Prospect Watch: Mardareyon Clark (2018)
One of the most impressive players in Southeast Missouri during the first three weeks of the season has been 2018 forward Mardareyon Clark of Charleston. He definitely gets an early nod as one of the most improved players in the…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingOne of the most impressive players in Southeast Missouri during the first three weeks of the season has been 2018 forward Mardareyon Clark of Charleston. He definitely gets an early nod as one of the most improved players in the state.
The 6’4″ Clark had a productive sophomore season after helping the Bluejays to a Class 3 district championship as a sophomore last season. He averaged 12 points, 6.2 rebounds and shot 72 percent from the field. Charleston was eliminated in the sectionals by Caruthersville, the third time the Bluejays’ season has ended at that point of the season.
“I’m tired of losing in the sectionals,” Clark said. “We want to make it to state this year.”
Judging by Clark’s early-season play, he is more than determined to make good on those lofty goals for his team, which started the season with a 4-0 record. In those four game, Clark is averaging a whopping 29 points and six rebounds a game. Charleston head coach Danny Farmer remarked on his junior’s improved play, saying “he’s like another person.” Clark combines his good size and athletic ability with a nice shooting touch around the basket, which makes him hard to defend. He has also improved his ball handling and perimeter shooting.
Clark averaged 32 points a game at the opening River Bend Classic at New Madrid, Mo. The big game came on Nov. 22, when he scored a career-high 37 points in an overtime victory over Liberty Tech (TN). He was especially good from the free throw line where he made 18 of 21 from the charity stripe. He also added 27 points against Covington (TN). Clark then added 34 points and 12 rebounds in a SEMO Conference victory over Cape Notre Dame.
Clark went on to lead Charleston to a third-place finish in the SEMO Conference Tournament last week in Sikeston. He scored a game-high 19 points in the Bluejays 67-62 victory over Poplar Bluff in the third-place game.
“My strength is scoring and rebounding,” Clark said. “I also try to have a presence defensively. I want to help the team in any way I can.”