Clarkston vs Holland West Ottawa Preview.

Written Friday March 23rd at 10:30 PM

The Clarkston Wolves will play for a State Championship for a second straight season.

They will play Holland West Ottawa at 12:15 PM on Saturday at the Breslin Center.

The most interesting part of this matchup is that the Wolves and Panthers played each other in the State Football playoffs in Holland where Clarkston trailed by two scores to stun Holland West Ottawa.

The Panthers are a defensive first team which limited Novi to 50 points in the State semifinals in a 53-50 win.

Holland West Ottawa is led by its point guard Xavier Wade. Wade is a two way standout, he also played in that regional final loss to Clarkston. Wade had 13 points against Novi. The Panthers also have three point specialist Drew Pederson. Pederson had 12 points (four three pointers) and two in the fourth quarter sparking Holland West Ottawa's late run against Novi. The Panthers also have Tyler Bosma in the paint and he was huge getting 13 points and 12 rebounds in their game against Novi.

Lets look at the matchup more in depth.

Guards

This will be an interesting matchup between Xavier Wade and Foster Loyer. I'm not sure how they would match out with Holland West Ottawa being a defensive first team, not to mention CJ Robinson vs Drew Pederson. There will be a ton of scoring on both sides here but give me the Wolves because of Loyer. ADVANTAGE: CLARKSTON.

Forwards

Taylor Currie vs Tyler Bosma will be a great matchup in the interior to go along with Nick Wehmmeyer vs Nick Wells and Liam Cavanaugh vs Chase Waslik. These three matchups inside could determine who wins the State Crown. I like Clarkston in this matchup especially with Currie. ADVANTAGE: CLARKSTON.

Coaching

Steve Windemuller vs Dan Fife. I know how good Windemuller has been for Holland West Ottawa but come on now it's Dan Fife. ADVANTAGE: CLARKSTON.

Bench

I don't trust the Wolves bench in this matchup. Give me the Panthers, they use their bench more in games, gives them more options. ADVANTAGE: HOLLAND WEST OTTAWA.

Prediction

You can not play a half court game with Clarkston. Also if the Panthers can stop Currie, Robinson, and especially Loyer they have a shot in this one considering that the Wolves don't use it's bench at all. I think Clarkston will have enough to repeat as State Champs. PICK: CLARKSTON.