Italy — The Lady Wampus Cats entered the Coliseum Friday night decked out in camouflage shirts with BEAT ITALY boldly displayed across their chests. Although it was all in good fun, the Lady Gladiators hid their anger before unleashing it at tip-off time. Italy’s Vanessa Cantu, signaled the beginning of the battle by elegantly singing the National Anthem.

After both squads were introduced, the game began at a fast pace with both sides test firing early. When Italy post player, Cory Chance, unloaded the boom during a first period collision with Itasca’s center, both players staggered back but refused to go down. The war was on and the fans were invested.

View varsity action of both the boys and girls district match-ups against Itasca below:

The Lady Gladiators came out shooting with, Chance, and teammate, Kortnei Johnson, leading the charge. Itasca successfully flanked, Johnson, in the early going, however, the Lady Cats were unable to defend the inside counter moves of Chance. Chance was calling for the ball and scoring at will. She put in all 6 of Italy’s first period points but Itasca led 8-6 at the first buzzer.

Italy head coach, Melissa Fullmer, and assistant coach, Tina Richards, called in the cavalry for this one. Janae Robertson, who was moved up from the JV squad, and senior, Kendra Copeland, returned to the lineup after missing several games with a broken finger. No guts, no glory! Post partner, Jaclynn Lewis, complemented Chance on the boards while teammate, Taleyia Wilson, provided the muscle and the willingness to scrap for loose balls and reach for rebounds.

Johnson heated up with 8-points in the second, Tara Wallis swished in her first 3-pointer and Chance added 5-points more to give Italy a 22-14 lead at halftime.

With Italy fueled by rage and playing with passion, Itasca was proving to be no match for the Lady Gladiator war machine. Johnson continued to roll and poured in 9-points in the third with Chance scoring 4 more and Wallis pulling up for her second 3-point bomb. Heading into the final period, Italy was up 40-21 with Itasca seeming to have little chance against, Chance, and her teammates.

With Italy breaking away, Johnson went 4-of-4 from the stripe and put in 16-points in the fourth. Kendra Copeland added 2 free shots, Wilson added a freebie and K’Breona Davis put in 2 free ones from the line. Lewis was well in control of the paint and both Bernice Hailey and Ryisha Copeland provided valuable minutes throughout the game. Wallis finished with 8-points after adding a pair of free-throws.

Chance scored one last basket to finish with a season-high of 19-points while Johnson totaled 33-points in the war effort to help the Lady Gladiators secure a dominating district victory, 65-43!!! The Lady Gladiators are now 3-2 in district play and occupy 3rd place.

Gladiator Roster And Scoring Totals:

Special thanks to bookkeeper, Rita Garza.

Go Italy!