Lady Gladiators hoop it up at home in the dome but Hubbard gets the win
Lady Gladiator Kortnei Johnson(3) lifts off toward the rim over a Hubbard defender during Italy’s first home game inside Coliseum. The Lady Jaguars maintained an early lead to win 58-39. (Barry Byers)
Italy — The Italy Lady Gladiator varsity basketball team competed in their first home game of the season against the Hubbard Lady Jaguars. Second-year head coach Melissa Fullmer and assistant coach Tina Richards are getting their seasoned squad geared up for another exciting run and hopefully a trip back to the playoffs.
Veterans Kortnei Johnson, Tara Wallis, Kendra Copeland, Halee Turner, Taleyia Wilson, Monserrat Figueroa, Bernice Hailey and Ryisha Copeland return from last year’s roster and Jaclynn Lewis joins the mix to provide Italy some height on the boards that the Lady Gladiators lacked last time out. Alex Minton, Halee Turner, Lizzy Garcia and Ashlyn Jacinto were moved up from the JV squad for this one, as well, with Minton and Turner also logging quarters for the varsity last season.
Italy outpointed Hubbard 13-4 in the closing minutes but Hubbard outlasted the fast and furious Lady Gladiators for a 58-39 win. With Johnson’s explosiveness in the lineup, however, Italy will be a tough team to handle, especially when Johnson gets her shooting rhythm perfected.
With Lewis, Wilson and Figueroa adding size and strength in the post, Hailey and Johnson bringing experience at the forward position and speedy guards Wallis, Kendra Copeland and Ryisha Copeland running the show, Fullmer’s ladies have the weapons in place to be successful.
The season is young and the story could change from game to game so be sure to catch the Lady Gladiators in action be a part of the journey.
The Lady Gladiators are at home again tomorrow, Tuesday, November 19 in a matchup with Malakoff. JV action will begin at 5:00pm, with varsity immediately following.