Prospect Spotlight: Shannon Clarke (2021)
One of the state’s premier players in the rising 2021 class, Lawrence Free State wing player Shannon Clarke is coming off a big summer running with the Missouri Phenom 16U EYBL squad and is drawing offers and interest from a…
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Continue ReadingOne of the state’s premier players in the rising 2021 class, Lawrence Free State wing player Shannon Clarke is coming off a big summer running with the Missouri Phenom 16U EYBL squad and is drawing offers and interest from a host of college programs.
A 6’0 wing player, Clarke is athletic, versatile and likes to play a physical brand of basketball. She can play a variety of positions and score in the lane or handle the ball and shoot from the perimeter.
Clarke is coming off a strong sophomore season with Free State and says she feels like her game made a big jump since her freshman season.
“As I team I felt as though we improved enormously throughout the season and I’m just hoping to continue that trend this coming season,” she said.
Clarke was a key member of the Phenom and says competing on the EYBL circuit has helped prepare her for her junior season and beyond.
“This past summer was the best summer of basketball I’ve ever had and getting the play on the EYBL circuit was an amazing opportunity and I met my best friends while playing the best competitors in the country, it was truly a blessing, it really prepared me to embrace my role- whatever it may be,” Clarke said. “I’ve been working on my shot form and ball handling this off season in hopes to have the ball in my hands more to be able to control the floor with my point guard- as well as my strength, specifically lateral quickness.”
Clarke says the biggest influence on her basketball career to date has been the people who have surrounded her over the years.
“The biggest influence on my basketball career is the amazing coaches, teammates and competitors that I’ve had the opportunity to learn from and soak of the knowledge of the game and the big picture goal of getting a scholarship and never being satisfied,” she said.
A fan of several NBA players as well as high level women’s players, including Elena Delle Donne and Diamond DeShields.
“I love to watch the big name NBA players and those games but collegiate level and professional level women’s games are really important and good to watch because in my opinion it’s a more pure game and I can learn from watching the greats,” she said. “I really like the explosiveness of DeShields game and her motor as well as Delle Donnes ability to play inside and out as an all around player.”
Clarke currently holds offers from Colorado State, Ball State, Evansville and Jacksonville State and has drawn interest from a host of other programs.
“I’ve heard from a few schools and at this point I’m showing interest in the schools who’ve taken the time to show interest in me and I’m just enjoying the process and being thankful for everything coming my way,” Clarke said.