Tenaha Defeats Italy, Players Display Inspiring Sportsmanship

March 4, 2017 - The Tenaha Tigers defeated the Italy Gladiators 92-67 in Region 3 Semi-Final game to advance; however, the Gladiators come away heroes of the game with an inspiring display of sportsmanship.

In the final period, the Tenaha Tigers brought in player #33, Ferdaveion Thomas, who is a special needs teammate to give him a chance to play. When he got the ball to take a shot at the basket, a penalty was called on him and his chance was gone… or so it seemed.

The players on the Italy team then became determined to allow #33 to have his shot… literally and once he made his shot, Italy’s players continued to feed him the ball an additional three times before the game ended as a Italy player attempted a half-court shot just for good measure.

Coaches, parents, and teachers attempt to teach kids good sportsmanship but don’t aways truly get to see if the lesson took. All the players showed great sportmanship in Friday's game.

Shelby County Today gives a standing ovation to the Italy Gladiators for their inspiring display of character. Congratulations to the Tenaha Tigers on a great win and for supporting your whole team!