2002 - 2003 Gladiator Season

Game Summaries
Gladiators 8 - 10U
Millennium Tournament
Hansborough Recreation Center

January 18, 2003
Bad News - 41 Gladiators - 27
Gladiators Record: 0-1

Attitude and internal fighting defeated a short-handed Gladiator team more than their opponents as the Gladiators fell 41 - 27 to a team called Bad News. Unfortunately, the Gladiators concentrated more on arguing amongst themselves and having bad attitudes than actually playing basketball. A great performance by Dante Afflick was spoiled by teammates not playing team ball. This team has the potential to go far but must play together.

January 25, 2003
Douglas Center - 23 Gladiators - 17
Gladiators Record: 0-2

Turnovers and missed opportunities continue to plague the Gladiators as they were defeated 23 - 17 by Douglas Center. Although Douglas was a little bigger than the Gladiators, they were able to hold their own. Jeremiah Aska and Dante Afflick had good games in a losing effort. Although the Gladiators were able to get to the boards for offensive rebounds they were unable to capitalize.

January 25, 2003
Gladiators - 38 Billy's All Stars - 6
Gladiators Record: 1-2

Lakia Lewis lead the Gladiators to their first victory at Hansborough as they defeated Billy's All-Stars by a score of 38 - 6. Dante Afflick and Jeremiah Aska provided swarming defense that lead to several easy baskets. This game, however, belonged to Lakia Lewis, as she controlled the glass at both ends of the floor. Lakia Lewis finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds, both all time highs for the starting center. The Gladiators improved their record to 1 - 2

February 8, 2003
Bad News - 2 Gladiators - 0 (forfeit loss)
Gladiators Record: 1-3

February 15, 2003
Douglas - 30 Gladiators - 25
Gladiators Record: 1-4

In a game that could have gone either way, the Gladiators lost to Douglas 30 - 25. Jeremiah Aska, Khashim Koger and Lakia Lewis had good games despite the lost. Douglas applied a full court press they called "Code Red" which somewhat rattled the Gladiators as they fell behind by 10. After a time out, they were able to regroup and stage a mini comeback. The Gladiators finish with a 1 - 4 record and play Douglas in the Playoffs next week.

March 1, 2003
Douglas - 40 Gladiators - 26
PLAYOFFS - SEMI-FINALS

In the Hansborough Millenium tournament Semi-Finals, the Gladiators were defeated by Douglas, 40 - 26, thus eliminating them from tournament. Once again, Douglas applied a full court press they called "Code Red" which rattled the Gladiators somewhat and they fell behind by 10 points early. Coach Tony Afflick called a timeout and they were able to regroup and mount a comeback. The Gladiators were without center Lakia Lewis and it showed on the boards as the Gladiators were beat on the boards. This team never stopped fighting, as Khashim Koger, Keith Walton and Dante Afflick all hit some keys baskets during the comeback run. This team fought hard but just came up a little short. They all have a lot to be proud of.