There was no ‘David and Goliath? story to tell after Clarkston’s girls basketball team played the number one team in the state: Southfield Lathrup.
The Wolves lost 73-40 to a Charger team with few, if any chinks in their armor.
‘I’d rather play this team than play some team and win by 20,? said Coach Ann Lowney. ‘This is getting us ready for the district … we might as well play the best.?
Lathrup displayed incredible team speed, especially on the defensive end. Before the Wolves could blink they were down 18-0 in the first quarter.
‘The only way to prepare for (Lathrup’s defense) in practice is to put six players out there,? said Lowney
Lowney added at times she even had her squad scrimmage against seven players to get a feel for the Chargers stifling pressure.
The Wolves showed spirit and heart as they clawed their way back into the game, bringing the deficit to 12 with 2:20 remaining in the second quarter.
The 17-1 (10-0) Chargers were not about to let Clarkston steal the game as they went on a 9-0 run to close the half taking a 21 point lead into the locker room.
?(Clarkston) has fought hard all season and they fought hard in the second quarter,? said Southfield Lathrup Coach Michele Jackson. She added her team is squarely focused on winning the State championship this year.
Senior Forward Stephanie Parkin and sophomore Jessica Palace led the Wolves with eight points apiece.
Lathrup junior forward Timika Williams scored eight of her game high 23 in the third and the Chargers rolled to a 30 point lead going into the fourth.
Aside from Southfield’s speed, Clarkston had a tough time matching up against a Charger team featuring four players six feet or taller. The Wolves tallest player is Julia Connor, 5?11?, who scored six points.
The last time Lathrup and Clarkston met, the Wolves rebounded from the 10 point loss with a six game winning streak which ended Oct. 28 against West Bloomfield.
Clarkston’s final game of the season is Nov. 11 at home against Troy Athens. The district tournament will be played Nov. 15-20.
Clarkston joins Lapeer East, Ortonville-Brandon, Oxford, Waterford Kettering and Waterford Mott in the Lapeer East district draw.