Clarkston High School senior Brandon Verlinden rose from the bench and stood next to a Lake Orion player. They watched the monitors and the coaches discussing the next move.
‘Cut,? said Director Chuck Grady.
Verlinden stepped back and went over to the Oxford Wildcats bench. He didn’t turn traitor. When Lake Orion High School said they needed extras for an independent movie they were shooting about basketball, Verlinden volunteered Saturday to be a part of it. The opposing team was supposed to be played by the Wolves, but Clarkston Schools changed their mind at the last minute, he said.
‘They told me when I got here,? laughed Verlinden between takes.
He shrugged and added, ‘I thought I would be a part of it anyway.?
Verlinden put on a Wildcat jersey, sat through takes and scenes and played basketball for the staged game shots.
‘It’s fun to play again,? he said between throwing the ball around with the other players and sinking 3-pointers. ‘It doesn’t matter who you play as.?
As for being an extra on the film, he said it was cool.
‘I don’t know if I like that stuff. But it’s a fun experience,? he added.