BY WENDI REARDON PRICE
Clarkston News Sports Writer
Cagers won two close games on the road last week against Oak Park and Cass Tech.
Senior Keegan Wasilk had a big shot in the last minute against Oak Park on Thursday to help the Clarkston Boys Varsity Basketball team win 57-54.
“It put us up by three and made the lead a little more comfortable if three is comfortable,” said Tim Wasilk, head coach. “Oak Park was one of the best defensive teams we have played this year, if not the best. They did a really good job defending us. It was a really close game throughout.”
Keegan Wasilk led with 21 points with three field goals, six assists and five steals.
Senior Nathan Steinman had 17 points with three field goals. Sophomore Brody Kosin had eight points with two 3-pointers and seven rebounds.
“It was nice to see him step out, shoot some three’s,” said Wasilk.
Senior Zach Austin had eight points and three rebounds. Junior Cavanaugh Diton had nine rebounds, four assists and three points.
“It was a really good team for us with a lot of guys contributing,” Wasilk added. “It was a league win putting us 1-1 in the league.”
The Wolves opened last week against undefeated Cass Tech and gave them their first loss on Jan. 11, 55-52.
“It was a good team win for our guys,” said Wasilk. “We knew it was going to be a pretty tough game going down there to play in their gym. We played really well defensively. We turned the ball over a little too much, didn’t shoot the ball particularly well, but we defended well. We found a way to win a close game. It was a good toughness win for us. We made big plays down the stretch.”
He added the Wolves also beat Cass Tech last season, giving them their only loss.
“I know they were looking forward to this game as we were as well. Going down there we knew they were going to be ready. It was good for our guys,” he said. “Our non league schedule and playing tough teams helps prepare us.
Keegan Wasilk led with 18 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.
“Keegan had a really good game in the second half and in the fourth quarter. He put us on his back a little bit, making big shots, big free throws as well,” Wasilk said.
Steinman had 17 points with three field goals and had six rebounds.
Austin had 11 rebounds and nine points.
“Zach had a really good game for us,” Wasilk said.
Kosin had seven points with one 3-pointer and had seven rebounds.
“I thought it was his best game for us at center/forward position,” Wasilk said. “He played extremely tough.”
Diton had two points and four rebounds.
“Cavanaugh has been our starter and he has done a great job,” Wasilk said, adding some players are out with injuries. “He has been doing a great job coming in and doing his role, defending, rebounding, setting up screens and communicating – a lot of little things we need.”
The Wolves (6-2, 1-1 OAA Red) opened the week against West Bloomfield and head to Farmington on Friday in two league matchups.
“Our league is pretty tough this year,” said Wasilk.
Clarkston hosts Rochester Adams during Chad Tough Night on Friday, January 28. JV plays at 4 p.m., varsity 7 p.m.

  Boys Basketball