The Clinton Maroons saw their Central Illinois Conference Tournament run come to an end Friday night, falling to the Warrensburg-Latham Cardinals by a final score of 77–44 in the championship game at Tuscola High School.
Clinton found itself playing from behind early as Warrensburg-Latham came out firing, building a 21–13 advantage by the end of the first quarter. The Cardinals continued to apply pressure in the second, extending their lead to 36–22 at halftime.
The Maroons showed resilience coming out of the break, matching the Cardinals point-for-point in the third quarter. Despite the effort, Warrensburg-Latham maintained control, taking a 58–41 lead into the final period.
Turnovers proved costly for Clinton in the fourth quarter, as the Maroons struggled to find offensive rhythm. Their only points in the final frame came on a three-pointer from Jaeden Bell, while the Cardinals pulled away to secure the conference tournament crown.
Keaton Graves led Clinton with 14 points, while Bell finished with 12. Keagan Daughtrey added nine points, seven of which came in the first half.
Warrensburg-Latham was paced by Drew Czajkowski, who led all scorers with 20 points. Nathan Southern followed with 18, Alex Hardin chipped in 14, and Easton McKenzie and Brennan Bonds contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively.
With the loss, Clinton drops to 20–7 overall and 3–1 in CIC play. Warrensburg-Latham improves to 23–4 and finishes a perfect 4–0 in the conference, taking home the CIC Tournament Trophy.
The Maroons will look to bounce back next Friday as they return home to host Central A&M. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
Spin and Score for Cardinals Eastyn Mckenzie
Keagan Daughtrey scores for the Maroons
Keaton Graves tip in for Clinton
Keagan Daughtrey drives and scores for Maroons
Brennon Bonds AND ONE for the Cardinals