Clark's stats crowded with 3s
ADAMS TWP — Practice might not always make perfect, but in Carly Clark's case, it has led to remarkable consistency.
The senior guard on the Mars girls basketball team drained a trio of 3-pointers in the Planets' 48-41 win over Highlands Monday night.
The performance gives her 33 trifectas on the season, making her by far the most dangerous long-range shooter among Butler County girls players.
Clark's teammate, Alexa Lee, and Slippery Rock High's Jackie Basta are tied for second with 13 3-pointers.
Clark has hit at least one shot from beyond the arc in 12 of 13 games. She has made three or more in eight contests.
“I started working on 3-point shooting my freshman year,” said Clark. “I wanted to earn more playing time for the junior varsity team. With me not being that tall (presently 5-feet-6), my dad said I should focus on outside shooting.
“I have a hoop at home and I shoot around all the time with my dad,” she added.
“This is Carly's first year as a full-time starter,” said Planets coach Tony Howard. “She has exceeded the hopes we had for her. She's definitely held up her end of the bargain.”
Clark's junior season began with her contributing from off the bench.
By the time a Feb. 4 home game against Valley rolled around, Clark had tallied 11 3-pointers in 19 games.
She proceeded to sink five more in a win over the Vikings and became a starter down the stretch, including two playoff games.
“I remember that (Valley) game,” said Clark. “It was Senior Night and I showed I could be a really good 3-point shooter.
“But I wasn't expecting to make as many as I have this season.
“When I'm making 3s, it seems like it's as easy as other players making a layup,” she said.
But Clark's contributions don't end with perimeter shots.“I have been pleasantly surprised with her rebounding,” said Howard. “She's averaging about four per game. We don't have the most size, so that's been big for us.“And Carly brings an intangible to the floor,” he added. “She's a competitor. Other girls see what the game means to her and the passion she plays with and it rubs off.”Clark also is a member of girls cross country and track teams, running the 400- and 800-meter runs in the latter. That experience has helped her within the man-to-man defense Howard often employs.“I'm used to running, so I like guarding the other team's faster players,” said Clark.The Planets (7-6, 1-1) host section rival Hampton Thursday.
