Lady Hawks’ season ends in district semifinals
Clinton Middle School’s Caroline Jones advances the ball into Lady Hawks territory during a district tournament game against Maryville on Wednesday, Jan. 21. (photo:Tony Cox )
Clinton, which made the semifinals of its district tournament, was eliminated by Maryville, losing 37-9 on Wednesday, Jan 21, at Sevier County Junior High School.
The Lady Hawks finish the season with a 14-7 record.
Shelby Carroll scored seven of Clinton’s nine points in the contest. She also had seven rebounds for the Lady Hawks. Myla Queener scored two points against Maryville, which led, 26-5, at halftime.
Tora Beeler also grabbed three rebounds in the season finale for the Lady Hawks.
Clinton Coach Jason Love said he was pleased with his squad’s effort and ability to battle through adversity during the recently completed season. The final game of the season didn’t sully a successful season.
“The team this year never quit,” he said. “We fought some adversity, with players getting hurt or getting sick, and still won 14 games, including a Christmas tournament championship. Our motto this year was ‘together.’
“And these girls played together all year. You never knew who was going to be the leading scorer each night, which made us really special.”
With the 2025-26 campaign now in the rearview mirror for the Lady Hawks, Love took time to both reflect and look forward to next season.
“Reaching the semifinals in a very tough district and finishing third behind Maryville and Sevier County is a great achievement,” he said. “We will get over the hump and make it to the championship.
“Moving forward, I am going into Year Three with the Lady Hawks and nothing changes,” he said. “We get back to the gym, continue to work hard and continue to improve. I am so proud of what this team accomplished this year, but I am also excited to send them to the high school. Mark my words, this group is special.”
