The Dark Horses accelerated their game Friday on the road against Swansboro and secured a powerful 60-37 conference win.

With an 8-2 conference record and three consecutive conference wins in a week, Clinton coach Randy Jordan said his team was now in control of their own destiny as far as standings go and the regular season winds downs.

“It’s in our hands. We’ve had a hard week and to come out of it with three conference wins puts us in a good position as we move toward the end of the season,” Jordan attested.

They paved their way with a decisive win Friday night, coming out with great intensity and maintaining it for most of the game.

The Horses powered their way to a 19-8 first quarter finish and continued to pound away at Swansboro, going into the half with a commanding 38-16 lead.

“We came out and jumped on them hard,” Jordan said. “Our man-to-man and run and jump took them out of what they wanted to do. It made the difference for us.”

The Clinton coach said the game afforded his team some good playing time, providing valuable minutes for his boys during the night.

The Horses’ defense was also good during the game, particularly, Jordan said, for three quarters. “We mixed things up and threw them off. We are bigger and stronger and we used that to our advantage.”

The Clinton coach praised Justin Parker and Lyman Faison for their intensity during the game. “They played so hard tonight, throwing their bodies on the floor; they were a good example for the whole team tonight.”

Greg Smith led scoring for Clinton Friday with 10 points. Also scoring were Shian Bradshaw, 14; Demontio Bryant, 8; and Thaxter Spruill, 8.

Clinton moves to 14-5 overall and 8-2 in conference play. They hit the road again Tuesday for a game against Topsail.