Pontiac Northern had revenge on their minds when the Clarkston basketball team visited their gym Friday.
The Huskies achieved that objective with a 67-57 win against the Wolves, improving their record to 12-2 overall and 5-2 in Oakland Activities Association Division I play. Clarkston dropped to 7-8 overall and 4-3 in OAA I.
Last month, the Wolves earned a 60-55 win on their home floor, but the two-time defending state champion Huskies ensured there would be no repeat Friday.
Pontiac Northern took the advantage by outscoring the Wolves 16-11 in the first quarter, then increased their advantage to 32-24 at the half. The Huskies were never threatened the rest of the game, although the Wolves excelled at the free throw line, connecting on 24-of-30 attempts (83 percent).
Mark Thornberry led the Wolves with 15 points, while Chris Johnston added 10 and Brad Goodman eight. Antonio Bonds led Northern with 24 points.
“We played hard, but we just never could get it (Northern’s lead) under six,” Clarkston coach Dan Fife said. “I couldn’t fault our kids’ effort. Northern was just better that night. They made more plays than us.”
The Wolves did have some success last week in league competition, earning a 60-50 win against visiting Ferndale Tuesday, Feb. 4.
Sophomore guard Robbie Clark scored 20 points to lead Clarkston, while senior guard Justin Whetstone added 15. The Wolves led 13-9 at the end of the first quarter and 30-13 at the half.
The Wolves competed in a tough league contest Tuesday night against visiting Rochester, who had defeated Pontiac Central and Ferndale before taking on the Wolves.
“It’s an important game for both of us,” Fife said.
After that, Clarkston hits the road Friday for a 7 p.m. game against Southfield, then returns home Tuesday, Feb. 18 for a 7 p.m. game against Pontiac Central.