The Wolves posted a 44-39 win against Waterford Kettering on Thursday Sept. 23. Clarkston fell behind early but finished the game strong converting 17 of 26 free throw attempts in the fourth quarter.
‘I think we did really well. It’s good to get this win especially against Kettering since we lost 3 times to them last year,? Chelsea Kouri said.
Clarkston stumbled out of the gates as Kettering raced out to an 8-3 lead in the first quarter. The Wolves went on a 13-8 run in the second quarter to even the score at 16 going into the half.
Julia Connor scored eight of her 12 points for Clarkston in the second quarter to help get the Wolves back into the game.
‘The big thing is we just need to take care of the defense and the offense will come,? Coach Ann Lowney said.
Late in the third quarter Jill Kouri gave Clarkston its first lead of the game 20-18. The Wolves were able to build some momentum after the bucket by Kouri as they finished the third quarter with a 25-20 lead.
‘We are struggling shooting the ball … the other thing is they shut us down inside,? Kettering Coach Lisa Cox said.
Both teams struggled to score in the paint throughout the game. When a shot from the paint did make it through the suffocating defense, forces beyond the control of the players seemed to guide the ball out of the basket.
Two big steals by Leigh Christy which led to Clarkston scores in the fourth quarter forced Kettering to start fouling on every possession hoping the Wolves would not be able to convert from the line.
Chelsea and Jill Kouri each sunk seven free throws in the fourth quarter to keep the game out of reach for Kettering. After the game Chelsea, who led all scorers with 13, credited Lowney’s practice regimen of 25 free throws a day as key to the Wolves success from the line.
‘Anytime you beat your cross town rival it’s a whole lot of fun,? Lowney said.
Clarkston was coming off a 36-28 loss to Southfield. Clarkston’s record now stands at 4-3 overall and 1-1 in the league.