The Clinton County Bulldogs opened its season Monday night against Rockcastle County in a game that saw an extra period after regulation required to produce a winner. Clinton County held strong in the overtime period and pulled out the win, 63-56.

In the first quarter, Clinton County got down early as easy shots were missed. The Bulldogs fell behind by seven points, 22-15, at the end of one.

Rockcastle County made several three pointers to give the Rockets the edge and it would take Clinton County the remainder of the game to chip away at the home team.

At the half, Clinton County remained behind, 27-24, but really started to gather its composure towards the end of the third quarter.

With 1:30 on the clock in the fourth quarter, Clinton County’s Ryan Beard hit a shot on the block to tie the score at 48. On the other end of the floor, Clinton County came up with a steal and drove the ball down to take the lead on a shot by Keifer Dalton, 50-48. Rockcastle County tied the score on a driving layup, and with more than a minute remaining, Clinton County held the ball for the final shot in regulation.

As seconds ticked off, Dalton drove the ball to the right side of the floor and was triple-teamed. He kicked the ball to Joe Davis who put up a shot, but it didn’t find the mark, sending the Bulldogs into overtime, 50-50.

In overtime, Clinton County took control of the game. The Bulldogs started attacking the basket and drawing fouls, eventually sending two of Rockcastle’s players to the bench with five fouls.

Davis stepped up big and dropped in five free throws that were key in maintaining the lead for Clinton County.

The Bulldogs shot 38 percent from the floor on 19 of 50 shooting, including three of 10 from the three point line.

From the foul line, Clinton County hit 72 percent on 18 of 25.

Cole Nelson came off the bench and provided eight rebounds and two blocked shots for Clinton County.

Clinton County will be back in action on Friday night at the Castle as the team hosts the Australian National Team with a tip off set immediately following the girls’ varsity game.

Individual scoring for Clinton County was:

Dalton 19

Langford 17

England 11

Davis 8

Beard 8

Keifer Dalton utilized his skill for getting to the basket Monday night during the Bulldogs’ season opener against Rockcastle County. Dalton led the Bulldogs in scoring with 19 points.

Frank England made his starting lineup debut Monday night against the Rockets of Rockcastle County. England finished the game with 11 points as the Bulldogs won the game in overtime.

Colby Langford went in for a shot during the first half against Rockcastle Monday night. The Bulldogs won the game in overtime, 63-56. Langford finished with 17 points.

Joe Davis knocked down a shot in the first half Monday night. Davis’ attempt at a game winner at the end of regulation was off, but he made five of six free throws toward the end of the game that proved to be vital to the Bulldogs’, 63-56, win.

Above, Ryan Beard put up a shot in the first half against Rockcastle County Monday night. Beard hit a shot in the second half to tie the score for the first time at 48-48, before eventually going into overtime at 50-50.