Clinton rolls to 13-1 start after Florida sweep
The Clinton Lady Dragons basketball team was unbeaten in the Tampa Bay Christmas Invitational in the St. Pete Beach bracket. The Lady Dragons swept the tournament with wins over Lakewood (Florida) 63-43, Zephyhills Christian Academy 59-56, and Siverdale Academy of Chattanooga 61-43.
The Lady Dragons (13-1) entered the holiday break riding an 11-game winning streak after sweeping three games in the Tampa Invitational, a showcase tournament held in Florida.
Clinton’s only loss came during the opening week of the campaign against Gatlinburg-Pittman in a Hall of Fame game played in Lenoir City.
Since then, the team has victories over Oak Ridge, Morristown East and Powell, while claiming a second tournament title in the Sunshine State.
The Lady Dragons previously won the Gibbs Thanksgiving Classic in Corryton with wins over Campbell County, Morristown East and Fulton.
In Florida, they swept the St. Petersburg Bracket, played Dec. 20-23.
Clinton claimed the championship with a 61-43 win over Division II-A power Silverdale Academy of Chattanooga on Tuesday, Dec. 23. The Lady Dragons reached the title game by edging Zephyrhills Christian Academy 59-56 the day before.
Senior point guard Addi Gamble, a Carson-Newman University signee, recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. She also notched five assists and five steals. Caylin Taylor added 16 points, four rebounds, four assists and three steals.
Josie Moody contributed 12 points, five boards, two assists and a steal. Lanee Carmichael posted seven points, seven rebounds and two assists. Kenzlee Hutchison added eight rebounds, two steals, one block and an assist.
Clinton opened the tournament with a 63-45 win over Lakewood (Florida) on Saturday, Dec. 20.
The Lady Dragons began play in the McDonald’s Classic at Carter High School in Strawberry Plains on Saturday. Results were not available at press time.