The Wolves proved a team can stumble, but not fall as they eeked out victories in their last two contests.
A 32-30 win against Ortonville Brandon in the opening round of the district tournament on Nov. 15, at Lapeer East, keeps the varsity girls basketball season going at least two more days.The win against Brandon comes on the heels of a 39-36 victory against Troy Athens.
‘We just have to find ways to score,? said Coach Ann Lowney.
Clarkston trailed Brandon for most of the game until late in the fourth quarter when junior Melissa Martinez stole the ball and tied the game.
Moments later, senior Leigh Christy grabbed an offensive rebound and put it back up to give Clarkston the lead. Senior Stephanie Parkin led Clarkston with nine points.
‘We are trying to figure out how to play without Chelsea (Kouri),? said Lowney. ‘Teams are starting to jam us inside.?
Sophomore Chelsea Kouri was the Wolves second leading scorer and the first girl off the bench before sustaining a season ending knee injury in practice on Nov. 5. Kouri’s outside shooting freed up the paint, a luxury the Wolves are having trouble living without.
Next up for the Wolves is Kettering on Nov.17, a team Clarlston beat twice this year. Coach Lowney is worried about the two teams familiarity as she gameplans for the contest. She feels Clarkston can win if the team hits their outside shots.
On Nov. 11, the Wolves closed their regular season playing with the sloppiest basketball witnessed all year.
Senior Julia Kouri would not let Clarkston lose as she hit clutch shot after clutch shot down the stretch to give Clarkston a 37-36 lead with :38 left in the game. A pair of free throws moments later by Kouri who thenstole the ball in the final seconds preserved the victory for the Wolves.
Kouri led all scorers in the game with 17 points. Senior Stephanie Parkin also chipped in eight points and six rebounds to help the Wolves avoid an embarrasing loss on Senior night. Seniors Julia Connor and Leigh Christy along with Kouri and Parkin received flowers at center court prior to the contest to commemorate their time at CHS.