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FULL CIRCLE

Published by Jason Gairey on January 8, 2010

When we talk about basketball in the heart of Toronto, only a handful of high schools come to mind as having powerhouse programs. Eastern Commerce Saints have been the most dominant of all the schools for years. The Runnymede Redman dominated in the 80’s and 90’s as well. The one school that has always been in the mix between the two for-mentioned has seen its share of success too, but this year could be special. The Oakwood Barons have come full circle!

The Circle just so happens to start with a very familiar name that echoes in the tiny matchbox gym in Oakwood C.I. The name that is being whispered and come game time, chanted, belongs to Julian Clarke. Yes that’s right, son of legendary Oakwood Collegiate Alum, Norm Clarke. The circle has formed!

A quiet, well mannered kid who stands 6′3” with a lean but athletic build, he doesn’t really give off the impression of basketball player. But don’t let the looks deceive you, he puts in work! The mission, an OFSSAA Gold medal with a city championship to boot!

“I have many individual goals, but the biggest is a goal that we set as a team, and that is to get to, and win, OFSAA. It will be a long, tiring road, but I think we’re ready. Nothing would feel better than to stand at the top of the mountain and look down upon the rest come March. That’s what we’re after this year.” Says Clarke.

After having a decent season last year for the Barons falling short to the eventual Ontario High School Gold medalist, Eastern Commerce in the city finals, Julian, often referred to as “Juelz” by his peers, realized that he needed to step his game up for this season. It being his senior and final year of high school, he took advantage of his summer with some help from one of the greatest players to come out of Toronto, his Dad!

“I’m always looking to improve. Last year, I got pushed off the ball a lot on penetration, so this summer I went to the weight room and I’ve put on 22lbs of muscle since March. I’m extending my range and working more on ball handling, two things that can always be better. It’s a lot of work and it sure is tiring, but I have to keep improving if I want to excel in the future at higher levels. The best part of it is that I enjoy it, no matter how hard, because it can only make me better.”

Strengthening and conditioning was the summer’s fun; and to top it off, participating on the U17 Team Ontario squad as a key component in the Canadian Championship, capturing the Bronze Medal.

As the boys high school hoops scene has begun to jump off, The Barons seem to be in the mix as a contender, this combo guard is leading it’s squad in scoring but isn’t shy when it comes to distributing the rock. With talented teammates Kevin Blake and Chase Campbell also putting up big numbers, this team’s circle has really come to form.

Looks like all the hard work both on and off the floor will pay off for this all-star. Not only is he sparking interest from his father’s NCAA Division 1 alma mater, St. Bonaventure University in the Atlantic 10 Conference, Eastern Kentucky, Ohio State and Santa Clara University is also in the hunt. They are all impressed with this academically superb hoopster! With a recent winning of one of the premier high school tournaments, The Court Heinbach Classic and the SOSI Tourney with MVP honors to go in both, Mr. Clarke and the Barons are off to a stellar start!

“Since the first tryout, we knew the year would be different. It had more intensity than our practices did in January of last year. With that kind of start, who knows where we can go.”

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