Oak Park, MI: –
The two-time defending Class A state champion, Clarkston Wolves
(9-2, 5-0 OAA Red), visited the Knights of Oak Park (6-4, 2-3), and both teams started off fast but the Wolves transitioned well and were able to cut through Oak Park’s tough defense and press to come out with a big 66-52 victory.
7 foot Junior center Matt Nicholson got the scoring started early with a big slam dunk. But Oak Park answered right back with Junior Maliq Carr cutting through the Wolves d for a big score. The wolves rattled off 9 straight points and took a 29-19 lead into the halftime break.
In the third, it was Nicholson slamming down a dunk to get the Wolves scoring started. Freshman guard Fletcher Loyer put up a basket to give the Wolves a big 39-23 lead. But the Knights didn’t give up as Head Coach Bobby Thompson rallied his troops. Carr made some great defensive plays, blocking shots and getting several steals as guards Devontae & Eddie Edwards helped bring the Knights back within striking distance. But the wolves were able to pull away for the victory.
The Knights played a pressing defense and a 2-3 trap but the Wolves were able to beat it enough for the victory. This was the Wolves 9th win a row and haven’t lost in a month. Loyer led the Wolves with 20 points, 8 assist, and 5 rebunds. Nicholson finished with 11 points, and 13 boards.
The Knights were led in scoring by Carr who racked up 14 points, 12 rebounds, 6 blocks, and 5 steals. Carr did an excellent defensive job shutting down the big man of Clarkston, Nicholson. Both Edwards finished with 13 points apiece. Carr is one of the best two-sports players in the state and has received many
The Knights will travel to Lake Orion on Tuesday, the 22nd.
