On a night meant for celebration, the Clinton Redwolves had different plans. The Hudson Tigers entered their homecoming game riding high, buoyed by an impressive victory over the Redwolves earlier in the season. But Clinton, hungry for revenge and eager to spoil the Tigers’ festivities, delivered a performance that showcased their resilience and growth.

The first quarter was a tightly contested battle, with both teams trading baskets as they settled into the game. The Tigers managed to gain a slight edge, leading 12-8 at the end of the opening frame. However, the Redwolves showed early signs that they weren’t going down without a fight.

In the second quarter, Clinton’s Jalen Stelzer began to make his presence felt, scoring key buckets to keep the Redwolves within striking distance. Thanks to his efforts, Clinton trailed by just one point at halftime, 22-21. It was clear the Redwolves were ready to make this a contest.

The turning point came in the second half when the Redwolves made critical adjustments on both ends of the floor. Defensively, they stifled Hudson’s attack, while offensively, Stelzer put on a clinic. The standout guard erupted for 18 points in the third quarter alone, igniting the Clinton offense and swinging the momentum decisively in the Redwolves’ favor.

Once Clinton found their groove, they never looked back. The Redwolves dominated the fourth quarter and cruised to a 69-60 victory, silencing the home crowd and sending a message to the rest of the league. The win highlighted the team’s ability to compete at a high level, a testament to their growth and determination over the past few weeks.

The Redwolves now shift their focus to next Tuesday’s pivotal matchup against the Madison Trojans at home. The Trojans handed Clinton a decisive loss earlier in the season, but with the Redwolves riding this wave of momentum, Tuesday’s game could have significant implications for playoff seedings.