The Clarkston girls basketball team might be starting to despise words like ‘close,? ‘almost? and ‘nearly.?
On Oct. 27, the Wolves pushed another top ranked opponent to the edge, losing to West Bloomfield 59-55.
The Lakers, an honorable mention in the Oct. 25 AP poll, are just one of the juggernauts crowding the top of the OAA’s Division I. No. 1 Avondale staved off a Clarkston victory 49-44 on Oct. 18. Against No. 2 Southfield Lathrup on Sept. 29, the Wolves trailed by three points late in the game before succumbing 44-35.
‘We’re going into these games not just to play with these teams but to win,? said Clarkston Coach Tim Wasilk.
Junior Chelsea Kouri led Clarkston’s perimeter attack with 21 points featuring five three-pointers against West Bloomfield. Sophomore Jennifer Johnston chipped in 14 points. The Lakers counter punched with Randall Hurst who netted 20 points and Chanise Miller who notched 17 points.
‘We shot the ball extremely well, but (West Bloomfield) was so effective on the inside,? Wasilk said.
Melissa Martinez’s defensive tenacity earned high regard from Wasilk as she held the Lakers? explosive guard Brittnay Jones to 5 points while scoring 9 in the process.
Two more Goliaths are left on Clarkston’s schedule. Southfield Lathrup comes calling on Nov. 3. The Wolves play on the road against Pontiac Northern on Nov. 8 and close the season at home against Avondale on Nov. 10.
‘These games only make us better for what’s ahead in districts,? said Wasilk.
Clarkston drew a bye in the opening round of their district which is hosted by Brandon High School. On Nov. 16 at 5:30 p.m. the Wolves face the winner of Waterford Mott and Lapeer East game.
On Oct. 25 Clarkston smoked Waterford Kettering 47-33. Kouri led all scorers with 14 points.