Johnson named Defensive MVP as six Lady Gladiators land on all-district list

Barry Byers Posted Lady Gladiator Basketball
Image: Italy’s Kortnei Johnson(3) was named the district’s Defensive Player of the Year for the 2013-2014 basketball season.

Italy’s Kortnei Johnson(3) was named the district’s Defensive Player of the Year for the 2013-2014 basketball season. (Barry Byers)

Italy Lady Gladiator head coach Melissa Fullmer is once again proud to announce that five of her players received all-district accolades plus one superlative. Kortnei Johnson earns the district’s Defensive Player of the Year honors in girls basketball after being named the district’s Offensive Player of the Year last season.

Also topping the list were senior guard Kendra Copeland who overcoming a broken finger early in the season to earn 1st team honors. Sophomore post Shercorya Chance lowered the boom on the district this season scoring 19-points against Itasca and 18-points against Dallas Gateway in consecutive games, earning 1st team honors as well.

Junior point guard Tara Wallis will take the offensive reigns full time next season after earning 2nd team honors and Taleyia Wilson battled, rebounded, dived on the floor and shot her way to honorable mention recognition.

Jaclynn Lewis, has the three B’s, beauty, brawn and brains and was named Academic All-District. Lewis was a key figure in helping Italy return to the playoffs and steadily evolved into an aggressive post player, calling for the ball.

Congratulations to the following Lady Gladiators who were voted to the District 14-1A All-District Girls Basketball Team:

  • Defensive Player of the Year:
    • Kortnei Johnson (Jr.)
  • 1st Team All-District:
    • Kendra Copeland (Sr.)
    • Cory Chance (So.)
  • 2nd Team All-District:
    • Tara Wallis (Jr.)
  • Honorable Mention All-District:
    • Taleyia Wilson (So.)
  • Academic All-District:
    • Jaclynn Lewis (Jr.)

2013-2014 Lady Gladiator Basketball’s Playoff Roster:

Lady Gladiator Class Jersey #
Bernice Hailey Sr. 2
Kortnei Johnson Jr. 3
Tara Wallis Jr. 4
Halee Turner So. 5
Kendra Copeland Sr. 10
Ryisha Copeland Sr. 11
K’Breona Davis Jr. 12
Jaclynn Lewis Jr. 13
Taleyia Wilson So. 22
Vanessa Cantu Jr. 24
Cory Chance So. 40

Head Coach:

  • Melissa Fulmer

Assistant Coach:

  • Tina Richards

Managers:

  • Rebekah Corley
  • Tia Russell
  • Brycelyn Richards

For the second straight season, while under the guidance of second-year head coach Melissa Fullmer, the Lady Gladiators finished as the District Runner-up, made the playoffs and were Bi-District Finalists!!!

Congratulations to the team for their overall accomplishments, seniors Bernice Hailey, Kendra Copeland and Ryisha Copeland and to all our all-district Lady Gladiators!

Great Season, Ladies!