Having a target on your back sounds bad, but in a way it’s good. In the Clarkston Wolves? case, going into this basketball season as the four-time defending regional champs is good because it means they are upholding a reputation as one of the best teams in the state.
‘Most of the time Clarkston has a bull’s-eye on its back because of past success,? Clarkston Coach Dan Fife said.
‘We’re going to contend for the league championship this year.?
Maintaining a schedule chock-full of competitive non-league games is important to Fife.
‘We try and play the best teams possible,? Fife said.
‘Our level is that which you can’t have an off night, or you get beat.?
The team, which plays in the Oakland Activities Association division I, faces challenges in its league also.
‘Every game is a big game. Everyone we play’our league, division one OAA, is always good,? Fife said.
However, teams like Pontiac Central, Rochester, and Lake Orion may not be their biggest opponent early on. The Wolves, returning two starters in Kevin Badgley and Bren Bergquist, will be minus four players to begin the year.
Most notable on the casualty list is projected point guard Andy Lyons, recovering from a pulled groin.
That first part of the schedule could be messy, Fife said.
‘We could have some early season issues.
‘Hopefully, by the first of the year, everybody should be healthy,? Fife added.
Fife said the team’s success will be determined by the leadership of its seven seniors.
‘We’re going to be as good as our senior leadership,? he said.
‘Their demands on others will determine how successful we are.?
Senior Dan Owens, who recently signed to play for division II Ashland University of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Association on Nov. 9, should be able to play better with the commitment out of the way, Fife said.
‘A weight’s been lifted off his shoulders and he seems ready to take a leadership role.?
The Wolves hosted a four-team scrimmage on Nov. 24. The experience was good for the team’s younger players.
‘We’ve got to get kids ready to play at the level we’re at. They’re capable, it’s a matter of how long it takes them to mature,? Fife said.
Clarkston opens the season on Dec. 8, hosting Flint Northern at 7 p.m.