Two close games in the OAA Red closed the Cagers? last week of the regular season.
After losing to West Bloomfield in a double overtime last Tuesday, the Wolves entered their home turf to play rivals Pontiac Northern for what could be the last time.
The battle ensued and after four quarters of nail-biting, jaw-dropping action, the game was tied at 44 points.
Matt Kamieniecki watched the ball from his position in the center of the court to start the overtime period. The ball was thrown into the air and he raised his arm up and tossed it to Tyler Scarlett.
Scarlett moved the ball to Brandon Pokley, who took his position and shot for three points, beginning the boys? 8-point run.
Husky Anthony Adams scored three points in the final seconds, but the Wolves were victorious, 52-47.
‘Northern played well. They compete hard,? said Clarkston Coach Dan Fife. ‘They got us playing their game, their speed.?
The Wolves gained the lead a few times during the game, but it was only a small margin by the time Pontiac Northern caught up to them.
The Huskies gained the lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter and were ahead by two points as the final minutes counted down.
A foul was called on Northern while Pokley was trying to make a basket.
The call sent Pokley to the line for two free throws. He scored on both attempts and tied the game.
With only one minute left, the Wolves? defense pushed back as they guarded against Northern’s attack. Tom Staton blocked one of the Husky’s attempts.
Northern gave it one more try and the ball bounced off the rim and away from the basket and the fourth quarter closed at a tie.
‘It was a winnable game for us,? said Husky Coach Robert Rogers. ‘It was a heck of an effort. We have been working hard in practice and we knew what we had to do.?
For both coaches, the high energy game was a great way to end the long-time rivalry.
‘Anytime you come here there is a lot of life, a lot of good fans and I have a lot of fond memories representing Pontiac Northern in this gym,? said Rogers.
Kamieniecki led the Wolves with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Pokley had 21 points and three 3-pointers.
The near loss to the Huskies and the loss to West Bloomfield in double over-time, 56-53, will help to get the team ready as they take their first step towards the state finals at the district playoffs.
‘I hate to say we need it, but we probably need it, to be honest,? said Fife. ‘I have felt negativism in life makes you better. When you are happy and things are going good, it’s easy to smile. You have to fight through adversity. That’s what makes you who you are. It builds character and shows you who you are.?
For the third consecutive season, the Wolves ended the the regular season as OAA Red champs with a league record 13-1. It is Their overall record is currently 19-1. Boys Basketball JV ended the season 13-7 and freshman team, 12-6.
The Wolves received a bye for the first round of districts and will play Waterford Kettering, Wednesday night. The winner will move onto the final round of districts on Friday. Both games begin at 7 p.m. and are held at Waterford Mott High School.
Keep updated on your team during playoffs by going to the Wolfpack Update on www.ClarkstonNews.com.