Midseason adjustments working
Dragons finding offense in time for postseason
Kaden Ison recorded a double-double against Union County at home on Tuesay, Jan. 21. The senior big man had a game-high 26 points and 11 rebounds. (photo:Ellie Hatmaker )
In their second game of January, the Dragons managed just 29 points in a home loss to Livingston Academy, their lowest scoring output of the season.
Following the 38-29 defeat on Jan. 7 at Don W. Lockard Gymnasium, longtime Coach Chris Lockard reevaluated his team’s approach, emphasizing extra shooting practice.
“I wanted them to take a few extra shots and do a little extra work,” Lockard said.
The Dragons responded. Since implementing those changes, Clinton (14-10, 7-1 District 4-AAA) has won five of its last six games, while increasing its scoring output.
The team’s lone loss in that stretch came against crosstown rival Anderson County, a 71-61 setback at home. The Dragons will have an opportunity to avenge that loss Friday night when they travel to ACHS for a rematch against the Mavericks.
Even in defeat, Clinton put up 61 points against an Anderson County team that entered the week undefeated in district play and boasting one of the area’s toughest defenses.
“I’d like to say that the changes we’ve made are working for now,” Lockard said. “Offensively, we’ve been averaging in the high 60s, and we’ve held our opponents to a minimum.
“We’ve played good defense all year, but I’m the same old coach — I’m always pushing them to get better. If we continue to improve, we’ll have a chance in the (postseason) tournaments.”
The Dragons’ offensive resurgence was on display Friday when they jumped out to a 16-7 lead against Cumberland Gap.
Clinton continued to build its advantage, allowing just seven second-quarter points to take a 37-14 halftime lead.
A dominant third quarter sealed the game, as the Dragons outscored the Panthers 24-14, heading into the final frame up 61-28.
Clinton showcased a balanced scoring attack.
Bryson Maddox led the way with 14 points, five rebounds and three assists. Jaxson Alcorn added 11 points and nine rebounds, while Brendan Hayden had nine points. Kaden Ison and Carson Richardson each scored eight, and Braylen Hayden had seven points and six rebounds.
Against Union County, Clinton cruised to a 66-38 win behind a standout performance from Ison, who recorded a double-double with a game-high 26 points and 11 rebounds, including six on the offensive glass.
He shot 10-of-16 from the field and was a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line.
Maddox added 15 points, and Richardson scored 11. Braylen Hayden chipped in six points, six rebounds, two assists and a steal.
The Dragons led 30-15 at halftime, after a 19-6 second-quarter surge.
Clinton enters a crucial final week of district play. The Dragons hosted Gibbs on Tuesday night, although results were unavailable at press time. The regular-season district schedule concludes Friday at Anderson County.
