Senior Night in Clinton was everything the Lady Maroons could have hoped for—celebration, dominance, and a historic milestone.
Coming off a huge win over Mt. Pulaski on Tuesday, Clinton carried that momentum into Friday night’s matchup with Cerro Gordo and delivered a commanding 68-30 victory. The Maroons looked sharp from the opening tip, playing with energy and purpose as they honored a special senior class: Clara Dempsey, Lilah Cluver, Carly Anderson, and Avery Smith.
Before the game, the seniors were recognized for their dedication and leadership in front of a supportive home crowd. It’s a group that has helped shape the culture of Clinton basketball, and once the ball was tipped, they made sure the night was one to remember.
Clinton came out flying, applying defensive pressure and pushing the pace offensively. The Maroons quickly built separation and never allowed Cerro Gordo to settle in. By halftime, Clinton had exploded to a 44-18 lead, showcasing balanced scoring and strong team defense.
With a demanding schedule behind them and regionals set to begin next week, the Maroons handled business early—allowing their seniors to soak in the moment.
The highlight of the night came when Avery Smith reached a career milestone. Entering the game just shy of 1,000 points, Smith etched her name into program history, becoming just the 16th Lady Maroon to reach the 1,000-point mark. As she crossed the milestone, the gym rose to its feet. With a wide smile, Smith embraced the moment, surrounded by teammates and a roaring crowd.
It was a fitting tribute to a senior class that has given so much to the program.
Now, with postseason play around the corner, the Lady Maroons are playing their best basketball at the right time. Senior Night was a celebration—but it’s clear this team still has bigger goals ahead.
Avery Smith celebrates 1000 career points
