Italy hoop stars receive all-district honors; Hopkins and Cox earn superlatives

Image: Earning the District 14 1A-1 superlative of 2013 Defensive Player of the Year is Italy Gladiator senior Cole Hopkins(21). Perhaps best remembered for his 25 point, 17 rebounds and 12 blocks against eventual state champion Triple-A Academy as Hopkins stole the show against the Stallions on their home floor.

Earning the District 14 1A-1 superlative of 2013 Defensive Player of the Year is Italy Gladiator senior Cole Hopkins(21). Perhaps best remembered for his 25 point, 17 rebounds and 12 blocks against eventual state champion Triple-A Academy as Hopkins stole the show against the Stallions on their home floor. (Barry Byers)

Image: Marvin Cox(3) earned the 2013 Newcomer of the Year superlative in District 14 1A-1 as point guard for the Italy Gladiators. Cox could both get to the rim and knock down triples making him a tough cover on the court. Cox helped lead Italy to a district runner-up finish and bi-distrcit finalists in the playoffs.

Marvin Cox(3) earned the 2013 Newcomer of the Year superlative in District 14 1A-1 as point guard for the Italy Gladiators. Cox could both get to the rim and knock down triples making him a tough cover on the court. Cox helped lead Italy to a district runner-up finish and bi-distrcit finalists in the playoffs. (Barry Byers / Maddie Pittman)

Image: Marvin Cox(3) leads the fast break with teammate Cole Hopkins(21) trailing the play during bi-district playoff action against Collinsville.

Marvin Cox(3) leads the fast break with teammate Cole Hopkins(21) trailing the play during bi-district playoff action against Collinsville. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy’s Cole Hopkins(21) pulls up for a triple against Collinsville.

Italy’s Cole Hopkins(21) pulls up for a triple against Collinsville. (Barry Byers)

Image: Ryheem Walker(10) takes a baseline jumper with Zain Byers(22) going in for the rebound.

Ryheem Walker(10) takes a baseline jumper with Zain Byers(22) going in for the rebound. (Barry Byers)

Image: Pulling up from the outside is Gladiator Cole Hopkins(21).

Pulling up from the outside is Gladiator Cole Hopkins(21). (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy’s Cole Hopkins(21) is a man amongst boys when he rises to shoot.

Italy’s Cole Hopkins(21) is a man amongst boys when he rises to shoot. (Barry Byers)

Image: Senior Gladiator Cole Hopkins(21) is a precision shooter from the foul line.

Senior Gladiator Cole Hopkins(21) is a precision shooter from the foul line. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy’s Reid Jacinto(5), a senior, lets a 3-pointer fly from the right corner against Collinsville.

Italy’s Reid Jacinto(5), a senior, lets a 3-pointer fly from the right corner against Collinsville. (Barry Byers)

Image: Senior Gladiator Caden Jacinto(2) was hot from the 3-point line against Collinsville early.

Senior Gladiator Caden Jacinto(2) was hot from the 3-point line against Collinsville early. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy’s Zain Byers(22) attempts a 3-pointer for Italy during the bi-district matchup against Collinsville.

Italy’s Zain Byers(22) attempts a 3-pointer for Italy during the bi-district matchup against Collinsville. (Barry Byers)

Image: Italy’s Marvin Cox(3) pulls up in the lane for a shot attempt against Collinsville.

Italy’s Marvin Cox(3) pulls up in the lane for a shot attempt against Collinsville. (Barry Byers)

Image: Darol Mayberry(13) maneuvers inside for a score with Kevin Roldan(33) and Cole Hopkins(21) in position to rebound.

Darol Mayberry(13) maneuvers inside for a score with Kevin Roldan(33) and Cole Hopkins(21) in position to rebound. (Barry Byers)

Image: Despite injuries, Gladiators Tyler Anderson and Kelvin Joffre find a way to help their teammates.

Despite injuries, Gladiators Tyler Anderson and Kelvin Joffre find a way to help their teammates. (Barry Byers)

Image: Marvin Cox(3) rises in traffic with Cole Hopkins(21) ready to rebound. Unfortunately, Italy’s 2013 state champion basketball goal ended at Richardson High School with Collinsville getting the bi-district win.

Marvin Cox(3) rises in traffic with Cole Hopkins(21) ready to rebound. Unfortunately, Italy’s 2013 state champion basketball goal ended at Richardson High School with Collinsville getting the bi-district win. (Barry Byers)

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