Italy 7th and 8th grade boys played Monday night in the dome against Clifton to begin their 2011-2012 season. The boys pulled out the big guns and took on the Cubs and stopped them in their tracks. It may be the beginning of the season but the other teams need to watch out. Here come the Gladiators!

Coach Larry Mayberry led his boys to victory and is very proud of his team, “They are still learning but they are very strong teams,” Mayberry explained. “They worked very hard. During this game, they stuck with it and will just keep getting better.”

Italy’s 7th grade team put the first 4 points on the board. They were hustling the whole game. The end of the first half told the true story when Italy came up with 33 points and Clifton had 12. The second half began with lightening and the theme of the game was to cage the Cubs. The assignment was complete at the buzzer when Clifton came up too short. The final score was Italy 63-18. Watch for #4 Cameron Carter, #14 Joe Celis and #5 “Little K” Johnson and you will see why these Gladiators are winning. Think of a well oiled machine, playing as an integral part of the team.

Gladiator 8th grade team hit the court and kept the momentum and enthusiasm going all 4 quarters. The Clifton Cubs tried to keep up but to no avail. It was a low scoring game but the strength was still there. Italy put the first 4 points on the board again and kept adding. The end of the first half saw the score Italy 23-10. Coach Mayberry brought his young men back to the court with their head held high and expecting the best. With each Gladiator bucket Mayberry got more excited. The final score showed the Cubs the way home with Italy winning 33-24. The Gladiators to watch are #24 Anderson, #23 Womack, #11 R. Connor and #12 Windham.

The next game is in Whitney on Nov. 28 beginning at 5:00 pm with the 7th grade.