Additional photos of the Italy Gladiators Area Championship win

Barry Byers Posted February 28, 2011 1:40am Italy Gladiator Basketball

Image: The Italy Gladiators get ready for the battle with Mildred — The Italy Gladiators huddle up before the game on Friday night. — The Italy Gladiators get ready for the battle with Mildred — The Italy Gladiators huddle up before the game on Friday night. (Anne Sutherland)

Midlothian — It’s the playoffs! Here are some additional photos from the Region 2-AA Area Championship game between the Italy Gladiators and the Mildred Eagles.

The Gladiators have several reliable offensive weapons. However, it was Italy’s defense that made the biggest impact holding Mildred to just 6-points in the first-quarter and only gave up 4-of-6 free-throws to Mildred in the final quarter.

Larry Mayberry, Ryan Ashcraft, Cole Hopkins and Devonta Simmons dominated the boards limiting Mildred to one shot possessions. On the offensive end, Jasenio Anderson scored nineteen second-half points and fellow senior, Heath Clemons, dazzled his way to a total of 13-points against the Eagles.

Mildred did manage five three-pointers in the contest, three in the second-quarter and two in third, but the excitement was short lived for the Eagles. The Gladiators controlled both sides of the court after the break and brought home their second straight Area Championship with a 64-37 victory.

Go Gladiators!

Champion Gladiators — Senior Colton Campbell(5) runs through the gauntlet on Friday night as the Gladiators take on the Mildred Eagles in the Region 2-AA Area Championship in Midlothian. (Anne Sutherland)

Tip-off — Gladiator Larry Mayberry(13) jumps high against Mildred’s Hayden Pritchett. (Anne Sutherland)

The front line — Italy’s cheerleaders were on hand to cheer on the Gladiators. (Anne Sutherland)

Heath scores — The first score of the night was made by Italy’s Heath Clemons(2). (Anne Sutherland)

Jase fouled — Jase Holden(3) was fouled by an Eagle and earned a trip to the free-throw line. (Anne Sutherland)

Hopkins rebounds — Italy sophomore, Cole Hopkins, out jumps the Eagles. (Anne Sutherland)

Devonta’s on guard — Italy’s Devonta Simmons(10) battles against Mildred’s Daniel Folsom(3). (Anne Sutherland)

Mayberry scores — Larry Mayberry(13) gets the follow shot to drop in. (Anne Sutherland)

Tough defense — Gladiators Brandon Souder(15) and Heath Clemons(2) put pressure on a Mildred shooter. (Anne Sutherland)

Ashcraft goes for the steal — Heath Clemons(2) and Ryan Ashcraft(4) try to force an Eagle turnover. (Anne Sutherland)

Mayberry takes care of business — Junior Larry Mayberry(13) patrols the paint for the Gladiators. (Anne Sutherland)

No job too small — Manager Gary Escamillia does a great job assisting the Gladiators. (Anne Sutherland)

Halftime — Italy’s Brandon Souder goes up during halftime practice. (Anne Sutherland)

Campbell’s an obstacle — Gladiator Colton Campbell(5) defends Mildred’s inbound attempt. (Anne Sutherland)

Go, Heath, Go! — Heath Clemons(2) tries to haul a lob pass from the backcourt. (Anne Sutherland)

Gladiators shields — Gladiator Devonta Simmons(10) shields this Mildred Eagle, Cameron Burnham(32), from reaching the ball. (Anne Sutherland)

Jasenio up — Relentlessly, Jasenio Anderson(11) attacks the Mildred basket. Anderson hit 10-of-12 free-throws including six straight in the fourth-quarter to end Mildred’s season. (Anne Sutherland)

Ashcraft and Sephus — Ryan Ashcraft(4) and De’Andre Sephus(20) go heavy on Mildred’s Nic Shimonek(23). (Anne Sutherland)

Clemons uncontainable — The Eagles struggle to contain Heath Clemons(2) late in the game. (Anne Sutherland)

Drawing Contact — Jasenio Anderson(11) found away against Mildred and took over in the second half. (Anne Sutherland)

Swish shot — Devonta Simmons swishes two free-throws in the fourth-quarter. (Anne Sutherland)

Jasenio’s night — Jasenio Anderson(11) drives in the lane reserved for just him as teammate Cole Hopkins(21) gets in rebounding position. (Anne Sutherland)