Sparta
Gracie Clark’s week already felt like a career highlight. Then she went and carved her name into White County history.
Fresh off signing with the University of the Cumberlands on Friday, the senior standout wasted zero time adding another milestone Tuesday in Smithville. Clark scored a layup off a DeKalb County turnover in the opening moments, Coach Michael Dodgen immediately signaled for a timeout and the Warriorettes swarmed her at midcourt. The celebration said it all — Clark had just joined the 1,000-point club.
And she didn’t stop at the milestone bucket. Clark poured in 26 points to power Sparta to a 70-41 win - the same type of runaway result these teams played out on Nov. 24, just with the Lady Tigers finding a few more buckets this time around.
Clark's early milestone was so big, even the home crowd got in on the moment, with DeKalb County announcing the achievement to the gym. It was a classy touch for a milestone that puts Clark on a short, prestigious list with names like Gracie Dodgen, Amber Clark, Ava Jones and - most recently - Bella Winningham. Known across the Upper Cumberland for her defensive fire, Clark now has the offensive résumé to match. She’s officially a threat on all 94 feet.
The offensive rhythm may have taken a little time, but once the Warriorettes settled in, their defense did what it always does. Dodgen credited his group for forcing more than 20 steals, keeping DeKalb County chasing all night.
Clark led the way, but she had plenty of backup. Junior Ashlynn Selby attacked the rim all game and finished with 16 points. Winningham added nine, while sophomore Kyle Norris continued her early-season rise with eight.
White County rolled to 8-0 with the victory, another dominant win layered on top of Clark’s career moment. The Warriorettes will take their undefeated record back to Roy Sewell Gymnasium on Saturday when Hillsboro comes to town.
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