The Clinton County Bulldogs advanced to the championship game of the 16th District Tournament Friday night by defeating Metcalfe County in the opening round, 81-51. The Dawgs faced Russell County in the championship and came out with a victory and district title, 69-51.

It was somewhat of a slow start, compared to previous games, for the Dawgs, but Clinton County stayed strong on defense which kept Clinton County on top in the early minutes.

With 4:52 on the clock in the first quarter, Clinton County had reached a seven point lead on a couple of three pointers and a couple of field goals, 10-3.

The Dawgs continued to pick up momentum through the second half of the first quarter and by the time the eight minute period was over, Clinton County reached a 23-12 lead.

The second quarter went much the same for the Dawgs as they completely controlled the game.

At the midway point in the second quarter, Clinton County obtained a 14 point lead, 35-21. by halftime, Clinton County led the game by 13 points, 42-29.

The second half for Clinton County was just a matter of cruise control. Head Coach Todd Messer pulled the reigns and slowed the game way down, utilizing the clock to his advantage.

Russell County did get to within 10 points with under a minute remaining, but a basket by Seth Stockton and two free throws by Brett Gibson, gave the Dawgs a 14 point lead to start the fourth quarter, 58-44.

Clinton County sailed in the fourth quarter and really never let up. With 50 seconds remaining, John Davis hit a basket to put the Dawgs up 69-51. With Russell County’s last attempt to score unsuccessful, Clinton County held the ball for the remainder of the game giving the Dawgs the undefeated completed district season with a 16th District Championship, 69-51.

Individual scoring for Clinton County was:

Summers 18

Gibson 16

Davis 15

Harlan 11

Langford 7

Stockton 2

Clinton County will face Greenwood in the opening round of the 4th Region Tournament held at Western Kentucky University on Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Brett Gibson knocked down one of his four first half three pointers during Clinton County’s game against Russell County in the district finals Friday night. Gibson finished with 16 points.

Colin Langford drove the lane for a layup Friday night in the championship game of the district tournament. Clinton County won the game, 69-51.