JV Gladiators defeat Frost; Varsity Gladiators struggle against the Polar Bears
JV Gladiator James Walton(11) underhands in a tough shot over a Frost defender. Fueled by Walton’s 16-point night, Italy’s JV took control early and coasted to a 46-25 win. (Barry Byers)
Italy — Italy’s Gladiators had played in an earlier district loss to Frost and were hoping to get of the Polar Bear hump in their second matchup. At least Italy had the Polar Bears on their home court this time and managed to keep it close most of the way.
In fact, the first-period ended in a tie 13-13 as both schools traded jabs. Kenneth Norwood, Jr. scored 6 of his 10-points in the first, Ryan Connor scored 5 of his 11-points in the first, including a three-pointer, and Kendrick Norwood added a basket.
Kevin Johnson heated up with 4-points in the second as the back-and-forth continued. John Escamilla scored a bucket as did Kenneth Norwood, Jr. to ensure the game remained tied 21-21 going into intermission.
Connor led Italy with 4 more points in the third but Frost began to pull away and led 42-31 by the period’s end. Johnson put in 6 of his team high 12-points in the fourth, including a three-pointer, but the Polar Bears extended their lead and held on for the win, 56-43.
Notable efforts were turned in by Kyle Tindol and Gary Kincaid on the defensive end and Cody Boyd and David De La Hoya always give it their all in the lane. Boyd scored a basket in the contest as did teammate Ty Windham who is always crafty on the offensive end.
Gladiator Scoring:
Gary Kincaid
Kendrick Norwood – 4
Cody Boyd – 2
Kevin Johnson – 12 (1 three-pointer)
Ryan Connor – 11 (1 three-pointer)
Ty Windham – 2
John Escamilla – 2
Kenneth Norwood, Jr. – 10
Kyle Tindol
David De La Hoya
Italy’s JV Gladiators faired better in their duel against the JV Polar Bears. Italy big man James Walton was a beast inside with 16-points while teammate Joshua Cryer tossed in 11-points, including 3 three-pointers.
Energized by guards Gary Escamilla who scored a basket and Jorge Galvan who scored 8-points for the JV Gladiator cause, this one was never really in doubt. With Garrett Janek attacking on offense to score a basket, Italy cruised in the second-half to a 46-25 victory.
jv 46-25 win
JV Gladiator Scoring:
Josh Cryer – 11 (3 three-pointers)
Gary Escamilla – 2
Jorge Galvan – 8
Anthony Lusk – 3
Dylan McCasland – 2
Byron Lusk, Jr.
James Walton – 16
Garrett Janek – 2
Cade Roberts – 2
Ty Hamilton
Michael Hughes
Perez