Italy’s Senior point guard Jase Holden(3) and his teammates had Franklin on the ropes in the first half. (Barry Byers)
Gladiator head coach Aidan Callahan guided his team from middle of the pack to a Co-District Championship and into the playoffs. (Barry Byers)
Italy’s Devonta Simmons(10) swishes a free-throw. (Barry Byers)
Lady Gladiator Cheerleaders Felicia Little, Jameka Copeland and mascot Sa’Kendra Norwood are excited about Italy’s chances. (Barry Byers)
Cole Hopkins(21) posts up on the low block while Devonta Simmons(10) swivels into the lane. (Barry Byers)
Coach Callahan calls the shots during a timeout. (Barry Byers)
Jase Holden(3) reverses the ball around a Lion defender. (Barry Byers)
The basketball game quickly turns into a chess match as Coach Callahan directs his Gladiators toward their next move. (Barry Byers)
Cole Hopkins(21) tries a long three-pointer with the third-quarter winding down and Franklin up by five. (Barry Byers)
Devonta Simmons takes his time after being fouled attempting a three-pointer. (Barry Byers)
Devonta Simmons knocks in all three freebies from the line to end the third. (Barry Byers)
Jase Holden(3) and Cole Hopkins(21) deter a Lion shooter as Larry Mayberry, Jr.(13) slides over for a chance to steal the pass. (Barry Byers)
Larry Mayberry, Jr.(13) goes up for the shot while Devonta Simmons(10) heads in for the rebound. (Barry Byers)
Italy’s Larry Mayberry, Jr.(13) continues to attack the offensive glass. (Barry Byers)
Italy’s Jase Holden(3) drives into the lane against the Lions. (Barry Byers)
Working the low block is Larry Mayberry, Jr.(13). (Barry Byers)
Devonta Simmons(10) looks on as Larry Mayberry, Jr.(13) prepares to shoot a free shot. (Barry Byers)
Larry Mayberry, Jr.(13) takes a breather next to Marvin Cox. (Barry Byers)
Cole Hopkins(21) puts in a free-throw late in the contest as teammate Eric Carson(21) watches it drop in. (Barry Byers)
Italy’s Cole Hopkins(21) takes another free shot. (Barry Byers)
Gladiator Senior Brandon Souder stalks a Lion. (Barry Byers)