The Wolves earned their 20th consecutive win for this winter season last Thursday, 66-57, but visitors Rochester Adams didn’t make it easy for them.
The Highlanders built a 7-point lead by the time the third quarter reached the four-minute mark after scoring on a 3-pointer.
‘I don’t care who you are ? people who are used to winning are going to fight,? said Dan Fife, long-time head coach for Clarkston Boys Varsity Basketball.? They are not just going to quit. Our kids showed a lot because we were down seven.?
The Wolves began to close the gap with three points from the free throw line with one from senior Andrew Myers and two from senior Merrick Canada.
With less than a minute remaining in the third quarter, Myers connected the ball to junior Tabin Throgmorton, both finishing outside the arc for three points each. The boost put the boys into the lead to finish the quarter, 47-45.
‘I just caught it in groove,? said Throgmorton. ‘Luckily I had some teammates to help get me open with Myers driving and Foster Loyer driving. I just happened to hit them.?
The Highlanders tied the game at the top of the fourth quarter with a basket from Brandon Barrows and into the lead by one point with a 3-pointer from Joey Ziniti after freshman Foster Loyer scored.
Throgmorton created a 4-point lead with a field goal and two shots from the free throw line at 5:53 and the Wolves remained in the lead for the remainder of the game.
‘Tonight was for our seniors and for our coach because we knew he only had one other 20-0 season,? Throgmorton said. ‘This wasn’t just for us players but more so for Clarkston. I knew I had to perform. As a team we came together and came back from that deficit. We showed we could overcome.?
‘Honestly this game was really good for us because they exposed us,? said Fife. ‘Defensively they got a lot of hooks. It’s hard to be a critical of a team 20-0 but I thought there are things we can get better at and start listening better.?
Myers and Throgmorton both scored 22 points each to lead the team. Throgmorton scored five 3-pointers for the night. Loyer had 15 points for the game.
‘Tabin had some big shots no doubt about it,? Fife added, ‘and Andrew kept us in. We hung together as a team. It was good for us.?
Throgmorton added it felt amazing being back since he was out for a month.
‘It was a long four weeks waiting, seeing everyone practice and me sitting on the sideline, waiting for this MRI and not knowing what was going on with my knee,? he said. ‘Finally to come back and perform like I did tonight was amazing.?
The last time Fife coached an undefeated in the regular season was in 1991.
‘These guys can score,? he added, explaining the difference between the two teams. ‘They go a little deeper.?
The Wolves also beat Bloomfield Hills before they closed the regular season, 75-39. Loyer led with 16 points as Jonah Newblatt added 14 points and Myers scored 12 points.
They start the MHSAA District playoffs on Wednesday after a bye in the first round. They defeated Oxford in the semifinals 48-34 and will play Rochester Adams in the district finals on Friday at home, 7 p.m.
‘It is another game,? said Throgmorton. ‘We need to be prepared. We need a good week of practice leading up to Wednesday. Practice hard and keep doing our thing.?