Cagers were back on track after posting their first loss in the season to Detroit Community on Jan. 17.
They followed the 46-37 loss at home with a win on the road against Southfield last Friday, 64-48.
“We played much better,” said Dan Fife, Clarkston Boys Varsity Basketball head coach, about the difference between the two games. “Our effort was much better. Our body language was much better. I am happy with the way our kids responded.”
The boys opened the game with a basket from senior Matt Dellinger and a 3-pointer from senior Mitch Baenziger. They continued to add onto the scoreboard, ending the first quarter with a 21-9 lead.
Mark Tynan opened the second quarter with a field goal to create more distance in the score. Bluejay Isaiah Green responded scoring two baskets.
As the Bluejays continued to climb out of their nest and give the Wolves competition, Clarkston fought back.
With less than two minutes Southfield had cut down their deficit to five points behind Clarkston, 29-24.
Junior Jordan Dasuqi responded with a 3-point shot. He followed it scoring two shots from the free throw line.
“He had a five-point play. It doesn’t happen too often,” said Fife. “It was a big play and set the quarter.”
Baenziger and junior Dylan Hancook scored two points each, putting the score at the end of the half, 38-26.
Dasuqi led the team with 15 points, scoring two 3-pointers. Nick Tatu and Baenziger scored 11 points and Dellinger contributed ten points.
“What was really good tonight was we distributed the ball,” said Fife. “We got other people shots. We had four guys in the double figures. I liked the way they played ? they distributed the ball and passed. We got good shots.”
The Wolves finished the first half against Detroit Community behind 25-11. They came back the second half to outscore them but not enough to take the lead.
“We were comfortable and nonchalant,” said Fife. “I called a time out early because I knew how our boys were going to play. Your heart and your head have to be 100 percent committed all the time. If your heart and mind isn’t in it then it is hard to change that in the game. It is like going into a test you aren’t prepared for.
Baenziger led the team against Detroit Community with 15 points, scoring one 3-point shot. Dellinger added eight points to the board as Tatu scored two 3-pointers and Tynan scored one.
Clarkston (9-1) hosts Southfield-Lathrup (10-2) on Thursday night and head to West Bloomfield next Tuesday.
“It is a lot better going in with a win then a loss,” said Fife.
For both games JV begins at 5:30 p.m., varsity follows.