Quick lead helps jet Clarkston to drubbing of Lake Orion

BY DAN STICKRADT

SENIOR EDITOR

dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com

CLARKSTON — Clarkston may not have found its consistent stroke this season. That will eventually come as more games are played this winter.

What the Wolves do possess is a defensive-minded, deep and experienced team that reached the Class A regional finals last season and are quite capable of wearing people down.

Clarkston more than drained Lake Orion of its energy Friday night in an OAA crossover girls basketball game, cruising to a 53-17 victory.

“I thought we were able to get out on them and pressure them defensively,” said Clarkston coach Tim Wasilk. “I think we just wore them down.

“I thought our depth really made a big difference tonight,” added Wasilk. “I think there were things that we could’ve done better. We really want to make sure we are continuing to communicate on the floor.”

Clarkston only committed six turnovers, a step up from Tuesday’s win over Davison.

“I think we made some improvements since the Davison game,” said Wasilk. “We have a lot of players that are experienced and the newer girls are starting to find out their roles and are learning from the experienced players.”

The Wolves jumped out to a quick 8-0 lead and maintained an advantage over short-handed Lake Orion. The Dragons were able to close to within 8-5 with 52 ticks left in the first quarter on a three-pointer by Marissa Secontine.

After that, it was all Clarkston.

The Wolves (2-0) led 23-12 at the half. By the end for the third frame, Clarkston’s advantage had ballooned up to 34-13.

The Wolves continued to attack the basket and opened the second half with an 11-1 spurt in the third quarter run, allowing the Dragons only a free throw with 2:28 left in the period. Clarkston outscored the dragons 19-4 in the fourth quarter.

Lake Orion was missing two players from its rotation, including its best shooter in senior Maddie Hutchinson, both out with injuries.

“I’m sure having everyone here would have helped, but I don’t know how much,” offered Lake Orion coach Steve Roberts. “Clarkston is a very good team. They are deep, well-coached, and have a lot of kids that can (hurt) you. We could never get into much of an offensive flow to the game. You have to credit (Clarkston) for that.”

Defensively, Clarkston forced 18 turnovers, including a pair of 10 seconds violations, as the Dragons struggled to bring the ball up court for stretches.

Clarkston finished 17-for-55 (31 percent) from the floor and outrebounded Lake Orion 44-18 for the game. The Wolves also made 14-of-23 free throws.

Senior forward Christina Jokish scored 13 points with five rebounds to lead a balanced effort for Clarkston. Freshman center Erika Davenport added 10 points and eight rebounds off the bench, Delaney Kenny added nine points and six boards and Anna Manilla was solid in the post with five points, six rebounds, four steals and two blocked shots for the Wolves.

Secontine had eight points and five rebounds for Lake Orion.

To submit information to www.northoaklandsports.com, e-mail dan.stickradt@northoaklandsports.com.  To advertise, e-mail advertising@northoaklandsports.com . Follow us on Twitter @LocalSportsFans and more than a dozen other social media networks.

Tags: Basketball, Clarkston Girls Basketball, girls basketball, Lake Orion Girls Basketball, OAA Girls Basketball

Category: Clarkston, High School, High School (M-Z), Lake Orion, Prep Wraps