2009 - 2010 Gladiator Season
Game Summaries
Gladiators 16 - 17U
MIA Tournament
December 10, 2009 - Gladiators 55 Brown 34
Dante Afflick, Zaequan Stevenson and Joseph Bell lead the Gladiators to an easy 55 – 34 victory over Brown Memorial. The Gladiators had the better team, but they still found reasons to argue with the refs and amongst themselves. This was an issue that needed to be addressed before their next game.
December 18, 2009 - Gladiators 1 Central 0
Gladiators Forfeit Win
January 7, 2010 - Ice Tea 57 Gladiators 54
9 seconds was the difference between a dramatic victory and an ugly loss as the Gladiators fell 57 – 54 to Ice Tea. Dressing only 5 players (Dante Afflick, Zaequan Steveson, Charles Edwards, Solideen Rann and Hector Navarro) they were in the game for all four quarters. Several different defenses were played by the Gladiators to conserve energy. This seemed to work as the game was close in the fourth quarter. Despite off games by Charles, Dante and Hector, the Gladiators had a 1 point lead with 9 seconds to go. A defensive lapse allowed Ice Tea to drive the length of the court and score on a layup with 3 seconds left on the clock. Their player was fouled but missed the free throw. The Gladiators failed to box out and allowed Ice Tea to grab an offensive rebound and put back to ice the game.
January 22, 2010 - Canaan 63 Gladiators 44
This was a rivalry game as Canaan and Gladiators have been battling for several years. This game was different as the Gladiators really did not have the BIGs to run with Canaan. Down 20 – 4 in the first quarter, The Gladiators went on an 18 - 2 run to tie the score at 22. Turnovers and cheap fouls allowed Canaan to re-establish their double digit lead. The Gladiators expended too much energy trying stay in this game but just did not have the horses to run with Canaan. With this loss, the Gladiators fell to 2 – 2 @ MIA.
March 12, 2010 - Gladiators 63 Central 34 - Playoffs 1st Round
5 was enough as the Gladiators cruised to an easy 63 – 34 first round playoff win over Central Baptist. The Gladiator defense once again fueled their offense and Central did not put up much of a fight. Hector Narvano and Zaquan Stevenson lead the way to this Gladiator victory. Next up for the Gladiators, Ice Tea.
March 20, 2010 - Gladiators 55 Ice Tea 52 - Playoffs Semi-Finals
Down by 20 in 2nd half, the Gladiators rallied for a 55 – 52 come from behind victory. Ice Tea came out hot, punishing the perimeter as well as outmuscling down low. There was internal bickering within the Gladiator huddle that Coach Tony addressed by telling his team, "don't talk about it, be about it!" After a time out and a few adjustments in the 2nd hald, the momentum seem to start swinging in the Gladiator's favor. The Gladiator defense kicked into another level as they started to force turnovers and limited Ice Tea to one shot. Zaquan Stevenson, Joe Belle and Dayvon Jones started to heat up. Andrew Johnson and Dante Afflick both provide defensive pressure that aided in the comeback. Finally getting to the free throw line was also key. The Gladiators were able to convert their free throws and put this game away. The Gladiators advanced to face their long time rivals Canaan for the title.
March 27, 2010 - Canaan 66 Gladiators 62 - Championship Game
Yet another Championship game between Canaan and Gladiators. When these two teams get together, an epic battles ensues and this game would be no different. Canaan was able to pull out a 66 – 62 victory over the Gladiators. Once again the Gladiators started out slow as Canaan jumped out to a double digit lead. Playing only 5 Players (Rodney Golden, Dayvon Jones, Zaquan Stevenson, Joe Belle and Andrew Johnson), the Gladiators would have to pace themselves. They were able to overcome the double lead, but in the final minute, the Gladiators got careless with ball, turning it over three straight times that Canaan converted to a 6 point lead. This was the turning point of the game as Canaan was able to avenge last year's championship defeat in MIA.
