Grand Prairie — The Lady Gladiators overwhelm the Lady Eagles of Grand Prairie Advantage Academy by jumping out to a 39-0 lead before GPAA finally got on the board with a 3-pointer late in the second period. Italy led 41-3 at the break and continued their domination throughout with Kortnie Johnson’s 24-points leading the Lady Gladiator attack.

Both Johnson and teammate Tara Wallis swished jumpers early to loosen up the Lady Eagle defense allowing post players Jaclynn Lewis, Cory Chance and Taleyia Wilson to get control of the game early. Lewis had one of her best scoring outings of the season with 11-points while shooting a perfect 3-of-3 from the line. Chance added 6-points and was a force on defense by blocking shots and recording a steal. Wilson did her best work in the rebounding department.

Ryisha Copeland scored 2 fast break points early to help get the run and fun Lady Gladiators rolling with Johnson superior court speed exhausting he Lady Eagles.

Wallis also scored 11-points, including a 3-pointer in the first period. With no JV game scheduled, sophomores Janae Robertson and Halee Turner added some serious punch to Italy’s attack. Turner scored 6-points and Robertson put in 5-points but their defensive talents and quickness upgraded the Lady Gladiators in this one.

Bernice Hailey made her biggest contributions on the defensive end but helped with the ball handling duties when needed. Italy head coach Melissa Fullmer and assistant coach Tina Richards began reigning in their court chariots as the lopsided match continued. With the game clock the only thing out running the Lady Gladiators in the second-half, Italy wrapped up their second district win in three outings with a 67-6 statement.

The outcome conjured up memories of a previous Lady Gladiator win over Grand Prairie, 61-16, from back in 2009 which was one of Italy Neotribune’s more infamous write-ups entitled: Varsity girls show no leniency for Grand Prairie

Nicely done, Ladies!