Italy — The Italy Lady Gladiators basketball team played their first home game of the 2012-13 season under the leadership of first year Italy head coach Melissa Fullmer on Tuesday inside Italy Coliseum. Kemp played the entire game in a 3-2 zone trying to force Italy to beat them from the outside. Italy’s backcourt consisting of Kendra Copeland, Tara Wallis and Ryisha Copeland remained patient throughout, however, only taking the occasional open jumper. Instead, Italy worked the lane as best they could looking for Alyssa Richards, Monserrat Figueroa and Bernice Hailey inside.

Italy’s primary scorer, Kortnei Johnson, managed to keep Italy in the hunt with the game tied 13-13 after the first period. Kemp scored the next 8-points to take a 21-13 lead in the second but Italy stayed the course to close the gap 29-25 by halftime.

Kemp led most of the way in the second half until a 3-point play by Figueroa gave Italy a 41-39 advantage with 6:15 to play. Kemp finally retied the match a couple of minutes later, 41-41, before executing the fast break for a go ahead layup, 43-41.

Johnson attacked the basket to tie the match 43-43 but Kemp’s ability to get down the court and draw shooting fouls proved to be the difference. Kemp outlasted the Lady Gladiators for a 46-43 win. Despite the loss, the Lady Gladiators seemed pretty upbeat by their effort following the game, perhaps realizing that a winning season is possible.

Go Lady Gladiators!