The Gladiators make their way to the American Airlines Center — Italy Gladiator basketball players Ryan Ashcraft and Colton Campbell, along with their head coach Aidan Callahan, take a moment to absorb the fact their about to play inside the American Airlines Center, home of the Dallas Mavericks. (Barry Byers)
Rossa’s all smiles — Italy High School cheerleader Kaitlyn Rossa stands tall outside the American Airlines Center in Dallas before entering the hanger. (Barry Byers)
Ready to cheer — Italy High School cheerleader Meagan Hooker is ready to make some noise inside the AAC in Dallas. (Barry Byers)
This is a trip! — Gladiators Ryan Ashcraft and Brandon Souder get dressed in the locker room before warming up on the Dallas Mavericks’ home court. (Barry Byers)
“Cheese” and nachos — IHS cheerleaders Casandra Jeffords and Taylor Turner enjoy a snack in the stands before getting their cheer on for the Gladiators. (Barry Byers)
Gladiator girlies — Italy’s Morgan Cockerham, Anna Viers and team videographer Katie Byers are having fun inside the AAC before the game. (Barry Byers)
Blown away — Gladiators Jase Holden, Brandon Souder and Colton Campbell try to get a handle on the moment before warming up on the Mavericks’ court for the first time. (Barry Byers)
Plenty of airspace — The Gladiators are moments away from stepping onto the Dallas Mavericks runway. (Barry Byers)
How cool is this? — The Gladiators perform their pre-game chants at center court atop the Dallas Mavericks logo. (Barry Byers)
Just like the Mavs — Gladiators Jase Holden and Jasenio Anderson get loose during the warmup. (Barry Byers)
Adrenalin rush — Italy’s Brandon Souder takes a lane shot during the practice session. (Barry Byers)
Cole’s jamming — Italy’s Cole Hopkins rocks the AAC rim before the game against the Mineral Wells Rams. (Barry Byers)
Dirk-like form — Resembling the Mavericks’ Dirk Nowitzki, Colton Campbell(5) gets off a shot as Cole Hopkins(21) heads toward the basket. (Barry Byers)
Cheerleaders cheering — The IHS cheerleaders keep the cheers coming from under the basket inside the AAC. (Barry Byers)
Ashcraft underneath — Italy’s Ryan Ashcraft(4) goes up for a bucket with Mineral Wells’ Matt Tincher(24) defending. (Barry Byers)
Passing to the wing — Heath Clemons(2) awaits a pass from teammate Jasenio Anderson(11). (Barry Byers)
Good job — Jase Holden(3) gets a low-five from teammate Brandon Souder as he exits the floor. (Barry Byers)
Sure shot — Jasenio Anderson(11) rolls in a free-throw against Mineral Wells. (Barry Byers)
Heath’s exhausted — Gladiator senior Heath Clemons(2) leaves the Mavericks’ court taking a lifetime of memories with him as the IHS cheerleaders congratulate him on a hard fought game. (Barry Byers)
Cheer crazies — Morgan Cockerham and Anna Viers lift fellow IHS cheerleader Beverly Barnhart after the game inside the American Airlines Center. (Barry Byers)
Italy’s cheerleaders — Mary Tate, Taylor Turner, Meagan Hooker, Casandra Jeffords, Kaitlyn Rossa, Sierra Harris, Sa’Kendra Norwood, Beverly Barnhart, Morgan Cockerham and Anna Viers. (Barry Byers)
Still slamming — Gladiator Nation fills up a nearby El Fenix® restaurant and slams down a few enchiladas after the Italy and Mineral Wells game. (Barry Byers)
Funning around — Larry Mayberry, Sr. enhances Erwin Green’s picture taking outside the American Airlines Center before the Mavs versus Spurs game. (Barry Byers)
Not in Italy anymore — Gladiators’ players, cheerleaders, coaches and fans watch the larger than life screen hanging on the American Airline Center hanger advertising the Dallas Mavericks’ game against the San Antonio Spurs. (Barry Byers)