All good things come to an end, as does the Clarkston Wolves girls basketball undefeated overtime streak. The Wolves (12-6) fell to the Rochester Falcons (17-2) 55-51 at Rochester on Nov. 2, in its fifth overtime game this season.
Clarkston had been riding high on three straight victories coming into the contest, but ran into a brick wall in the first half against the Falcons? backcourt press.
After amassing a 4-0 lead early on, the Falcons? pressure got to the Wolves, forcing turnovers and missed baskets during an 11-0 Rochester run.
The Wolves battled back to keep the game close and went to the half shortening Rochester’s lead to 23-18.
Clarkston outscored the Falcons 17-12 in the third quarter and the teams stayed deadlocked throughout the rest of regulation.
In the fourth quarter, with 2:23 remaining, Kaitlyn Davis swiped the ball and fed Lauren Allen for the lay-in, giving Rochester a 42-39 lead. Both teams failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities until Chelsea Kouri scored three of her game high 19 points with a three- point basket from professional range with only eight seconds left to play and the game went to the extra frame tied at 42 apiece.
‘She’s a big time player, she’s not afraid to take those shots. She’s made those shots for us her whole career,? Clarkston Coach Tim Wasilk said.
‘We had prepared for exactly what happened and they did a great job screening for Chelsea. And sometimes it’s hard (to defend) when a girl is going to shoot from that far out,? Rochester Coach Jeff Haney said.
‘It’s hard to get them to understand that you really have to go out that far.?
Jennifer Johnston made a baseline jump shot to put Clarkston up for the first time since the first quarter, 44-42. Amber Brewster answered right back for the Falcons, making a hanging, running jump shot and was fouled by Johnston in the process. Brewster, who had 17 points on the night, converted the free throw, putting Rochester back ahead, 45-44.
With less than a minute remaining in overtime, Betsy Mellen fouled Allen, sending her to the free-throw line, and a 53-48 Falcons? lead.
Kouri responded with a trademark clutch three-pointer with five seconds remaining to keep Clarkston alive, but Allen iced the contest at the stripe on Rochester’s next possession, sinking both free throws.
Clarkston moves to 6-5 in the Oakland Activities Association, while Rochester is now 9-2.
Jessica Palace added 10 points and Johnston had seven points for the Wolves.
‘Last time we played them (Clarkston), we only got a couple steals against them the whole night in our press. We really felt like that was key to the game,? Haney said.
‘Against them you have to find a way to score some easy points (because) if you have to play against their defense the whole night, you’re going to struggle.?
Wasilk was encouraged by the Wolves? play in the loss because it will help them in the future.
‘I told our girls after the game, I’m happy and pleased even though we lost, knowing that we played one of the best teams in the state in their own gym and we competed right with them,? Wasilk.
‘I like the way we came together and played on both ends of the floor tonight and I’m looking forward to next week in the districts.?
The win keeps the Falcons? OAA record in good shape with a home game versus Auburn Hills Avondale on Nov. 9. Rochester fell to the Yellow Jackets on Oct. 17.
‘We haven’t been in that many big games in the last couple of years, but tonight was just a big game for us because winning tonight gives us a chance to play for at least a share of the conference championship,? Haney said.
Brewster’s return to the lineup from a wrist injury has helped make the team stronger, Haney said, because when she is driving to the basket and playing aggressively, the whole team plays better.
‘I don’t care who we play, Amber is going to be the best athlete on the floor.?
The Wolves finish the regular season at Farmington Hills Harrison on Nov. 10. The team picks up district play on Nov. 14 when it faces the Lake Orion Dragons at Oxford High School at 5:30 p.m.