-14 lead into the final quarter.

Mason built a 35-14 advantage before Rossa could get points for Italy. Down 35-16, Copeland charges to the Cowgirl basket but can’t convert. Fortunately, Burkhalter is there for the put back and Italy makes it a 35-18 ball game.

Copeland answered another Mason score with a transition basket to make the game 37-20. Then Burkhalter scored with a nice move down the lane to match Mason again, 39-22.

Italy’s Fleming added one last Lady Gladiator score, with 1:12 left, after ball-faking a Mason defender and rising for the final points of her career. The Mason Cowgirls went on to win the 1A area championship game by defeating the Lady Gladiators 45-24 and advance to the regional quarterfinals.

Wether it was in victory after the bi-district championship win or after the loss to Mason, the Lady Gladiators continued to display good sportsmanship and congratulated the Cowgirls on their hard fought win.

Congratulations to coaches Stacy McDonald and Tina Richards and the 2009-2010 Lady Gladiators Basketball Team on an outstanding season. We love our girls!

Lady Gladiators scoring: