Jori Clark, Bushland volleyball, Jr.
On the court: Clark has shown massive improvement from August to November, and may have had her best week yet helping Bushland reach its sixth straight UIL Class 3A state championship game along with looking for a three-peat state championship.
In a regional championship win over Peaster last Tuesday, Clark slammed home 20 kills and was huge at the net with three blocks. Clark followed that with a tremendous showing in the state semifinal five-set victory over Ponder, racking up 17 kills with 12 digs for a double-double.
On the season, Clark has been a huge presence at the middle blocker position, totaling 358 kills with 49 blocks to go with 61 aces.
Head coach Jason Culpepper: “Jori has stepped up. We have needed her to be active to help take pressure off the outside hitters and she has done that. She led the team against Peaster in kills and another 17 against Ponder. She has also been serving the ball really well, which that part of her game has picked up. Jori has transitioned her offensive game. She was already a great defensive player, but to see her offense pick up has been great.”
Clark: “We knew we had to work hard for that win and we were able to get it. We have worked hard and we weren’t ready to be done. I think the tradition of this program has helped us through the year and that’s been encouraging. I just went to keep getting better on my offense. My offense has gotten better and I just want to keep improving that part of my game.”
About Clark
Favorite band or musician: Drake
Favorite social media platform: TikTok
Favorite athlete: Harper Murray
Bet you didn’t know: She has a Dachshund named Dos.
Parents: Jahmall Clark and Kendra Lynch.