Prospect Spotlight: Clayton Hood (2019)

<p>*Photo Credit to Derby Informer Sports*</p> <p>Clayton Hood's journey with basketball is not your typical one, in fact he didn't start playing until 7th grade and in his words, he "was not very good." </p> <p>It wasn't until his freshman year that he realized there was actually some potential there as he had some success playing on the freshman team and continued his journey with the game. </p> <p>Fast forward to today, the captain and leader of the 18-19 Derby team, Clayton isn't phased by the 1-4 start that Derby has had to start the year. In fact, he's confident that they will be rolling by the time they need to be hot and make a run in the state tournament.</p> <p>The 6'2'' guard prides himself on his defense, saying that his energy on the court comes from the defensive side of the ball and that opens up opportunities to score for him quite often.</p> <p>Clayton explains his game as a game that is built on versatility and athleticism. He explains that he score from the mid-post area, in transition, from beyond the arc, or even on the block.</p> <p>At the guard position, Clayton is an exceptional rebounded, getting to balls that his peers commonly can't get to. He attributes this success to his ability to know where the ball will most likely end up before the shot ever hits the rim. Combine that with his energy and effort and you have a guard who can impact the game in many ways.</p> <p>Clayton was a starter last year during Derby's final four run and a big asset in their pressure defense, molding his game to translate well to the next level.</p> <blockquote> <p>"There are a lot of really good players in the area, but I don't know if any of them impact the game on both ends of the floor more than Clay. On the defensive end, he plays really hard, has great natural instincts and athleticism, and he loves the challenge of guarding the other team's best guy," says Coach Brett Flory.</p> </blockquote> <p>Coach goes onto say that his offensive prowess is a result of countless hours in the gym working on his game to become a well-rounded scorer and creator.</p> <p>What's next for Clayton Hood?</p> <p>With offers currently from Bethel and Friends University, he certainly has a future at the next level and will wait until the end of the season to make a decision.</p> <p>Clayton says he wants to be a fireman and will pursue training over summer but get a degree in a subject to accompany him in that profession.</p> <p>Finally, Clayton says his father inspires him the most in life. He has always pushed him to be better and do more than he did so he could have a better life than him.</p> <p>Watch for Clayton to continue to have a successful year and lead Derby on a run for the 18-19 season.</p>