When Bristol Central senior 7-foot-2 star center Donovan Clingan comes running at the basket, it’s best to get out of his way, or potentially wind up geting posterized.
On the first possession of the third quarter of Monday evening’s game at Bristol Eastern, Clingan took a lob from senior Steve Alseph Jr. at the top of the key. Clingan handed off to senior Damion Glasper and moved over to his right as Glasper dribbled left. As Glasper turned the corner, Clingan bolted toward the basket. Glasper threw up an alley oop, and Clingan slammed it home with two hands.
What was significant about the dunk was it gave Clingan 2,000 points for his storied career. The game was paused and Clingan received a great ovation from Ram and Lancer fans alike in the Thomas M. Monahan Gymnasium as his accomplishment was acknowledged.
Clingan’s feat aside, Monday was a great day for Central in general. The Rams won the game easily, 76-50, and finished the regular season at a perfect 20-0. Clingan and most of his fellow starters exited the game with nearly half of the third quarter remaining and Central ahead, 55-20. The reserves and younger players on both sides gave a spirited effort over the final quarter and a half of the game.
Central will be the top seed in both the CCC and CIAC Division II state tournaments. After a perfect regular season, it will be interesting to see how the Rams fare in the postseason.
Photo caption: Donovan Clingan scored his 2,000th career point in style, slamming home an alley oop from fellow senior Damion Glasper in Bristol Central’s 76-50 win at Bristol Eastern on Monday. The Rams finished the regular season a perfect 20-0. (Copyright, Sports on CT-69, file)
