CELINA-The Clay County Bulldogs avenged an earlier loss in Gainesboro here Tuesday night, topping Jackson County 51-32 and guaranteeing themselves no worse than a tie for the District 7-A regular-season title.

The Dawgs’ 21st win of the season was the second half of a doubleheader sweep for Clay County on the night, as the Lady Bulldogs beat the Lady Blue Devils, ranked second or third statewide all season, 48-39.

The CCHS boys’ win sets up a regular-season finale at Clarkrange Thursday night that will determine the top seed for next week’s district tourney. The Bulldogs will take an 8-1 district record into the game, while the Buffaloes are 7-2. Jackson County fell to 7-3 in district play with the loss Tuesday night. 

Big second-half performances by both CCHS teams keyed the wins. The Clay boys used a 15-3 third quarter run to take control of their game, and the Lady Bulldogs battled back from a 9-2 deficit after one quarter in probably their best effort of the year. The CCHS girls trailed 14-12 at intermission, but scored 36 points in the second half.