Former Evans player off to good start on the hardwood for The Citadel

As a senior at Evans High School, Matt Clark had a solid but certainly not spectacular career. He helped lead Evans to a 17-9 record including a 7-1 mark vs. Columbia County competition.

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Clark did manage to earn second team All-County honors despite battling through a broken nose. His scoring numbers were not overwhelming, but he did average 2.2 blocks per game to lead the county.

Due to Clark's 6-8 frame and his long-term potential, several teams offered scholarships. He chose The Citadel, which plays in the extremely tough Southern Conference.

I was not expecting much from Clark this season for the Bulldogs. He had potential, but based on his thin frame and still-developing offensive skills I felt he would need a couple of years to work on his game.

I was wrong. Clark is off to a sensational start for The Citadel.

Clark was impressive in his college debut with a 13-point, five-rebound effort in just 15 minutes of work. However, that came in a 131-79 game against lowly Daniel Webster.

Clark's playing time diminished the next game. He played only 10 minutes in a 105-42 blowout loss to South Carolina.

But Clark bounced back with a five-point, six-rebound, two-steal effort in 20 minutes of work as The Citadel lost to Southern California. That performance got his coaches' attention.

Clark's energy and toughness earned him a spot in the Bulldogs' starting lineup. He has not disappointed since earning the promotion.

Clark had 12 points and six rebounds in 27 minutes of action in a 93-77 loss to Pennsylvania. In that game Clark showed his long range abilities as he hit 3-of-3 from beyond the arc.

Clark followed that performance with 11 points and seven rebounds as the Bulldgos beat Webber International 66-63. He again shot well, going 5 for 5 from the field.

For the season Clark is averaging 7.1 points per game and is among the team leaders in several statistical categories. He is second on the team in rebounding with 5.1 boards per game. He also is second in 3-point shooting with a 44 percent mark, and he leads the team in offensive rebounds (17) and overall field goal shooting at 65.6 percent.

If Clark keeps this up he could find himself on the Southern Conference All-Freshman Team.