The Clinton County Bulldogs remain perfect in district play by defeating Russell County Friday night, 65-52, for the team’s 10th win of the season.

It was a slow start for both teams Friday night, but at the 3:40 mark in the first quarter, Clinton County started putting the ball in the basket. Keifer Dalton scored on a steal by Lance Claywell to put the Dawgs up by four, 6-2. Russell County hit a three pointer with 3:19 on the clock to get the Lakers to within one point, 6-5.

The Dawgs then put together a 10-0 run to finish the quarter with a 16-5 lead heading into the second period.

Russell County scored right out of the gate in the second quarter to cut the lead to nine points, but back-to-back baskets by Chance McWhorter and Cole Nelson put the Dawgs up 20-7.

The Lakers answered with a three pointer, followed by a field goal to cut the lead to eight points, 20-12.

Dalton then scored back-to-back goals for a 24-12 lead at the 4:30 mark.

Russell County outscored the Dawgs in the final half of the second quarter, 9-6, allowing Clinton County to head into the locker room at halftime with only a nine point lead, 30-21.

The third quarter was a different story for Clinton County. The Lakers started holding its own on defense, giving the Dawgs some trouble on the offensive side of the court.

By the end of the quarter, Russell County had managed to cut the lead to two points with 36 seconds remaining, 42-40.

With seconds ticking away, Colin Langford received a pass at the top of the key and knocked down a three pointer at the buzzer to give back the energy Clinton County lost in the third quarter, 45-40.

The Dawgs regained control of what looked like a downward spiral for Clinton County.

Colin Langford hit another shot from the floor to put the Dawgs up by six points, 47-41, but Russell County cut the lead to four on a basket of its own.

Both teams went scoreless from the floor for more than two minutes until Clay Choate knocked down a basket in the middle of the lane for a 51-44 lead.

Russell County followed up with a free throw and a three point play to cut the lead to three points, 51-48, but a free throw and a tip in by Nelson extended the Dawgs’ lead to six points, 52-48.

The remainder of the game was all Bulldogs as Clinton County held the Lakers to only four points in the final 2:10, while scoring 13 to take the 65-52 win over Russell County and remain perfect in 16th District play.

Individual scoring for Clinton County was:

Colby Langford 18

Dalton 16

Nelson 9

McWhorter 8

Colin Langford 7

Claywell 5

Choate 2

Clinton County’s Monday night game against Whitley County was canceled due to severe road conditions, but the Dawgs will be back in action Friday night at The Castle against Metcalfe County. Tip off will start following the girls game.

Colby Langford dropped in two of his team high 18 points during the second half Friday night against Russell County. The Dawgs won the game, 65-52, and remain undefeated in district play. Clinton County will be back in action Friday night at home against Metcalfe County.

Colin Langford hit an extremely critical shot at the end of the third period to put the Dawgs up by five points going into the final quarter. That shot swung the momentum toward the Dawgs’ side which allowed them to pick up the 65-52 victory. Langford finished the game with seven points.