The Clinton County Bulldogs travled to Montgomery County this week to participate in the Gateway Holiday Classic.

As of press deadline, Clinton County had played two games and was defeated in both contest.

Clinton County 48

Lafeyette 64

Clinton County’s second game of the tournament was against Lafeyette.

The Bulldogs came out strong in the first quarter and led by three points at the end of the eight minute period, 16-13.

Lafeyette then put up 18 second quarter points compared to Clinton County’s 11 for a 31-27 halftime lead.

During the second half, Clinton County continued to struggle from the floor, posting only 10 points for the period while Lafeyette once again scored 18 for a 12 point lead, 49-37.

The Dawgs couldn’t make up any ground in the final period as Lafeyette scored 15 points to Clinton County’s 11 for a 64-48 final.

Clinton County hit only 10 of 21 from the free throw line, which is an area the Dawgs have struggled with this season.

Individual scoring for Clinton County was:

Dalton 14

Claywell 10

Smith 8

Langford 7

Nelson 3

Choate 2

Summers 2

McWhorter 2

Clinton County 57

Mason County 79

During the first game of the Gateway Holiday Classic, Clinton County took on Mason County.

Right out of the gate, Mason County put up 24 first quarter points to lead the Dawgs 24-10.

The second quarter went much the same way for Clinton County as Mason County added 21 points to their total, allowing Clinton County to score 16 for a 45-26 halftime lead.

As the second half began, Clinton County put together it’s best quarter of the game during the third period, adding 20 points to the board, however, Mason County posted 24 to maintain its lead after three, 69-46.

Clinton County outscored Mason County in the final period, 11-10, but the damage had already been done as the Dawgs were defeated, 79-57.

Individual scoring for Clinton County was:

Dalton 19

Smith 11

Claywell 11

Langford 10

Anderson 4

Nelson 2

Summers 2

Clinton County played Madisonville-North Hopkins Monday at 1 p.m local time, too late for press deadline.

After Monday’s game, Clinton County will be back on the regular schedule, traveling to Russell County Saturday, January 3, to take on the Lakers. That will tip off immediately following the Lady Dawgs game set for 6 p.m.

“We will be fine,” Head Coach Todd Messer said. “We needed to see quality opponents and get our tails kicked a little to see where we are and what type of fight we have. We have a lot of work to do, but that’s fine, as long as the toughness and desire is in these kids. We will be ready when it matters. Every season has a tough stretch that molds what you become and for two years now we have had that tough stretch in December. Last year we dusted ourselves off and got better. We will dust ourselves off again this year and continue to get better.”