Defense
Clinton stifles Lady Panthers, gears up for crucial district stretch
Clinton’s Josie Moody drives hard into the lane during a Tuesday, Jan. 21, home win against Union County. Moody was part of a trio of Lady Dragons who scored in double digits against Cumberland Gap in last Friday night’s 41-24 win over the Lady Panthers. (photo:Ellie Hatmaker )
The Lady Dragons defeated Cumberland Gap 41-24, limiting the host Lady Panthers’ scoring with a strong defensive showing.
“Our half-court defense was really good, and they’re a tough matchup for us,” Clinton Coach Alicia Daugherty said. “They have a girl who’s 6-foot-3 and another who scored 51 points in a game earlier this season.”
Josie Moody, Bailey Burroughs and Addi Gamble led Clinton offensively, although no player scored more than 11 points.
The Lady Dragons have had to adjust after losing junior forward Lanee Carmichael to a season-ending knee injury.
Carmichael, the reigning District 4-AAA player of the year, had been a key offensive contributor.
“We’re learning and adjusting to playing without Lanee,” Daugherty said. “We’re using different rotations. She was the district’s player of the year last year and was always good for about 22 points per game.”
Clinton also notched a 59-40 win over Union County on Tuesday, Jan. 28.
Gamble had a standout performance, finishing with 23 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
Daugherty emphasized the importance of that victory.
“They can play as well as anybody in our district,” she said. “They beat Anderson County the other night, and I can see them beating Scott County if they keep playing like they’ve been playing.”
Clinton faces a challenging week to close out district play.
The Lady Dragons were to host Gibbs on Tuesday, although results were unavailable at press time. Clinton edged the Lady Eagles earlier in the season in Corryton.
On Friday, Clinton travels to Anderson County for a 6 p.m. showdown with the Lady Mavericks.
“This is a big week for us in terms of district tournament seeding,” Daugherty said.
