Italy — The Lady Gladiators honored their three senior leaders, Kendra Copeland, Ryisha Copeland and Bernice Hailey, during the pre-game Tuesday night as a part of the team’s Senior Night festivities.

Each player was introduced while being escorted by family members before receiving hugs and photo collages from their teammates and coaches Melissa Fullmer and Tina Richards.

The Big Three then represented the Lady Gladiators as captains during the meet-and-greet with Grand Prairie Advantage Academy’s captains at center court. JV Lady Gladiator, Janae Robertson sang the National Anthem followed by team introductions.

With both the Copeland sisters and Hailey in the starting lineup, the Lady Gladiators lead 6-0, then 12-0, then 24-0 to end the first-period with their press defense easily overpowering Grand Prairie.

Kortnei Johnson scored 8-points during the opening period. Hailey put in 4-points. Kendra Copeland and Taleyia Wilson scored 3-points apiece while Tara Wallis, Jaclynn Lewis and Cory Chance added 2-points each.

Italy continued the onslaught in the second-period with, Johnson pouring in 6-points more. Ryisha Copeland scored 4-points and Hailey scored another basket. Kendra Copeland and Chance put in 2-points each and Lizzy Garcia scored her first two varsity points the season. All totaled, the Lady Gladiators outscored GPAA 18-0 in the second to take a 42-0 lead into intermission.

Coach Fullmer reeled in her defensive attack somewhat in the the third but GPAA was unable to get any shots to fall in. Kendra Copeland accounted for 4-points more including going 2-out of-4 from the charity stripe and both Lewis and Johnson added 2-points each. K’Breona Davis got on the board with a bucket as the Lady Gladiators continued to post a shutout, 52-0, with the period coming to a close.

Trailing 54-0, Grand Prairie finally got on the board with a layup in the fourth-period and received a gracious roar from Italy fans who were happy that the Lady Eagles were finally rewarded for their hard work. Chance finished off GPAA with an additional 4-points. Kendra Copeland and Wilson each scored another basket as well.

GPAA managed a couple of free-throws before the final buzzer but Wallis scored again, as did Johnson, to help give their senior teammates a Senior Night win they will always remember. Each Lady Gladiator on the roster scored in this one with Italy taking it to the Lady Eagles, 64-4.

Box Score:

Lady Gladiator Game Roster/Scoring:

Congratulations, Kendra, Ryisha, and, Bernice, and thank you giving your all to the Italy Lady Gladiator basketball program over the years!

Go Lady Gladiators!