WALNUT COVE — Brady Clark reached a milestone four years in the making on Dec. 10, scoring his 1,000th career point as South Stokes defeated Rockingham County 82-50.
The South Stokes senior was honored for his achievement during halftime of the Surry Central vs. South Stokes girls game on Dec. 19, where his decorated high school career was celebrated before family, teammates and fans.
Clark’s accomplishments extend far beyond the scoring milestone. The three-time Conference and Tournament Champion has earned All-Conference honors twice and was named to the All-County Team on two occasions. He’s also a three-time Sectional Champion with two Elite 8 appearances.
During his sophomore year, Clark and his team captured the Frank Spencer Champion title and earned All-Tournament Team recognition in the process. That same season, he won the Best of Preps Comeback Player of the Year Award after overcoming two ACL injuries that required separate surgeries and two years of rehabilitation. He also received the North Carolina PGC Heart of a Champion Award.
His junior campaign proved equally impressive. Clark was named the Northwest 1A/2A Conference Player of the Year, earned spots on the Conference All-Tournament Team and All-Winston Salem Journal Team, and was selected as the All-County Player of the Year and First Team All-District. He capped the season by winning the Best of Preps Basketball Player of the Year.
Clark and his teams have compiled an 88-10 record over four years, including a perfect 36-0 mark in conference play. While excelling on the basketball court, he’s also been a two-time All-Conference Soccer player over the past two seasons while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
“I’ve had the privilege of coaching Brady since he first learned to walk and dribble a basketball,” said Jason Clark, Brady’s father and South Stokes boys basketball coach. “When you’re around the game long enough, you recognize certain kids who just have ‘it’; they grasp concepts quickly, see plays developing before others do, and possess an exceptionally high basketball IQ. I saw these qualities in Brady from the very beginning. He was always a pass-first player and consistently held his own competing with older kids.”
The elder Clark reflected on what the milestone means beyond the statistics.
“Brady is more special to me than words can express, and I’m incredibly proud to serve as both his coach and his father,” Jason Clark said. “I know I’m biased, but he truly is a remarkable young man both on and off the court. While I’m proud of all his accomplishments, what the Rockingham head coach said to him after the game means more to me than any points scored or assists recorded. That kind of recognition speaks to who Brady is as a person, and that’s what matters most.”
Clark has committed to continuing his basketball career at Forsyth Technical Community College.
By Robert Money
Sports Editor, Stokes News