BOYS BASKETBALL: Clarkston finds unsung heroes in win over St. Mary’s
EDITOR’S NOTE: For a photo gallery of this event, please visit www.lmckeephotography.com
CLARKSTON — Without its top two returning players from last season, Clarkston is learning a little about itself on the basketball court in the opening weeks of the boys basketball season.
The Wolves, the defending OAA Red Division champions, are finding an array of different players to lead the way this season, with a revolving door of candidates stepping to the forefront at opportune times.
Three different players scored in double figures Tuesday and 6-foot-8 junior center Michael Nicholson was a huge spark off the bench in leading the Wolves to a 64-58 non-conference boys basketball victory over Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, pushing Clarkston’s record to 3-0.
“I think Nicholson was the difference,” veteran Clarkston coach Dan Fife said. “When we put him in there, he gave us a huge lift. He hasn’t played much this season, but he went in there and scored some nice (inside baskets) for us, baskets we weren’t getting against other teams.”
STANDING TALL: Clarkston’s Adam Kline blocks the shot of Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Sam McClendon during Monday’s non-league contest. Photo | Larry McKee, www.lmckeephotography.com, lmckeephotography@comcast.net
Mason Vires scored 18 to lead Clarkston, while Nick Owens added 12 points and Andrew Myers scored 10, including 6-for-6 from the foul line for the Wolves. Nicholson chipped in with seven points, eight rebounds and four blocked shots for Clarkston, which converted 17-of-23 free throws in the contest.
Adam Kline also followed with six points and Press Kampe, a transfer from Rochester Adams, chipped in with five points for Clarkston.
“Without (Jordan Dasuqi and Chance Huth), we’ve had some other guys step up for us,” said Fife. “It’s nice to know that we are developing some depth.”
St. Mary’s led for most of the first three quarters, posting a 19-17 advantage after the first quarter and a 39-30 lead at the half.
The Eaglets led 51-45 entering the fourth quarter before Clarkston rallied with a 19-7 run over the final eight minutes to post the six-point victory.
Sam McClendon scored a game-high 21 points to lead St. Mary’s. Matt Linehan followed with 14 points for the Eaglets, draining four 3-pointers in the game.
Although St. Mary’s hit six 3-pointers in the contest, the Eaglets missed half of their free throws (6-for-12) in their demise.
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