Italy — In a classic clash between the Gladiators and the Lions inside the Coliseum, Italy keeps looking better and better as they battled back to take a 5-point lead with 3:00 remaining. Stall ball cost the Gladiators in the end with Blooming Grove scratching out a 1-point win, 64-63. Despite 26-points from senior Trevon Robertson, the Gladiators missed 15 free-throws while making only 6 compared to an 8-out of-12 output for the Lions from the stripe.

Italy seniors TaMarcus Sheppard and Bailey Walton each added 8-points with this just Sheppard’s second game after healing from injury. Freshman guard Kevin Johnson continues to impress with his ball handling and passing skills. Johnson scored 6-points including an early 3-pointer in the first-period. Senior forward Darol Mayberry put in 5-points for the Gladiator cause, Ty Windham knocked down a clutch 3-pointer and Ryan Connor scored a strong basket inside. Tyler Anderson was unable to break into the scoring column but was effective in helping Italy break down Blooming Grove’s press defense.

Italy’s muscle in the middle including Zain Byers, Cody Boyd and Kevin Roldan managed 5-points between the trio with Byers scoring 3-points and Boyd scoring from the field. Along with improving the team average on free-throw shooting, point production from the interior positions will be key if Italy hopes to get back in the win column in their rematch against West on Friday, January 3, in Italy starting at 6:30 p.m.

Box Score:

JV Action – Italy vs. Blooming Grove:
Led by an 18-point game for Kenneth Norwood, a 5-point game for David De La Hoya and a 4-point outing for Austin Crawford, Italy’s JV Gladiators found themselves in a shootout as well. Eric Carson put in a three-ball in the opening period while James Walton and Jorge Galvan each scored 3-points each.

Italy received plenty of defensive help from Michael Hughes, Hunter Ballard, Dylan McCasland, Jacob Brooks and Joshua Cryer, but Blooming Grove held on for the win, 42-36, despite Italy’s JV soldiers playing a strong game against a talented young Lion squad.

The JV Gladiators will play their next game Friday night as well and will also be challenging the visiting West JV Trojans beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Box Score:

The Lady Gladiators will play the final game of the night starting at 8:00 p.m. which will be their district opener versus Arlington Summit. Good luck, Ladies!

Go Italy!