Clarkston varsity boy’s basketball team erupted for a big win over the Farmington Hills Harrison Hawks on Feb. 15.
Led by junior point guard Mitch Baenziger and senior forward Marcus Hardy, Clarkston took a big lead early and never looked back in their 59-33 win in the OAA Red.
‘I thought the team played really good, our defensive pressure especially,? said Baenziger.
The Wolves were getting between passing lanes, and were on a fast break for what seemed like the entire game.
Almost every shot put up appeared to go in for Clarkston.
‘Our coach always tells us, a good defense leads to good offense and that’s what happened on the floor tonight,? said Hardy.
Clarkston took over the game early by sinking open three point shots and getting to the free throw line.
Farmington Hills Harrison had no answer for the Wolves? great help side defense as the Hawks were merely struggling to get the ball into the paint.
Clarkston, led by Hardy’s inside involvement was too much for Harrison to handle, as Clarkston led 15-4 after the first quarter.
‘I feel like my rebounding and defensive presence are the best qualities I bring to this team, basically just being a factor inside the paint,? said Hardy.
In the second quarter, Clarkston utilized their bench players as much as possible, including seven point boost by sophomore Jordan Dasuqi.
Starting point guard Baenziger helped to keep the Wolves on top of their game.
‘I feel like controlling tempo is a really big part of the game and when you’re the point guard you can control everybody else,? said Baenziger.
Baenziger had four of his fourteen points in the second quarter to go along with several assists. Six players scored for Clarkston in the second quarter, which provided the Wolves with a 34-17 halftime lead.
Clarkston opened up the second half with the intent to get the ball inside to Hardy.
‘If I don’t get the ball enough on the offensive end, I won’t get upset about it. I’ll call for it, but if it’s not there, then it’s not there,? said Hardy.
Hardy scored seven of his twelve points in the third.
Whereas, Clarkston’s offense was explosive to start the half, they also held Farmington Hills Harrison to only three points for the quarter, leading 50-20 after the third.
About midway through the fourth quarter, the Wolves cleared their bench. Led by sixth man Matt Rodgers, Clarkston continued to play solid defense until the end of the game.
‘We’re a fast paced team that tries to push the ball as much as possible,? said Rodgers.