The Lady Wolves ended their season last week but not without putting up a fight against Saginaw Arthur Hill in the MHSAA Class A Regional Semifinals, March 6.
The Clarkston Girls Varsity Basketball team led going into the fourth quarter, 34-33, but lost it through turnovers and missed free throws.
“We didn’t make too many shots down the stretch,” said Tim Wasilk, head coach, about the 54-46 loss. “I think that was the difference. We were playing catch up in the fourth quarter.”
The Lady Lumberjacks led the first quarter by three points, 9-6. The Lady Wolves made up the three points and more by putting a total of 15 points on the board before the half ended. They kept Arthur Hill to only eight points.
Junior Delaney Kenny led, scoring a game high of 23 points. Senior Megan Hastings and freshman Erika Davenport added seven points each to the board. Senior Anna Manilla had six points.
“I don’t think it was the lack of effort,” Wasilk added. “We ran into a really good team. Saginaw Arthur Hill had quick guards and a very good forward who was hard to contain.”
The Lady Wolves finished the season with a 21-3 record and as OAA Red league champions.
“I am very proud of the girls,” Wasilk added. “We went 12-2 in the league which is a huge accomplishment. It was a good group of kids. There were fun to coach.”
Out of the roster of 15 players, the team loses six to graduation this year.
“We had six very talented and hard working seniors that showed a great deal of leadership,” Wasilk said. “They definitely helped to put our program back on the map.”
He added the team loses 18 years of varsity playing experience – including four years from both Hastings and Manilla, both have played on the team since their freshman year.
They also lose Breanca Cantrell, Christina Jokisch, Jessica Ming and Tori Trimmer.
“They were a great group to coach,” Wasilk said. “They had fun. The biggest thing they pass on is how to come to work every day and practice every day – to come with a focused effort and not take days off. I was proud of what they accomplished this year. They taught the younger kids how to be competitive and how to win. Hopefully that will carry on.”