Things did not go quite as planned for the JV boys basketball team on Thursday evening.  Playing in their final game before heading into winter break, and their first TCC game of the season, the team was looking to have a competitive edge at home.  It would be the road team that would wear down the Redskins at home and leave with a 59-33 win to drop Clinton to 1-3 overall and 0-1 in the TCC.

The game was very entertaining in the first half.  A back and forth first quarter ended with Madison leading 12-10.  The second quarter was more of the same.  The turning point of the game came on the final possession of the first half.  With Madison leading by four and with the ball, a missed shot attempt with just under 10 seconds remaining bounced off the rim just beyond the top of the key.  Two Clinton players raced after it, looking as if they may have a chance for a break away lay up.  However, a Madison player out near half court quickly flew in and snatched the ball, then fired to a teammate in the left corner for an open look at a three point attempt that found the bottom of the net as time expired.  That basket gave Madison some breathing room with a 7 point halftime lead and plenty of momentum.

While Clinton kept the game within reach for a good portion of the third quarter, the lack of scoring on offense ultimately led to easy points for Madison as they were able to begin pulling away to win by the final margin.  No Clinton players reached double figures in this game, and the team only managed eight free throw attempts.  Landon Busz led the team with 9 points, while Grant Stockford added 8 points to go with a team high 8 rebounds. 

The JV team will now head into winter break with three weeks until their next game.  That game will not be until after the new year, when they jump right back into TCC action with a road game at Morenci on Tuesday, January 7th.  A home scrimmage vs Dundee on January 3rd will provide a beneficial tune up.