For 13 years Don Peters has run the Northstar Classic softball tournament. This year the name was changed, to the Michigan Stars Classic, but the expansive 48 team field featuring most of the big names in high school softball programs remained the same with games being played April 30 and May 1 at Bicentennial Park in Grand Blanc.
‘The tournament went really well, even though we tried to outsmart ourselves by delaying some games because of the weather when we didn’t need to,? said Peters. ‘But all of the teams who wanted to got their games in.?
The name change was not the only difference this year for Peters. After coaching at Ortonville-Brandon since 1987 he is in his first year of molding a young and inexperienced Clarkston program. His team this year did not disappoint him as they went 3-2 on the day.
‘We did a nice job of running the bases. I like to be aggressive on the basepaths and they are getting a better feel for game situations,? said Peters.
The Wolves went 2-1 on the first day of play to finish second in their pool. Clarkston defeated Cass Tech 10-2, with Megan Sperry getting the win on the hill as well as recording two hits in the game.
The Wolves lost to Bishop Foley 6-5, in an international tie-breaker setup, but rallied back to beat Oxford 4-3, in another international tie breaker. Against Oxford, Sperry picked up another pitching victory and Katelyn Williams won the game with a double which drove in two runs.
On the next day of action, Clarkston lost to North Farmington, 3-1, but beat Troy Athens 6-3. Sarah Burger allowed six hits and struck out five for the victory over Athens and Katy Kleinedler (two hits, two runs, two RBI), Katie Smith (two hits, two runs) and Sperry (two hits) all stood out offensively.
Regina won the overall title at the Michigan Stars Classic. The crown was awarded based on runs given up as the champions gave up only two runs. Three teams from the OAA, Troy, Lake Orion and Kettering, won their pools.
The Michigan Stars tournament helped raise money for softball and to fight breast cancer.
Like their brethren on the diamond, Clarkston’s softball team had their last three competition dates cancelled due to weather, including the Richmond Tournament on April 23.
Peters has valued the practice time with his young team as he tries to build for success down the road, and because the players are left with more time on their hands during the week.
‘I prefer to play on weekends, it helps us be solid academically because the girls don’t have to do their homework at 10 o’clock at night,? said Peters.
The importance that Peters puts on academics is evident as the Clarkston girls softball team will be named the Academic All-State Team by the MHSAA this year.
The Wolves doubleheader at Groves finished too late for this edition of The Clarkston News. Clarkston will compete in the Pieper tournament on May 7 and 8.