PINEVILLE — The Clinton Dragons needed overtime to fend off a determined Knox Central Panthers’ squad, pulling away late for a 58–52 win during Saturday’s first round action of the Third Annual Redmond Auto Group Holiday Classic.
Clinton grabbed an early edge, leading 13–12 after the first quarter behind four points from Bryson Maddux.
Maddux stayed hot in the second period, scoring six more points as the Dragons stretched their advantage to 29–20 at halftime.
Knox Central responded after the break, chipping away at the deficit in the third quarter.
Evan Taylor scored five points in the period while Evan Hubbard added four as the Panthers closed within 33–31 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Panthers continued their push in the final frame with Taylor knocking down five more points and Kobe Reed adding four to help force overtime tied at 46 apiece.
Clinton took control in the extra period behind Camden Nelson, who scored six of the Dragons’ 12 overtime points. Braylen Hayden added three in overtime as Clinton pulled away late to secure the win.
Maddux led the Dragons with 17 points, while Nelson finished with 12. Eli Slaven connected on two three-pointers and scored six points, and Hayden chipped in eight.
For Knox Central, Hayden Melton led the way with 13 points. Taylor finished with 11, Trevor Smith added 10, and Hubbard scored eight in the hard-fought loss.
