Iowa History Daily: On February 4, 2019, Dowling High School Junior Caitlin Clark came within a point of the Iowa Girls Basketball 5-on-5 scoring record by putting in 60 against Mason City. Setting a state record with 13 made three-pointers, Clark’s 60-point performance showed a flash of things to come for the future Hawkeye basketball star.
Born in Des Moines, Clark grew up playing in boys’ recreational leagues due to a lack of opportunities for girls in the area. A multisport athlete early on, Clark played softball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, and golf, in addition to basketball. Shining brightest on the hardwood, Clark dominated for Dowling High School and the All Iowa Attack AAU team.
For the Maroons, Clark started to steadily contribute as a freshman while chipping in 15.3 points, 4.7 assists, and 2.3 steals per game. A Class 5A 3rd-Team All-State selection as a freshman, Clark continued to rise as a sophomore. Averaging 27.1 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4 assists, and 2.3 steals, Clark garnered Class 5A 1st-Team All State and Central Iowa Metro League Player of the Year honors.
By the time Clark arrived in Mason City during February of her junior year she ranked as the number four high school prospect in the country. In a 90-78 win, Clark’s 13 3-point makes propelled her to 60 points to come within a point of the state high-scoring mark for 5-on-5 girls basketball set by Abby Roe of Van Buren in 1996. The records, awards, and recognition continued over Clark’s high school career, and she committed to hoop for the Hawkeyes during November of 2019. #IowaOTD #IowaHistoryDaily #IowaHistoryCalendar
Comments