Frost — The Italy Gladiators, head coached by Brandon Ganske, went hunting for Polar Bears in Frost but the home team held court despite a furious and determined effort by the guys in gold.

Frost took control early 21-6 after one but Italy never shied away from the challenge. After falling behind by 20-points at one point of the first-half, the Gladiators pulled within eight at the 4:28 mark of the third-period, 41-33.

A relentless Kendrick Norwood and his older brother Kenneth Norwood, Jr. were instrumental in the comeback effort with help from Ty Windham who put in 8-points on the night including a pair of 3-pointers. Kendrick Norwood finished with a team high 10-points and Kenneth Norwood, Jr. had 7-points with one 3-pointer.

Kevin Johnson and John Escamilla primarily helped by pushing the ball up the floor but both managed to put in one basket each. Cody Boyd added a hoop as did David De La Hoya. Kyle Tindol put in three free throws for the Gladiator cause. Italy matched Frost in the scoring column in both the second and third-periods but the slow start to the game ultimately sealed Italy’s fate.

Ryan Connor scored all five of his points in the fourth, including a three bomb, but Frost outscored Italy 17-13 in the final minutes to help secure the district win, 70-51.

Kudos to the Coach Ganske and his Gladiator players for going hard until the final buzzer sounded! GLADIATOR PRIDE!!

Gladiator Game roster and Scoring:

• Kendrick Norwood – 10
• Ty Windham – 8
• Kenneth Norwood, Jr. – 7
• Ryan Connor – 5
• Kyle Tindol – 3
• John Escamilla – 2
• Cody Boyd – 2
• Kevin Johnson – 2
• David De La Hoya – 2
• Gary Kincaid
• Jaray Anderson
  
  

Box Score:

Go Gladiators!