The success of an athlete is dependent on the amount of work that they are willing to put in. Clark Pepper III knows that no one can do the work for him, but he does seek out people to help him get better.
“It takes a lot of training and a lot of reps to be the best,” he said. “My trainer, Ivan McFarlin, has been a great role model for me because he’s been there for me since I was in fourth grade teaching me about the game and life. I just try to focus on getting better every day and being the best person I can be.”
Clark is a senior at Glencoe High School, where he plays point guard on the basketball court. Along with playing, he also helps with the junior high team and he is an aide for the Special Education class.
Throughout his career, Pepper has made a lot of memories on the court. As he looks back, he says that the name on the front of the jersey is something that he is proud to be able to play for.
“I think the highlight moment of my career would have to be leading Oklahoma in steals my sophomore year,” he said. “Glencoe is historically a basketball school. So I try to live up to the legacy that is here.”
Pepper appreciates the teammates that he competes alongside each game. They work together well and that is evident on the court as they have advanced to the state tournament twice in the last three years and brought home a state championship in 2023.
“Logan Vyrostek is someone that I like to practice against because he makes me a better player,” Clark said. “I think an underrated player on our team is Jesse Ross because he is one of the best shooters I have ever played with.”
In the classroom, Clark has worked hard to also be an excellent student. He has learned from a lot of teachers but has one that stands out as his favorite.
“Elizabeth Smith at Olive High School is a teacher that has had an impact on my life,” he said.” She made school work a lot easier for me to learn and genuinely cared about me.”
A quote that Clark tries to live by is one by NBA player Chris Paul. ‘Keep practicing. Never let someone tell you you’re too small or too slow.”
