Cameron Clarke commits to Caper women’s basketball

Cameron Clarke commits to Caper women's basketball

Talented forward shines with Memorial Marauders

By Corey LeBlanc

SYDNEY MINES – Cameron Clarke has dreamt of donning Caper orange for as long as she can remember.

Well, that goal will come true in a few months when the standout high school forward with the Memorial Marauders joins the Cape Breton University (CBU) women's basketball program.

"I grew up going to their camps and games," the Grade 12 student from Sydney Mines said of her long-time connection to CBU Athletics.

She added that she has thought about representing the Capers for "quite a while."

Cameron's tipped off her basketball journey in Grade 2; the then eight-year-old following in the footsteps of her older sisters – MacKenzie and Blaire.

"Watching them play drove me," she said, while reflecting on what sparked her interest in hitting the hardwood.

Along with that sibling inspiration, Clarke embraced the comradery she discovered on the court.

"The friendships are incredible," the product of the Northside-based Junior Marauders minor basketball program offered.

Now in her fourth season suiting up for the Marauders of the Cape Breton Division 1 Girls Basketball League, Clarke has been named top rookie, a first-team all-star and defensive player of the year.

Her first year playing at the high school level – in Grade 9 – cemented her desire to put in the work required to become a varsity athlete.

"It has always been my goal to play university basketball, and getting to represent my hometown will make the experience even better," Clarke said.

She added of joining the Capers and attending CBU, "I think it's such a great community, and I can't wait to be a part of it."

Veteran CBU head coach Fabian McKenzie said everyone with the program is "excited" about Clarke joining the Capers.

"She is a tremendous student and a wonderful young lady with bright potential," he offered of the soon-to-be Bachelor of Business Administration student in the Shannon School of Business.

McKenzie noted that the 5'10" forward will add depth to CBU's front court.

"Cameron will have the typical learning curve of any young player entering our league, but we feel that she will contribute relatively quickly," he added.

McKenzie described her "nice scoring touch around the paint."

"And, we expect Cameron to continue to develop her perimeter skills as her career progresses," he offered.

McKenzie also praised the "competitive side" the local student-athlete will bring to the Caper program.

"Her dislike of losing, and aggressive rebounding, will help us for sure," he said.

In assessing her skill set, Clarke also noted her rebounding as part of her ability to perform "under the net" on both ends of the floor.

"I think that I have a pretty good jump shot," she said.

Clarke added, "I can also see the floor very well."

While preparing for the jump to the AUS level – and the anticipated increase in the speed of the game – she will focus on getting prepared physically; not to mention extending the range of her jump shot and sharpening her dribbling and ball-handling skills.

"I can see myself helping the Capers next season with my hard work and commitment to the team, along with my ability to rebound and shoot the ball well," Clarke said.

McKenzie noted that finding a talented player like Clarke, "in our own backyard," is a "benefit of the work her coaches have done with her at Memorial High School and throughout the Northside minor program."

When asked about taking the Sullivan Fieldhouse court for the first time in Caper orange, Clarke offered, "It is going to feel great."

She added, of having the opportunity to play basketball in front of family and friends – "I can't wait."

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