Gladiators finding a rhythm on the hardwood but victory eludes them in West

Image: With Italy in the early stages of their basketball season and searching for answers against the West Trojans, first-year Italy head coach Brian Coffman draws up a play during a timeout.

With Italy in the early stages of their basketball season and searching for answers against the West Trojans, first-year Italy head coach Brian Coffman draws up a play during a timeout. (Barry Byers)

Image: Gladiator Tyler Anderson(11) drops in a free-throw against West.

Gladiator Tyler Anderson(11) drops in a free-throw against West. (Barry Byers)

Image: Gladiator Eric Carson(12) observes the action during a break as teammate Kelvin Joffre(14) attempts a free-throw.

Gladiator Eric Carson(12) observes the action during a break as teammate Kelvin Joffre(14) attempts a free-throw. (Barry Byers)

Image: Playing that tough “D” are Gladiators Darol Mayberry(13) and Kelvin Joffre(14).

Playing that tough “D” are Gladiators Darol Mayberry(13) and Kelvin Joffre(14). (Barry Byers)

Image: Eric Carson(12) provides a spark for Italy’s offense.

Eric Carson(12) provides a spark for Italy’s offense. (Barry Byers)

Image: Cole Hopkins(21) soars for a rebound as Bailey Walton(33), Ryheem Walker(10) and Eric Carson(12) release downcourt.

Cole Hopkins(21) soars for a rebound as Bailey Walton(33), Ryheem Walker(10) and Eric Carson(12) release downcourt. (Barry Byers)

Image: Gladiator Caden Jacinto(2) plays tight defense on the ball.

Gladiator Caden Jacinto(2) plays tight defense on the ball. (Barry Byers)

Image: Eric Carson(12) swishes in a 3-pointer over a West defender.

Eric Carson(12) swishes in a 3-pointer over a West defender. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy’s Marvin Cox(3) takes a 3-point shot from beyond the arc.

Italy’s Marvin Cox(3) takes a 3-point shot from beyond the arc. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy’s Cole Hopkins(21) drops in a technical foul shot to begin the second half after West was slapped with a halftime violation.

Italy’s Cole Hopkins(21) drops in a technical foul shot to begin the second half after West was slapped with a halftime violation. (Barry Byers)

Image: Marvin Cox(3) tries to wrap around a pair of West defenders as Ryheem Walker(10) gets inside postion for the rebound.

Marvin Cox(3) tries to wrap around a pair of West defenders as Ryheem Walker(10) gets inside postion for the rebound. (Barry Byers)

Image: Senior Caden Jacinto(2) inbounds the ball for Italy.

Senior Caden Jacinto(2) inbounds the ball for Italy. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy’s Marvin Cox(3) slips into the middle of the West defense to put up a shot.

Italy’s Marvin Cox(3) slips into the middle of the West defense to put up a shot. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy’s Kelvin Joffre(14) sets a screen for teammate Trevon Robertson(1).

Italy’s Kelvin Joffre(14) sets a screen for teammate Trevon Robertson(1). (Barry Byers)

Image: Marvin Cox(3) tries a running one-hander to give the Gladiators a lift as Cole Hopkins(21) moves in for a rebound.

Marvin Cox(3) tries a running one-hander to give the Gladiators a lift as Cole Hopkins(21) moves in for a rebound. (Barry Byers)

Image: Reid Jacinto(5) posts up on the low block as Eric Carson(12) passes to Cole Hopkins(21) who is set up on the elbow.

Reid Jacinto(5) posts up on the low block as Eric Carson(12) passes to Cole Hopkins(21) who is set up on the elbow. (Barry Byers)

Image: Marvin Cox(3) breaks down West’s zone defense.

Marvin Cox(3) breaks down West’s zone defense. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy’s Kelvin Joffre(14) pump fakes a West defender.

Italy’s Kelvin Joffre(14) pump fakes a West defender. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy’s 6’,8" Cole Hopkins(21) rises and rises for a jumper.

Italy’s 6’,8" Cole Hopkins(21) rises and rises for a jumper. (Barry Byers)

Image: Eric Carson(12), a junior, has all the skills to be a serious weapon for the Gladiators this season.

Eric Carson(12), a junior, has all the skills to be a serious weapon for the Gladiators this season. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy’s Marvin Cox(3) uses some razzle-dazzle to maneuver his way past West defenders.

Italy’s Marvin Cox(3) uses some razzle-dazzle to maneuver his way past West defenders. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy’s Cole Hopkins(21) is a sure shot from the line early in the season.

Italy’s Cole Hopkins(21) is a sure shot from the line early in the season. (Barry Byers)

Image: Reid Jacinto(5) releases a three-ball over the West defense.

Reid Jacinto(5) releases a three-ball over the West defense. (Barry Byers)

Image: Managers Reagan Adams, Hannah Washington and Madison Washington are ready for an exciting season of Gladiator basketball!

Managers Reagan Adams, Hannah Washington and Madison Washington are ready for an exciting season of Gladiator basketball! (Barry Byers)

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