High school basketball: Stephen Clark's decision to leave Douglass will impact many

Both Oklahoma and Oklahoma State have been heavily recruiting the Douglass star, and while the Trojans still have plenty of talent, the three-time state champions are no longer the overwhelming favorite.
By Scott Wright Published: August 12, 2012

Of course, even if Clark had stayed at Douglass, OU and OSU would have been fighting all of those other schools for his services anyway, so the move doesn't change the landscape that much.

The impact of Clark's move will be felt far more locally on the high school level.

The Stephen Clark Show had become must-see basketball to high school hoop fans, so gyms will be a little less crowded this winter.

The Player of the Year race is suddenly wide-open, where Clark's name had previously been penciled in.

And the biggest wave will be felt at State Fair Arena in March. No longer is Douglass an overwhelming favorite for the Class 4A title, of which the Trojans have won the last three.

Don't count Douglass out, with new coach Anthony Andrews and a young, talented roster that likely will get a jolt of motivation from outsiders' doubt following Clark's departure.

But a dozen other teams that were previously hoping for a shot at the champ will now be playing for a shot to be the champ.

While the Big House will miss Clark's 35-foot jumpers and 40-point games, it shouldn't lack drama, and that's good news for just about everyone.

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by Scott Wright
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