Junior Lauren Clark said she is ready for whatever role her first season as a Stone Memorial Lady Panther demands.
Clark, who transferred in from Cumberland County, brings with her a versatile skill set. Clark has played every position during her varsity career. Clark said she embraces the challenge that comes with each position.
“Dribbling the ball down the court definitely has a lot of pressure,” Clark said. “If I need to be there, [Coach Mike Buck] will put me there. If I need to be [at center,] he’ll put me there. It’s usually, I can use that to my advantage because I don’t look like I can use my body but I definitely can. He puts me there. He trusts me enough.”
Clark has split time between guard and forward during the off-season. Clark said the Stone Memorial coaching staff adjusts its offensive sets depending on where her skill set can create the biggest mismatch.
Clark said she hopes her role extends beyond being a matchup problem. Clark said she wants to be a leader on a team aiming to reestablish itself among the state’s elite.
“[I want to make] memories, leading the team by holding each other accountable, not only in stats but like encouraging my teammates,” Clark said. “I feel I do hold myself accountable. I know when I make mistakes, I know when I need to improve stuff.”
Clark said one of those areas she wants to improve on is scoring.
“I play good on defense and I get steals and throw it ahead,” Clark said. “I’m really good at that, I just need to focus more on my scoring.”
Clark said while she does not have any personal statistical goals, her expectations for the team are clear: A return to Murfreesboro. Stone Memorial has not been back to the state tournament since 2020.