Men's Basketball | 11/19/2025 10:36:00 AM
The Clinton High School Men's Basketball team turned early-season adversity into momentum with a 54-47 win over the Brandon Bulldogs on Tuesday night at Arrow Gym in Clinton.
After opening the 2025-26 season with four losses to quality opponents, the Arrows bounced back with purpose. Tuesday's win was Clinton's second straight triumph, which was powered by a great second half and timely shot-making.
Clinton Head Men's Basketball Coach Joshua Luckett said that the Arrows' strength of schedule shaped the team for adversity faced against the Bulldogs.
"We started the season out pretty slow, but we played some tough opponents, especially the first three," Luckett said. "Some of the better competition in the state. And we played pretty decent in those games, but we had a lot of turnovers. But these two wins in a row, we've been playing some better basketball."
Clinton shook off a slow start after trailing 14-7 at the end of the first quarter. The Arrows steadied themselves in the second, rallying before halftime.
London Mckenzie's 3-pointer at the 3:40 mark tied the game at 17-17. Moments later,
Jaden Moody buried a jumper from the free-throw line to give the Arrows a 19-17 lead that they carried into halftime.
Brandon responded with five points to open the third quarter and secured a 22-19 advantage, but Clinton seized control. The Arrows exchanged baskets before an 18-9 surge, taking a 37-31 lead into the final frame.
Luckett credited Mckenzie and Moody for helping the Arrows find rhythm offensively.
"We did get (Jaden) back up and running," Luckett said. "I believe that helped us a whole lot with him coming in, contributing, handling the basketball, and kind of taking the pressure off the younger point guards.
"We're really trying to find some chemistry," he added. "London's kind of been playing up and down. He's an energy guy. He was one who started getting downhill, and he got us rolling tonight. Then, the other guys stepped up to the plate."
Over the last eight minutes, Clinton controlled the ebbs and flows as it never saw its lead sink lower than six. Strong execution on both ends of the floor helped the Arrows secure the win and continue its momentum toward their next game.
"We came out slow tonight, but the second half we were able to get downhill, attack the basket, calm down some, and close out the game," Luckett said.
UP NEXT
The Arrows hit the road for a non-district matchup at Raymond High School on Friday, November 21. Clinton's varsity boys are scheduled to face the Rangers at 7:30 p.m. The full slate of game at Raymond includes the JV girls at 4 p.m., JV boys at 5 p.m., and the varsity girls at 6 p.m.
