Gladiators play final district game today at home before playoffs begin

Image: Point guard? Center Cole Hopkins(21) shows his versatility by bringing up the ball and setting up the offense.

Point guard? Center Cole Hopkins(21) shows his versatility by bringing up the ball and setting up the offense. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy’s 6’,8" senior Cole Hopkins(21) put in 25-points, collected 17 rebounds and had 12 blocks against the Triple A Academy Stallions. Though the Stallions won the district title and are expected to win the 1A state championship, it was Hopkins who stole the show with his triple-double performance.

Italy’s 6’,8" senior Cole Hopkins(21) put in 25-points, collected 17 rebounds and had 12 blocks against the Triple A Academy Stallions. Though the Stallions won the district title and are expected to win the 1A state championship, it was Hopkins who stole the show with his triple-double performance. (Barry Byers)

Image: Senior Gladiator Reid Jacinto(5) handles the ball while checking inside for a chance to pass.

Senior Gladiator Reid Jacinto(5) handles the ball while checking inside for a chance to pass. (Barry Byers)

Image: Gladiator Cole Hopkins(21) wins the tipoff against Triple A Academy.

Gladiator Cole Hopkins(21) wins the tipoff against Triple A Academy. (Barry Byers)

Image: The Gladiators are ready to take on Triple A Academy.

The Gladiators are ready to take on Triple A Academy. (Barry Byers)

Image: Darol Mayberry(13) knocks down a 3-pointer over a Stallion defender.

Darol Mayberry(13) knocks down a 3-pointer over a Stallion defender. (Barry Byers)

Image: He may only be an inch tall in this photo, but trust me, Cole Hopkins(21) is 6’,8" tall as he rises to knock down a 3-pointer against the Stallions.

He may only be an inch tall in this photo, but trust me, Cole Hopkins(21) is 6’,8" tall as he rises to knock down a 3-pointer against the Stallions. (Barry Byers)

Image: Gladiator Cole Hopkins(21) and Marvin Cox(3) dish out the dome rules before a home game matchup against the Arlington Summitt Skyhawks.

Gladiator Cole Hopkins(21) and Marvin Cox(3) dish out the dome rules before a home game matchup against the Arlington Summitt Skyhawks. (Barry Byers)

Image: Gladiator senior Reid Jacinto(5) shoots a 3-pointer over a Summit defender.

Gladiator senior Reid Jacinto(5) shoots a 3-pointer over a Summit defender. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy senior John “Squirt” Hughes(20) rises for a shot attempt over the Skyhawk defense.

Italy senior John “Squirt” Hughes(20) rises for a shot attempt over the Skyhawk defense. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy’s Marvin Cox(3) drives into the middle of the lane against Skyhawk with teammate Kevin Roldan(33) in position to rebound.

Italy’s Marvin Cox(3) drives into the middle of the lane against Skyhawk with teammate Kevin Roldan(33) in position to rebound. (Barry Byers)

Image: Sophomore Gladiator Cody Boyd(15) goes to the line against Arlington Summit.

Sophomore Gladiator Cody Boyd(15) goes to the line against Arlington Summit. (Barry Byers)

Image: Cole Hopkins(21) shows the skills against Arlington Summitt.

Cole Hopkins(21) shows the skills against Arlington Summitt. (Barry Byers)

Image: Cole Hopkins(21) puts in 19-points against Arlington Summitt to help Italy win 64-15.

Cole Hopkins(21) puts in 19-points against Arlington Summitt to help Italy win 64-15. (Barry Byers)

Image: Senior Gladiator Kelvin Joffre(1) is happy to be back in the game after being sidelined with back-to-back knee injuries.

Senior Gladiator Kelvin Joffre(1) is happy to be back in the game after being sidelined with back-to-back knee injuries. (Barry Byers)

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