2002 - 2003 Gladiator Season

Game Summaries
Gladiators 11 - 13U
Millennium Tournament
Mullaly Recreation Center

January 17, 2003
As the final buzzer sounded the look on Coach Tony Afflick said it all. There was alot of work to done as the Gladiators fell 24 - 17 in the first game at Mullaly Recreation Center this year. The Gladiators featured returning ball players Darius Rhodes, Dantae Koger, Isiah and Issac Paulin, Eric Motley and Martin Nicholas. This squad also has newcomers Eric Maximo, Ranale Todman, Jordan Johnson and Jamell White. Getting beat by a better team is acceptable but beating yourself is not. The Gladiators missed countless open layups and free throws. Basic basketball always give a team at least a fighting chance. Poor execution does not. Poor defense in the closing minutes did nothing to help either. The Gladiators wasted Eric Maximo's debut performance. Although Martin Nicholas was a monster on the defensive end, he was unable to capitalize on offensive end.

January 24, 2003
The addition of Jamell White to the Gladiator roster was still not enough for the Gladiators to pull out a victory as they fell once again at Mullaly, 42 - 36. The Gladiators were without center Martin Nicholas. Jamell White more than made up for the absence with 10 rebounds to go along with his 23 points. Once again, the Gladiators were unable to capitalize on open shots that seemed to present themselves all game long. Missed free throws and layups along with sloppy ball handling is why the Gladiators now sport a 0 - 2 record at Mullaly. Coach Tony will have to make some adjustments before things start to get out of hand.

January 31, 2003
Jamell White and Ranale Todman helped the Gladiators to finally get in the win column at Mullaly as they defeated Laguardia 38 - 31. Jamell White continued his energic play and it seems to be infectious as Ranale Todman played with a lot more zip in his game. Darius Rhodes had an outstanding defensive game recording several steals to go along with a big blocked shot. Issac Paulin got the Gladiators going earlier as he scored their first 5 points. This was a total team effort. Coach Tony Afflick is still not happy with the overall team defense and energy but this will definitely be an issue that will be addressed within the coming weeks.

February 14, 2003
On Valentine's Day there was no love as the Gladiators lost a heartbreaker in overtime to the Mullaly house squad 57 - 52. The Gladiators only dressed six players as they were without key players (Martin Nicholas, Jamell White, The Paulin Brothers, Darius Rhodes and Dontae Roger). Thomas Cooksey lent a helping hand at center as he played the entire game. Along with Ranale Todman, the Gladiators were almost able to pull out the victory. Without a true point guard, the Gladiators fell behind by as many as 14 in the second half but this Gladiator Squad hung tough. Jordan Johnson provided some much needed scoring and Eric Motley hit some clutch free throws down the stretch. A "Never Say Die" attitude along with some timely hoops by Thomas Cooksey and Ranale Todman helped push this game into overtime. Once again though, basic basketball came back to haunt the Gladiators. Missed free throws, too many turnovers and trying to be too fancy when it was not necessary helped caused the fall of the Gladiators in this game. But even with everything that went wrong there was still a chance to win this game. With less than a minute to go and the Gladiators down by 2, Thomas Cooksey, who had dominated the low post all game, was able to convert on a post up move. Mullaly brought the ball down court but turned it over. On the next possession, Ranale Todman was fouled with 3 seconds to go. He was unable to convert the free throws and the game went into overtime. In overtime there were opportunities, but the Gladiators just were not able to convert them. This was a hard fought battle that will not be soon forgotten.

February 21, 2003
Forfeit Win

February 28, 2003
In the Mullaly Millenniun Tournament, Jamell White and Martin Nicholas lead the Gladiators to a 40 - 26 victory over LaGuardia House in the semi-finals. The Gladiators will now play for the Mullaly Championship March 7, 2003. Martin Nicholas finally stepped up on both ends of the court as he posted a double-double. Jamell White was back in action after missing a game due to injury. Issac Paulin continues to shine as he is starting to come into his own. The Gladiators will face True Gospel for the Championship and attempt to win a championship for the first time in almost 7 years.