Lady Dragons blaze past Harriman
Clinton’s girls basketball team captured its third tournament championship of the 2025-26 season over the Christmas break. The Lady Dragons defeated Science Hill 48-35, Powell 52-43, and Oak Ridge 56-54 to claim the title at the Faris McDonald’s Christmas Shootout, hosted by Carter High School. (photo:Tony Cox )
The Lady Dragons, who closed 2025 by winning 16 of their final 17 games, opened the new year with an 82-42 blowout of Harriman at the Don W. Lockard Gymnasium.
Lanee Carmichael led the way with 21 points and seven rebounds. Addi Gamble posted a stat-stuffing night with 19 points, eight assists, six steals, three rebounds and a block.
Caylin Taylor finished with 15 points, six steals, two assists, two rebounds and a block. Josie Moody added 13 points, six rebounds, four steals and three assists.
Friday’s win followed Clinton’s third tournament title of the season.
On Tuesday, Dec. 30, the Lady Dragons (17-1) edged county rival Oak Ridge 56-54 in the championship game of the Faris Family McDonald’s Shootout at Carter High School in Strawberry Plains.
It marked Clinton’s second win over the Lady Wildcats this season. The Lady Dragons also won tournament championships in Florida and at Gibbs.
Moody scored 20 points in the title game against Oak Ridge. Carmichael had 15, Gamble chipped in 11 and Taylor finished with 10.
Clinton reached the championship game with a 52-43 win over Powell in the semifinals.
Gamble had six steals in the victory, setting a new Clinton High School career record. She also notched four points, five assists and four rebounds.
Taylor was the only Lady Dragon to reach double figures, scoring 16 points. Carmichael and Moody had nine points each. Jailie Rodd finished with seven, and Grace Stewart added five.
Clinton opened tournament play Saturday, Dec. 27, with a 48-35 win over Science Hill. Four Lady Dragons scored in double figures.
Moody led with 15 points, while Carmichael and Taylor each added 12. Gamble finished with 10.
