Six Lady Gladiators named all-district; Johnson offensive player of the year

Barry Byers Posted Lady Gladiator Basketball
Image: Italy Lady Gladiator sophomore hoop star Kortnei Johnson(3) scored big during All-District voting to be named 2012-2013 Offensive Player Of The Year in District 14-1A. Good players can fast break….Johnson fast breakaways leaving defenders in her wake.

Italy Lady Gladiator sophomore hoop star Kortnei Johnson(3) scored big during All-District voting to be named 2012-2013 Offensive Player Of The Year in District 14-1A.
Good players can fast break….Johnson fast breakaways leaving defenders in her wake. (Barry Byers)

Italy Lady Gladiator head coach Melissa Fullmer is proud to announce six members of the 2012-2013 girls basketball team earned All-District honors including one superlative. In her first season as Italy’s head girl’s basketball coach, Fullmer guided the Lady Gladiators to a second place finish in district, behind Triple-A Academy, and finished as a bi-district finalists in the playoffs.

That is very impressive when you consider Italy’s not having enough girls to floor both a JV squad and varsity squad forcing Coach Fullmer to combine her players into one unit. Despite the odds against success, Italy’s “Pop” divas found a way and secured a playoff spot. And for that, we stand and applaud!!

Considered a young team this season, Italy will lose their physical forward and lone senior in Alyssa Richards but should be able to lock-n-reload for next season with relative ease.

Representing Italy Lady Gladiators on the 14-1A All-District Basketball Team are:

  • Kortnei Johnson (So.)
    • Offensive Player of the Year
  • Alyssa Richards (Sr.)
    • 1st Team All-District
    • Academic All-District
  • Kendra Copeland (Jr.)
    • 1st Team All-District
  • Tara Wallis (So.)
    • 1st Team All-District
  • Monserrat Figueroa (Jr.)
    • 2nd Team All-District
  • Ryisha Copeland (Jr.)
    • Honorable Mention

2012-2013 Lady Gladiator Basketball Roster:

Lady Gladiator Jersey #
Bernice Hailey Jr. 2
Kortnei Johnson So. 3
Tara Wallis So. 4
Jameka Copeland Sr. 5
Kendra Copeland Jr. 10
Ryisha Copeland Jr. 11
Alex Minton So. 12
Halee Turner Fr. 13
Taleyia Wilson Fr. 22
Alyssa Richards Sr. 24
Monserrat Figueroa Jr. 25

Congratulations to the team on their overall accomplishments and to our all-district Lady Gladiators!

Congrats!