The Clinton Lady Maroons saw their historic season come to a close Thursday night, falling to the Normal U-High Lady Pioneers 59–44 in the El Paso-Gridley Regional Championship in Maroa.
U-High came out firing early while Clinton struggled to find rhythm. The Lady Pioneers jumped out to a 15–3 lead after the first quarter, with Lilah Cluver scoring the lone bucket for the Lady Maroons in the opening eight minutes. At halftime, Clinton trailed 31–11.
A big difference in the game came in the post. U-High established itself as the more physical team, consistently scoring around the rim and creating second-chance opportunities. Their presence inside allowed them to control the tempo and keep Clinton from getting comfortable offensively.
The Lady Pioneers also appeared to win the mental side of the matchup. They were loud, energetic, and vocal throughout the night, feeding off one another and the moment. After Clinton ended their season last year, U-High clearly came in motivated. Thursday’s performance served as both redemption and a statement, as they flipped the result in their favor.
The Lady Maroons made strong adjustments coming out of the locker room, increasing the pace and attacking offensively. Clinton outscored U-High 19–10 in the third quarter, sparked by 12 points from Clara Dempsey in the frame. The comeback effort showed the fight that defined this team all season.
Clara Dempsey led Clinton with 16 points — all coming in the second half. Carly Anderson added 14 points, including two shots from beyond the arc to break a scoring drought. Lilah Cluver finished with 10 points.
Clinton’s aggressive late-game push came at a cost, as Clara Dempsey, Delaney Dempsey, and Avery Smith each fouled out while trying to extend possessions.
For the Lady Pioneers, Haylie Hoffman and Mackenzie Matejka each scored 16 points, while Evelyn Seifert added 11.
Clinton closes out a historic 28–5 season, tying the program record for wins and capturing 24 consecutive victories before Thursday night’s regional title game.
Normal U-High improves to 18–14 and will face the winner of the Hamilton Regional on Tuesday in Macomb.
Haylie Hoffman talks regional win for the Pioneers
Kenzie Matjka moves the Clinton girls out of the way for the bucket for U-High
Haylie Hoffman with the ICE COLD 3-pointer for U-High
Clara Dempsey scores a tough basic for the Maroons Clinton
Carly Anderson from DEEP Clinton
Lilah Cluver AND ONE for Clinton