Prospect Spotlight: Ladell Clemons Jr (2020)
Derby 2020 Howard Clemons is putting together a strong summer and showcasing his all-around game as he competes with NLHA 17U Gaddis. A terrific defender, Clemons is a smart point guard who can shoot from the outside, get to the…
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Continue ReadingDerby 2020 Howard Clemons is putting together a strong summer and showcasing his all-around game as he competes with NLHA 17U Gaddis.
A terrific defender, Clemons is a smart point guard who can shoot from the outside, get to the basket and finish and create for his teammates.
Playing much of the season without three key contributors, Clemons’ Derby team struggled out of the gate, but finished the season strong as they defeated the No. 2 seed as the No. 15 in sub-state regionals before falling in a tough contest for the sub-state championship.
“My high school team was very young this year and all our games we lost this year was always 5-8 points,” Clemons said. “We had young freshman/sophomores who never played varsity before play big roles for us. Some of them started for us for awhile and they did a good job. Our team really came together at the end when we needed it the most.”
Clemons says that he hopes the experience of playing with NLHA this offseason will prepare him for the upcoming season.
“This AAU season has been good and we’re seeing a lot of competition out there and beating good teams as well,” Clemons says. “But at the same time we are losing games we should win in overtime. I feel like this high school season is going to be good because the teams don’t be stacked like the teams we’re playing in AAU right now. So if I’m doing good right now for my summer team i know school ball should be easier.
“In the offseason I’ve really just been working on finishing at the rim because I get to the rim a lot in games. Also the three point shot because most people plays me as a driver and so when I’m open I need to knock it down consistently.”
A fan of LeBron James, Clemons says the biggest influence in his basketball career to date has been his family.
“They (family) never miss a game,” Clemons says. “Also my school basketball coach he sends us little messages before our tournaments just to encourage us and to represent Derby High when we play.”