The Clinton County Bulldogs lost the chance to get the first place seed in the district outright Friday night as Russell County came to “The Castle.”

The Bulldogs lost the game, and now have a 5-1 record in district play. As of presstime, Russell County has also experienced a loss in district play, coming on December 14, against the Bulldogs.

In order for Clinton County to take the number one seed, without winning a coin toss, Russell County has to lose one of two remaining district games on their schedule. The Lakers are now holding with a record of 3-1, with games against Cumberland County and Metcalfe County left to play.

Clinton County 65

Russell County 72

Friday night, Lindle Castle Gymnasium was packed as fans came to support Clinton County in what has grown in recent years to be a rivalry between the Bulldogs and the Lakers. Also, fans were decked out in neck ties to honor a teacher, the late Michael Anders, who was killed in a plane crash last week.

During the first quarter, both teams ran up and down the floor, in a mad pace to get to the basket.

Standing out in this game was phenomenal defensive and offensive efforts from Frank England and Lance Claywell, who stepped their game up to an intense level.

The score went back and forth and Clinton County came out on top after one period, 11-10.

During the second quarter, Clinton County’s Keifer Dalton hit two free throws to give the Dawgs a three point lead, 13-10, but a 4-0 run saw Russell County grab a one point advantage. Ryan Beard hit a field goal to regain the lead, 15-14, and Dalton added to the lead with two baskets, 19-14.

Clinton County grabbed its largest lead of the game at the 1:50 mark, 26-19, but a 6-2 run by Russell County gave the Dawgs only a three point lead at halftime, 28-25.

As the third quarter got underway, Clinton County saw the control slip away as Russell County’s Tyler Robertson caught fire and started making big shots for Russell County.

Throughout the quarter, the lead changed hands several times, taking a three point lead just under three minutes remaining in the period, 41-38.

Colby Langford put up a shot with 2:11 remaining and was fouled, allowing him to complete a three point play and tie the score at 41.

Russell County came back and scored a field goal, but two free throws by England tied the score again, this time at 43 all.

On the next trip down the floor, Russell County scored again for a two point lead, 45-43, but a drive and basket by Dalton tied the score at 45. In similar fashion, Russell County again took the lead, 47-45, but less than a minute remaining in the quarter, a designed play allowed Claywell to knock down a three pointer for a one point lead at the end of the quarter, 48-47.

During the final period, Clinton County still had work to do. Russell County obtained a four point lead at the 2:30 mark, but two free throws and a field goal by Dalton put the Dawgs even with the Lakers, 60-60.

Russell County added a basket at 2:15, but a three point play by Dalton at 2:03 put Clinton County up by one, 63-62.

With time running out, Clinton County was forced to foul in order to stop the clock. Russell County hit three free throws in a row to grab a two point advantage with 1:31 remaining.

A basket and two free throws later, Russell County had gained a six point lead with 40 seconds remaining. Clinton County was working against the clock and it appeared to be a losing battle.

England hit a jumper with 24 seconds remaining to cut the lead to four points, but as Russell County stayed true to the foul line, Clinton County couldn’t overcome the deficit, losing 72-65.

Clinton County’s foul shooting improved somewhat compared to past games, hitting 19 of 23 from the line.

Clinton County’s next game will be Thursday night against Metcalfe/Monroe County in the All “A” Classic Regional Tournament held at Lindle Castle Gymnasium. Tip off is set for 7:45 p.m.

Individual scoring for Clinton County was:

Dalton 29

Claywell 11

England 10

Langford 6

Davis 5

Nelson 2

Beard 2

Clinton County 73

Cumberland County 48

The Bulldogs traveled to Cumberland County last Tuesday night to wrap up the regular season district play with the Panthers. The game turned out to be a one sided victory for the Bulldogs.

During the first quarter, Clinton County opened up with a 5-0 lead and finished with a 16-6 first quarter lead.

As the second quarter got underway, Clinton County was clearly in control and outscored the Panthers 15-10 for a 31-16 halftime lead.

During the third quarter, Clinton County added to its lead, eventually grabbing a 33 point advantage, 53-20 with 3:20 on the clock.

Cumberland County put together a 15-1 run to cut the lead to 21 points, 54-33.

Clinton County finished the quarter with a 23 point lead, 58-35.

During the final quarter, Cumberland County scored 13 points to Clinton County’s 15, thus giving Clinton County the 25 point victory, 73-48.

The Bulldogs finished with four players in double figures and grabbed its 11th win of the season.

Individual scoring for Clinton County was:

Dalton 19

Langford 18

Davis 13

F. England 12

Cook 3

Beard 2

Claywell 2

Nelson 2

G. England 2

Keifer Dalton put the ball up over two Russell County defenders Friday night and made the shot while being fouled. Dalton went to the line and completed the three point play to tie the game at 63 with 2:30 on the clock. Clinton County ended up losing the game, 72-67.