In a thrilling battle of the #4 and #5 seeds in the MHSAA tournament, the Clinton Redwolves pulled off the upset against the Erie Mason Eagles, ending the Eagles’ season with a 64-58 victory. The stakes were high, and it was evident from the tip-off that both teams were feeling the pressure of the moment.

The first quarter showcased a back-and-forth contest, with both teams trading baskets as they settled into the game. The Eagles managed to take a slight lead after the first eight minutes, finishing the quarter ahead 14-10. However, the Redwolves were determined to turn the tide.

In the second quarter, senior guard Jalen Stelzer ramped up the intensity for Clinton. His strong play ignited the Redwolves, who surged on both ends of the court, winning the quarter 19-9. By halftime, Clinton held a 29-25 lead, showcasing their resilience and determination.

As the second half began, the Eagles made adjustments on the defensive end, switching to a box-and-1 approach aimed at neutralizing Stelzer’s impact. While the Eagles' strategy initially slowed the Redwolves’ offensive production, it was a moment of brilliance from Stelzer that turned the momentum back in Clinton’s favor. With 1:34 left in the third quarter, Stelzer sank a jump shot from the free-throw line elbow. This breakthrough basket not only marked a return to form for Stelzer but also made him Clinton High School’s all-time leading scorer, surpassing Butch Hoelzer’s longstanding record of 1,297 points set in 1968.

The Redwolves found their groove in the fourth quarter, maintaining their offensive efficiency and outscoring the Eagles 23-21. Stelzer led the charge, contributing 13 points in the final period to seal the victory.

The balanced scoring from the Redwolves proved vital in their success. Alongside Stelzer’s stellar performance, senior Chase Gillman added 11 points, while Andy Fair and junior Eli Turner contributed 7 points each. Junior Devon Trent and sophomore Louie Della-Badia also made significant contributions with 5 points each, showcasing the depth of the Clinton roster.

With this win, the Redwolves advance to face the #1 seed, St. Mary Catholic Central, on Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 5:30 PM at Whiteford. The Redwolves will look to build on this momentum as they aim for a deep run in the tournament.

The Clinton Redwolves took on the Lenawee Christian Cougars in a highly anticipated varsity basketball matchup Friday night. The Cougars, entering the game with an impressive record, were favorites, but the Redwolves proved they would not go down without a fight.

Clinton came out strong in the opening quarter, only trailing by two points at the end of the period, 17-19. The Redwolves displayed excellent teamwork and started strong on the offensive end, keeping the game close and setting the tone for a competitive contest. Eli Turner’s and Jalen Stelzer’s scoring helped keep the team in striking distance as the first quarter came to a close.

However, Lenawee Christian proved why they are among the top teams in the area. In the second and third quarters, the Cougars turned up the intensity, applying pressure on both ends of the floor. Their defense stifled the Redwolves’ offense, while their offense surged with key contributions from multiple players. By the end of the third quarter, Lenawee Christian had built a comfortable lead that Clinton could not overcome, despite their efforts in the final period.

Leading the way for the Redwolves was Jalen Stelzer, who finished with 17 points, followed by Eli Turner with 13 points and Andy Fair, who contributed 9 points. While the Redwolves showed heart and resilience, it was the Cougars’ strong performance in the middle stages of the game that ultimately secured them the victory.

Despite the tough loss, Clinton remains optimistic and will look to bounce back when they face off against Ida this upcoming Friday. The Redwolves will be seeking revenge after an early-season defeat to the conference rival, hoping to show improvement and build momentum for the remainder of the season.

As always, the Redwolves are determined to continue their growth and look forward to the challenge ahead.

The Clinton Redwolves bounced back in impressive fashion Tuesday night, defeating the Jonesville Comets 57-42 in a complete team performance. After a slow start to the new year, Clinton showed what they’re capable of when firing on all cylinders, with balanced scoring from all areas of the floor. Seven Redwolves players found their way onto the score sheet, led by Eli Turner and Calen Keith, who each finished with 12 points. The team’s offensive depth was evident as Quinn Walden added 10 points, while both Jalen Stelzer and Louie Della-Badia contributed 9. Della-Badia was particularly hot early, drilling three 3-pointers in the opening quarter to spark his team to a 20-12 lead after the first period.

The Redwolves continued to build on their early success, extending their advantage to 31-20 by halftime. Jonesville was unable to close the gap in the second half, as Clinton maintained control throughout. Strong defensive play, combined with unselfish ball movement, allowed the Redwolves to pull away for a decisive 57-42 victory. The win marked a statement performance for Clinton, showing that they’re ready to make a run as the season progresses.

This victory is an important one for the Redwolves, not just for the confidence it provides, but also as a springboard for their upcoming homecoming game against Hudson. Clinton will be looking to keep their momentum rolling when they take the floor at home on Friday, January 10th, with games scheduled at 5:30 PM and 7:00 PM. With their full roster clicking, the Redwolves will look to continue building momentum as they head into the heart of their schedule.