Gladiators shoot the roundball inside Avalon’s half sphere

Barry Byers Posted Italy Gladiator Basketball
Image: Gladiators soar past Eagles during summer league play — How’s the weather up there? De’Andre Sephus leans in for another bucket. Playing in a dome away from home, the Italy Gladiators overwhelm the Avalon Eagles 72-21.

Gladiators soar past Eagles during summer league play — How’s the weather up there? De’Andre Sephus leans in for another bucket. Playing in a dome away from home, the Italy Gladiators overwhelm the Avalon Eagles 72-21. (Barry Byers)

During a summer league Varsity basketball game against the Avalon Eagles, the Italy Gladiators put 72 points on the board to Avalon’s 21 inside the domenasium in Avalon.

Playing 20:00 minute halves, the Gladiators hit their stride early, fast-breaking down the court at a fierce pace. Before volunteer coach Shawn Holden could even crack his first joke, Italy was up 31-1.

Teamwork by Italy’s defense grounded the Eagles while the Gladiators’ unselfishness on offense picked Avalon apart. At the break, Italy was well ahead 45 -12.

Avalon is not without talent, with an imposing center and skilled outside shooters, expect the Eagles to do well against their district competition in 2011.

Though it was Avalon’s home dome, it was the Gladiators who spread the floor and passed to their wings, Colton Campell, Heath Clemons and De’Andre Sephus, who finished their drives with flair. Jasenio Anderson proved Italy can shoot the long ball as well. Back-to-back 3-pointers by Anderson gave Italy a 56-17 lead with 10:00 left in the contest.

Coasting the rest of the way, a layup by Campbell made the contest 68-21 before Italy finished off the Eagles 72-21.

Representing “Team Italy” were:

  • Jasenio Anderson
  • Heath Clemons
  • Jase Holden
  • Ryan Ashcraft
  • Larry Mayberry
  • Devonta Simmons
  • De’Andre Sephus
  • Colton Campbell

Go Gladiators!