Clark ready for national scene

After having a huge game against one of the best teams in the state of Florida, sophomore shooting guard Gary Clark is eyeing the state playoffs beginning on Thursday. He's also keeping an eye on the upcoming AAU season and the recruiting that follows.

The 6-foot-3, 175-pound guard from Sarasota (Fla.) Booker High School is one of the top players in the class of 2007 from the Sunshine State. And he proved that last week with 27 points against Lakewood, the No. 1 team in the state for the 4A classification.

Clark sank 12 of 15 free throws, sunk home three three-pointers and didn't shy away from scoring at the bucket. Clark said the victory over Lakewood for the district championship was the stand out game of the season for the youngster. He also hopes the victory will help push his Booker (20-7) team deeper into the playoffs.

"I definitely gave us more confidence. We heard about how good they were going into the game but after we were up by as much as 25 points," Clark said. "I think we learned that we can play with anybody but we can't take anyone for granted either."

Clark said the Florida schools, UF, Florida State and Miami, are all keeping in touch. Memphis and Vanderbilt, too. He is hoping that list doubles and triples in the next couple of months as he plays with the Tallahassee Wildcats.

"I just want to play hard and earn my minutes so I can stay on the court as much as possible," Clark said. "I want to be recruited by the North Carolinas of the world and the schools up north."

Many in Florida believe Clark will get his wish very soon. And with a 4.0 GPA, that will open more doors.