When it comes to Kayden Clark, I have no words to describe her. That’s because her will power and mental toughness really does not have an equal. Her workout ethic is something out of the twilight zone. But what makes it all so remarkable is that she did most of it in the darkness. She drove herself to greatness when she was just a ghost in many folks eyes. She was just an afterthought but somehow managed to keep working and pursuing greatness. IT SEEMS KAYDEN CLARK has always had to WIAT. This weekend tho all the waiting cam to an end for Kayden Clark as she finally got what she wanted, when the biggest dream of all came true for. As she committed to play basketball at LEMOYNE COLLEGE and will reunite with her sister ELI… LEMOYNE is very lucky and the CLARK FAMILY ARE VERY HAPPY!
Kayden Clark, was never considered a star or ever crowned over the years. That has been fine with her. That’s because what she is, is one of the best two way players in the state and doesn’t need a crown. You see, she a true bad ass, you know the type that doesn’t need your validation.. It’s why she is one of those rare players that will score 1000 thousand points and while being one of the best defenders in all of New Jersey. The best shot blocking guard in New Jersey was 1st TEAM ALL DEFENSE last season. That was just another feather in the hat for Kayden, that’s because she shocked everyone by making the ALL SHORE ALL FRESHMAN FRIST TEAM, when she entered high school as a unknown. See Kayden has been doing these type things her entire career. She also has been perfectly fine being one of the best players in New Jersey not wearing a crown. It’s been that way for her entire career. Just like she has delivered on the court her entire career. Let everything else tho, she had had to wait to get her flowers from those who refuse to acknowledge her greatness.
When Kayden Clark hit the game winning shot as a junior to defeat Cherokee high school. It vaulted Ocean Township into the state TOP 20 for the first time in school history since the Beatles were making it hit records. . It was an amazing feat. The Four Horsewomen. Kayden and Eli Clark (LeMoyne) , along with Gamila Betton (Aldephi U) and Jineen Ayyash (St. Peters University) did what nobody thought was possible. They took a rag tag program and put it on the map. The list of accomplishments are two long to list by the 4 Horsewomen. But one thing is clear it was the greatest turnaround by a program in Shore history, that part is not up for for debate and these girls will be tied to the hip forever. They were all players that were after-thoughts when they started and by the time they entered high school. Yet all of them are going to school free these days. Kayden Clark, knows what it’s like to be put on a side court, not given a chance. She knows what it’s like to be treated as a 2nd class citizen in the gym. Most kids complain, quit or find a soft landing when this happens. Kayden Clark does not know soft landing, what she knows is hard work. It simply impossible to out work Kayden Clark, just ask anyone who has coached her or been around her. She just had to wait a little longer than expected to fulfill her dream.
Recruiting is a strange thing. It can crush a players soul and spirit. Kayden Clark had multiple D1 offers. But she wanted to play with her sister. But she didn’t want to step on her sister toes. So she sat quietly when asked about Lemoyne College. But when she got the word, ELI WANTED TO PLAY WITH HER, IT WAS A WRAP. Kayden Clark will get to do what all parents and siblings dream about. Play together in college. A chance to work that magic they created at Ocean Twp. They get to live out a fantasy and a dream. Their family gets to cheer both young ladies every night together. It seems everyone has been rewarded for the pair’s sacrifice, commitment and hard word.
The Clark parents are dream like parents. Their support for there daughters is never bending. They know to well about the tears during the recruiting period. These are stressful times to say the least. The parents have had to wipe away the tears, the hurt and love their kids just a little harder. For Kayden this has not been a bowl of cherries along the way. She had schools recruiting her for over a year. It was hard to say “NO” to these schools. She also had the pain of wondering when the right school would come along. That’s when you need your parents. Not a coach, not a trainer or friend. This is when a kid needs a parent’s touch. Elliott And Kara have the magic touch. They always have and always have given them the right words and guidance. The parents never got in the way. They were always seen but not heard. They didn’t need the spotlight. They have always let their kids grow, make mistakes and be a ghost in the eyes of many. They just weren’t ghost to them. They knew KAYDEN was special, one of the rare ones. It just taken now for everyone to acknowledge this, because it would silly not to do so. at this point.
Kids jump from AAU to AAU team like it’s the transfer portal. Kayden Clark has been a Shoreshot from day one. She has been blessed to be part of the best organization in the state. Tracey Sabino has been masterful in making sure all her kids shine and more importantly develop. I think it says a lot about the Clark family in the era of the grass is greener. Her new Coach, Nick Depillio is a good man and a great coach. He will be shocked to learn, Kayden is just like her sister. The first in the gym and the last to leave. Like her sister ELI, she will walk on campus totally prepared for any hardship’s or curve balls. She will be the toughest and most respectful player he has ever coached in his life. She’ll adjust to anything. She will help create a winning culture…. That’s because KAYDEN will do THE WINNING SHIT!
First team All Shore and personal awards may be off the table for KAYDEN this year. She is now at Manasquan hoping to win a state title. But she has to sit the first 20 days of the season. But personal awards don’t move Kayden, they’ve never had.. Yes she get her 1000th this year. But winning and out working folks is want motivates her. She will play so hard it will move her teammates. She’ll fit in from day one because she is so unselfish. You see KAYDEN has never made it about herself…PARENTS FOLKS… PARENTS.
So a kid that didn’t get the love continued to work. A kid that was always on the side courts. Never on the “A” team. A kid mostly dismissed is now a D1 player… yet now KAYDEN CLARK IS OFF TO LEMOYNE to play with her sister… it doesn’t get any better, she is living the dream.
CONGRATULATIONS TO KAYDEN, LEMOYNE AND THE CLARK FAMILY… it’s been a great ride and now THE WAIT IS OVER
KAYDEN CLARK OFFICIAL VIDEO #1… THE WAIT IS OVER:)
