Offensive adjustments paying off for Dragons
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Carson Richardson had nine points against Scott at home on Friday night. On Tuesday, Jan. 21, he had eight points and three steals against Cumberland Gap. - Ellie Hatmaker
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Braylen Hayden shoots a free-throw for the Dragons during the Jan. 21 home game against Cumberland Gap. - Ellie Hatmaker
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Jaxson Alcorn shoots a short jump shot over a Cumber- land Gap defender. The Dragons won 71-31. - Ellie Hatmaker
Throughout much of the 2024-25 basketball season, Clinton High School has been searching for consistency, particularly on offense.
The Dragons have played solid defense all year, but their offensive struggles prompted Coach Chris Lockard to head back to the drawing board.
Lockard, Clinton’s head coach since 2000, implemented changes and encouraged his players to take extra shots after practice.
The additional shooting began to pay off quickly, and the Dragons (12-10 overall, 5-1 District 4-AAA) reaped the benefits last week.
On Friday night, Clinton defeated Scott 61-47 in Huntsville to secure a pivotal district road win.
The game was a defensive battle early, with the Highlanders holding an 8-4 lead at the end of the first quarter. Clinton rallied in the second quarter, tying the game at 22 by halftime.
After the break, the Dragons exploded with a 24-6 third-quarter run, taking a commanding 46-28 lead heading into the final frame.
“We’re playing pretty well right now, and hopefully, we’ll continue to get better,” Lockard said. “We made some changes and started doing the things we’ve talked about.”
Kaden Ison led Clinton with 22 points against the Highlanders. Bryson Maddox contributed 13 points, five assists, and four rebounds.
Carson Richardson and Jaxson Alcorn added nine points each, with Richardson also grabbing three rebounds and dishing out three assists.
Earlier, on Tuesday, Jan. 21, Clinton delivered one of its most-dominant performances of the season, routing Cumberland Gap 71-31 at Don W. Lockard Gymnasium.
The Dragons quickly put the game out of reach, building a 22-4 lead by the end of the first quarter.
By halftime, the Panthers trailed 42-9.
“Our defense was really good, and they had some open looks that just didn’t fall,” Lockard said.
“I like that our defense had a little bit to do with that.”
Maddox recorded a career-high 31 points against Cumberland Gap, along with four steals and three rebounds.
Ison added 12 points, while Richardson totaled eight points and three steals.
Clinton hosted Union County on Tuesday night, but results were unavailable at press time.
The Dragons will travel to Cumberland Gap on Friday, with tipoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
