Brandon Pokley was accompanied by family, coaches, and fellow teammates at Clarkston High School on Monday, May 12, to celebrate Pokley’s official commitment to Western Michigan University.
The 6-foot-4 shooter was recruited by several other schools, such as Northwood, University of Detroit, and Wright State, and narrowed his options down to Northwood and Western. Finally, Pokley signed with Western Michigan University after being offered a full-ride scholarship.
‘It was really important for Brandon to go Division 1, that’s what he was ultimately working towards.? said Brandon’s mother, Sue Pokley.
Brandon Pokley played a vital role on Clarkston’s varsity basketball squad, which finished 24-2 and went farther than any other team in Clarkston’s recent history, as they went to the Breslin Center for the Class A state semifinals.
‘Brandon had as good a year as he could have as a senior,? said varsity basketball coach Dan Fife. ‘He filled his role on the team and his teammates could always depend on him.?
His senior year undoubtedly impressed Western’s head coach, Steve Hawkins, as he showed a strong interest in Pokley after his final season as a Wolf, Fife said.
The road to becoming a Bronco was a tough one, though, as Pokley persevered through a tough sophomore year in order to earn a starting spot on the varsity squad both his junior and senior year.
‘Pokley was always concerned with giving his best effort and working hard inside and outside of the gym to fully develop himself as a player,? Fife said.
Although playing Division 1 basketball has always been Pokley’s dream, he knows it’s time to get focused in order to prepare for his freshmen year at Western.
‘I take hundreds of shots everyday,? which seemed to pay off as he averaged 21 points per game for Clarkston, ‘and this summer is all about getting stronger and getting better. I specifically want to improve my strength and speed,? Pokley stated.
He also wants to develop his defense and ball handling in order to be a better-rounded player.
‘It’s great to see hard work payoff, especially when it’s your own son,? said Brandon’s father, Garry Pokley.
Both parents plan on attending as many games as possible next season to support their son. Fellow teammate and close friend, Matt Kamieniecki, played basketball with Brandon since the fifth grade, including three years on varsity. With nine seniors leaving the team this year, Kamieniecki knows he has to step up next year in order to lead his team the way Pokley did.
‘Good luck and work hard,? he said to Pokley.
Kamieniecki would like to someday reunite with Pokley on the court, but is waiting to see what opportunities are in store for him next year.
‘In all my 30 years of coaching, I’ve never had a player improve from start to finish,? Fife said. ‘Pokley had an incredible drive and always set his standards high. He’s a great young man, with a tremendous future.?
Pokley’s friends and coaches, along with the Clarkston community, are all excited to see Pokley continue his bright future on the basketball court as he wears Bronco jersey number 10.
‘Winning and being the best isn’t easy, but if you work hard, you can overcome anything,? said Pokley in his final words to the team.
He deports for Western Michigan University on June 22 to begin classes and start his training as an official Bronco.