Gladiators participate in Glen Rose tournament in preparation for playoffs

Barry Byers Posted February 18, 2013 8:15pm Italy Gladiator Basketball

Image: The Gladiators have climbed their way into the playoffs as they enter Richards Arena for a pre-playoff scrimmage against Olney. — The Gladiators have climbed their way into the playoffs as they enter Richards Arena for a pre-playoff scrimmage against Olney. (Barry Byers)

Glen Rose — The Gladiators did their best without center Cole Hopkins against Olney on Saturday during the Laminant/Lions Club Annual Basketball Tournament at Glen Rose High School. Hopkins is expected to return to the lineup in Italy’s bi-district matchup against Collinsville on Tuesday at Richardson High School. With Italy down a man, head coach Brian Coffman added freshman Mason Womack to the roster who did see playing time by game’s end.

Leading the effort were guard Marvin Cox, who scored 8-points in the first half, and hustling forward Ryheem Walker who never stops attacking and giving it his all. Junior Forward Zain Byers put in the first buckets to begin each half but sat down a majority of the second half to stay rested for Collinsville. Sophomore Cody Boyd came off the bench to score 4-points in the effort against Olney. Freshman Levi McBride made a couple of appearances as well. Junior Kevin Roldan crashed the boards as a post to score late in the fourth-quarter. Senior shooter Kelvin Joffre provided quality minutes as did freshman John Escamilla who did not shy away from attempting an open jumper from the left wing.

Darol Mayberry and Caden Jacinto worked on their long range shooting as Reid Jacinto and and John “Squirt” Hughes played strong on defense, with Hughes being involved in one of the games more violent collisions while taking a charge. As the final score glowed in Olney’s favor, Italy didn’t seem too concerned about the outcome as their thoughts immediately jumped to Collinsville.

Afterwards, Coach Coffman and head coach J.D. Sullivan from Olney were both presented gifts and a meal coupon on behalf of the Laminant/Lions Club tournament committee.

Italy’s Upcoming Bi-District Game vs. Collinsville:
For Italy’s playoff game, we will have a bi-district match up against Collinsville. The Gladiators will be the visiting team for the game:

We will be playing at Richardson High School at 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, February 19.
Gate will be $6 for adults and $4 for students

They will accept District 14 basketball, senior citizen, THSCA, and TGCA passes to get into the game.

Richardson High School facilities:
1250 Belt Line Road
Richardson, Texas 75080

GO GLADIATORS!!!

The scene is set as Italy warms up in the upscale Glen Rose basketball arena. (Barry Byers)

Senior Caden Jacinto tries a 3-point shot from the left corner during the pre-game warmups. (Barry Byers)

Senior Kelvin Joffre lays in the ball during drills. (Barry Byers)

Freshman Mason Womack joins the Gladiators in Glen Rose to tangle with Olney. (Barry Byers)

The Gladiators are joined by Simba, the Lions Club mascot out of Granbury, for a group picture before the game.

Pictured on the back row (L-R) are: Cody Boyd, Reid Jacinto, Zain Byers, Kevin Roldan, Simba, Kelvin Joffrey, Mason Womack and Darol Mayberry. On the front row (L-R) are: Levi McBride, Ryheem Walker, John Escamilla, Marvin Cox, Caden Jacinto and John Hughes. (Barry Byers)

Italy’s Zain Byers(22) starts the scoring off with a pump fake and then the lay in to finish the fast break. (Barry Byers)

Gladiator Marvin Cox(3) spots up and shoots over an Olney defender as teammate Cody Boyd(15) battles on the block. (Barry Byers)

Italy’s Ryheem Walker(10) rises to put up a shot in the paint. (Barry Byers)

Italy’s Marvin Cox(3) maneuvers in for shot. (Barry Byers)

Marvin Cox(3) gets the shot away for Italy as teammates Zain Byers(22) and Ryheem Walker(10) charge the boards. (Barry Byers)

Italy’s Darol Mayberry(13) floors the ball and drives in drawing a shooting foul. (Barry Byers)

Italy’s Cody Boyd(15) scores two of his 4-points by not hesitating. (Barry Byers)

Marvin Cox(3) can get to the rim or knock down the long range jumper, you can’t stop him… (Barry Byers)

Marvin Cox(3) brings the ball up as Italy is forced into a half court set. (Barry Byers)

Gladiator Zain Byers(22) powers up for his second score of the game to begin the second-half as teammate Kelvin Joffrey(1) gets in position to rebound. (Barry Byers)

Gladiator Ryheem Walker(10) works off a pick by teammate Reid Jacinto(5). (Barry Byers)

Taking the shot is Marvin Cox(3) while Kevin Roldan(33) fights his way underneath for rebounding position. (Barry Byers)

Italy’s Caden Jacinto(2) attempts a 3-pointer as cousin Reid Jacinto(5) blocks out under the basket. (Barry Byers)

Sophomore John Escamilla(4) takes the shot from the wing. (Barry Byers)

Italy’s Ryheem Walker(10) grabs an offensive rebound and then goes back up for 2-points. (Barry Byers)

Levi McBride(11) looks on as Kevin Roldan(33) wins inside to score with time ticking away. (Barry Byers)

Gladiator Marvin Cox(3) bullies his way into the lane to shoot as Ryheem Walker(10) hustles in to rebound. (Barry Byers)

Italy’s head basketball coach Brian Coffman is presented a gift and a coupon, along with Olney’s head coach J.D. Sullian, after the game in appreciation from the Lions Club International, one of the tournament hosts. (Barry Byers)