Last year, Clarkston ran away with the win when Dragons faced them in the post season.
This year, the Wolves were just running ragged. Though the rival team ended with the win, Dragons kept scoring within one or two points for the first three quarters.
Anytime Lake Orion and Clarkston play each other in any sport, the atmosphere is as intense as it gets. And when it comes to boys? basketball, our athletes have to take it up a notch. Clarkston has been known as one of the elite programs in the state for many years, and hasn’t lost a district championship since 1993. Heading into the game, no one gave Lake Orion chance to win.
Clarkston’s gym began to fill up around 6 p.m. in anticipation of another Lake Orion-Clarkston rivalry. Both teams had outstanding fan support, but the Dragons student section was stellar. They have supported the team all year, but the display they put on Friday night was incredible.
Student fans were vocal, animated and well synchronized throughout the game. Their efforts would be key in motivating the Dragons all night.
By 6:30 p.m., there wasn’t an empty seat in the house. For more than three quarters, the Dragons and the Wolves went toe-to-toe like a pair of prize fighters. The Dragons gave Clarkston all they could handle and the Wolves found themselves in a battle they hadn’t expected.
It wasn’t until the final four minutes of the game that Clarkston would go on a 10-1 run and end up winning 48 ? 36. The game was much closer than the score reflects and it was one of the most intense, thrilling games the fans have seen in many years.
After the game, Coach Shafkalis shared his thoughts on the game, the season in general and the future.
He said, ‘We have nothing to be ashamed about after this game. We proved we can play with Clarkston and really anybody. We have these guys believing in themselves again. We wanted this one bad and I think they showed everyone, including the Clarkston fans, that Lake Orion basketball is on the rise.?
Shafkalis added, ‘I had a hard time after game watching the emotions these boys showed. It told me a lot about their passion and desire. It was a great season, and we were picked to finish dead last in the OAA, dead last.?
Prior to last week Dragons were ranked eighth.Shafkalis estimates the team will finish in the final OAA rankings somewhere around eighth or ninth.
‘No one expected this kind of turn around,? said the coach. ‘We will miss the seniors and wish them nothing but the best for their futures. I am fortunate that I had the opportunity to coach them. Looking forward, I think we have laid the foundation and the expectations of the program. We have a lot of talent coming up over the next few years and we will have strong leadership from our Juniors this year to lead the team next year.?
On their path to the suspensful game against Clarkston, the Dragons took on Stoney Creek, March 8. After loosing two games to the Cougars this season, Dragons knew they would have their hands full.
Coach Shafkalis said before the game, ‘We will need to adjust our game plan for Stoney, we don’t match up well with them. However, it is always tough to beat someone three times in a season and we will be be ready.?
Dragons game out and took control from the start and never looked back.
After dropping an earlier game to the Cougars by 19 points and the another by six, the Dragons got their revenge. The team blew out the Cougars 64-34
Coach Shafkalis said, ‘All the boys talked about at practice was beating Stoney. They worked harder at practice in preparation for this game than we have seen all season.?
Dragons were back in action, March 10, as they took on the Rochester Falcons.
Prior to the game Coach Shafkalis said, ‘I am really nervous about this game, we always play the Falcons closer than I like. I told the guys we can’t look pass the Falcons.?
His statements turned out to be good advise.
Rochester gave the Dragons all they could handle, but Lake Orion took the win with a close 47 ? 41 score, setting up their date with Clarkston in the district finals.
The turnaround that the coaching staff has done this year, may just be one of the best in the State.
In fact, in the basketball community throughout the state, almost everyone has commented on the success the team has had and what a dramatic turnaround it has been.
When you look at the coaching staff for all levels, Shafkalis and Dave Tooley (varsity), Ron Grubbs (JV) and Randy Maynard (freshman) the building blocks of success are in place for years to come.
Thanks to all the sponsors and fans that supported this years Team. Your contribution played a critical role in the Teams success this year. And a special thanks to Joel McCormick who brought Dragon basketball to readers every week.