9 Lady Gladiators make All-District team, McDonald named top coach

Barry Byers Posted Lady Gladiator Basketball
Image: The Nasty Nine each receivied All-District accolades — The Nasty Nine — The entire Lady Gladiators regular season squad were named to the District 15 1A All-District Team. Back row: Alyssa Richards and Jimesha Reed Middle row: Jameka Copeland, Kyonne Birdsong, Jaleecia Fleming, Chante Birdsong and Megan Richards Front row: Brycelen Richards (Manager), Brianna Burkhalter and Kaitlyn Rossa. Of course, Brycelen Richards makes Nasty Nine and 1/2.

The Nasty Nine each receivied All-District accolades — The Nasty Nine — The entire Lady Gladiators regular season squad were named to the District 15 1A All-District Team. Back row: Alyssa Richards and Jimesha Reed Middle row: Jameka Copeland, Kyonne Birdsong, Jaleecia Fleming, Chante Birdsong and Megan Richards Front row: Brycelen Richards (Manager), Brianna Burkhalter and Kaitlyn Rossa. Of course, Brycelen Richards makes Nasty Nine and 1/2. (Barry Byers)

All nine members of the Italy Lady Gladiators Basketball Team received well deserved recognition for their efforts on the court this season. The team has improved by leaps and bounds and the future for this young squad looks bright indeed. Fans appreciate the sacrifice and determination displayed and we look forward to next season!

Under second year head coach Stacy McDonald and assistant coach Tina Richards, the Lady Gladiators (18-12) finished in 3rd place in District 15-1A for the second year in a row, qualified for the playoffs for the second year in a row, won their first playoff game in 18 years with aini-district championship win over Bosqueville and were 2009-2010 Area Finalists.

The 2009-2010 All-District selections from Italy were:

  • Newcomer of the Year: Jameka Copeland
  • 1st team: Kaitlyn Rossa, Jaleecia Fleming, Jimesha Reed
  • 2nd team: Megan Richards, Alyssa Richards, Kyonne Birdsong
  • Honorable Mention: Chante Birdsong, Brianna Burkhalter.
  • Coach of the Year: Stacy McDonald

Congratulations to the “Nasty Nine,” coaches Stacy McDonald and Tina Richards, senior forward Jaleecia Fleming(32) and the entire Lady Gladiator Basketball Team on your accomplishments this season. Each of you represented the old gold tradition with character and class.

The Lady Gladiators Playoff Roster:

No. Player Class
3 Kaitlyn Rossa Soph.
5 Jameka Copeland Fr.
10 Kyonne Birdsong Soph.
12 Chante Birdsong Fr.
21 Khadijah Davis Soph.
22 Megan Richards Soph.
23 Brianna Burkhalter Fr.
24 Alyssa Richards Fr.
32 Jaleecia Fleming Sr.
40 Jimesha Reed Soph.

We are proud of you!