Basketball Game Preview: Clinton Dark Horses vs. West Bladen Knights

Clinton is 8-2 against West Bladen since February of 2017 and they'll have a chance to extend that success on Thursday. The Clinton Dark Horses will look to defend their home court against the West Bladen Knights at 6:00 p.m. After both made easy work of their previous opponents, one won't be so lucky on Thursday.

Last Tuesday, Clinton took their contest with ease, bagging a 63-33 win over Midway. The Dark Horses have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won six games by 30 points or more this season.

Phoenix Everett

Steals

01/07/25 @ Midway	14
01/06/25 @ Lakewood	5
01/03/25 vs Union	6
12/27/24 @ Lakewood	5
12/26/24 vs Wallace-Rose Hill	9

Clinton found their leader in sophomore Phoenix Everett, who dropped a double-double on 17 points and 14 steals. Everett is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in the last 11 games she's played. Another player making a difference was Ciara Stuart, who posted 17 points and four steals.

Meanwhile, West Bladen got the win against West Columbus on Wednesday by a conclusive 54-34. The match was pretty much decided by the half, when the score had already reached 39-8.

West Bladen's win came from a few key players Clinton will need to keep an eye on. One of the most notable was Holland Davis, who went 5 of 11 on her way to 15 points in addition to seven rebounds and four steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Kali Allen, who went 6 of 10 on her way to 15 points and eight rebounds.

West Bladen's victory bumped their record up to 4-8. As for Clinton, their win bumped their record up to 8-4.

Clinton was able to grind out a solid victory over West Bladen when the teams last played back in February of 2024, winning 47-35. Will Clinton repeat their success, or does West Bladen have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.