Abilene — The 8th ranked Italy Gladiators overcame a sluggish first quarter start to defeat the 5th ranked Clyde Eula Pirates 52-51 to claim the regional semi-final championship. Italy will play the 15th ranked Bronte Longhorns Saturday, March 6 at 4:00 inside Abilene Christian University’s Moody Coliseum. The winner will become the regional final champion and earn a trip to the state tournament in Austin.

Italy advances to regional finals:

by Karen Mathiowetz

The #8 ranked Italy Gladiators (28-4) overcame a height disadvantage to defeat the #5 ranked Eula Pirates (29-8) Friday night 52-51. From the first tip off, it was evident that Eula would be a formidable opponent for Italy. The Gladiators faced Pirate starters of 6’6", 6’5" and 6’4". Italy trailed until 1:10 left in the period when John Isaac sunk a jumper to tie the game 9-9. When the first quarter ended, Eula would be on top 11-10.

The Gladiators began to play their game in the second period, outscoring the Pirates 22 to 14. Italy took the lead after back to back 3- pointers by Jasenio Anderson and John Issac. Anderson dropped in 11 points including a buzzer beating long 3 pointer.

In the third quarter, Eula cut Italy’s lead to 5 by holding the Italy offense to just 9 points. Because of man to man coverage of Kainon Irons by Ryan Ashcraft and John Isaac, the Pirates’ go-to guy fell off the scoring plank.

The battle heated up in the final period. With 3:02 left on the clock, Kainon Irons sent Heath Clemons to the charity stripe. He hit both to give his Italy a 48-45 lead. Irons retaliated with a lay up to cut the lead to one. Jacob Archa fouled Clemons and sent him to the line again. Clemons dropped in both shots to give Italy a three point lead. With :35 left in the game, a questionable foul called on Jasenio Anderson sent Jacob Archa to the line. Both shots were successful to cut Italy’s lead back to one, 50-49.

“I knew I had to sink the free throws,” said Clemons. “I wanted to help my team win.”

With only 30 seconds on the clock, an Italy turnover gave the ball back to Eula and breathed hope of a win back into the Pirates. That hope was short lived when John Isaac stole the ball, lobbed it down court to Clemons who dropped in a perfectly executed lay up.

Eula drove down court with :09 left in the game. They fed the ball to Madison Galle under the goal who made the lay up, but his two points were not enough.

When the final buzzer sounded, Italy was on top 52-51.

“This was a tough game,” said Italy head coach, Kyle Holley. We fought hard and came out on top. I am very proud of all our guys."

Italy will face the Bronte Longhorns (25-5) on Saturday at 4:00 p.m. in the Class A Region 1 Regional final game.

Gladiator scoring:

Pirate high pointers:

Go Gladiators!