STERLING CLERX '16 Recruiting Profile

Updated News:

April 2016

Senior Year is quickly coming to an end.  I still have not decided where to go to College, initially I was planning to stay in California, but since having some poignant discussions with mentors, I have broaden my scope of thinking.  I am now prepared to consider colleges on the East Coast, or back in Canada and or stay on the West Coast; all that being said, I just want to go to school where I can work hard on my BSC so I can get into a good med school and to balance the hard academic focus I need to play basketball, the balance will allow me to give both passions 110% when focused on each of them.  I have just been notified that I will receive the NHS/ CSF cords, I work hard to keep my "A" average, plus I stay active and play in with LA Rockfish league in tournaments every weekend until the end of May. I also began playing with a local mens league once a week in Santa Barbara, in addition to my 3 days/ week at P3 (Peak Performance Project-they train professional athletes all year; a junior athlete like myself has to be accepted into their intensive program.)  As you can see I am still continuing doing the Basketball skills/conditioning work on and off court even though season is over, and I am maintaining my "A" grades preparing for AP exams next month.

Coaches, if your roster still has a spot in 2016 for a player like me and your school has the Academic offerings, we should talk.  

I am a positive and very passionate team player, who is fuelled by adversity, I have the desire to play strong and hard and I have the open mind set to continue growing and developing. I won't disappoint. That is my promise! My age is constantly haunting me, I am still 17 but to me that is a benefit, you can further develop me in your program, I am coachable, determined and I play with a lot of grit! 

March 2016

What a season. We played in the Honda Center and won the CIF SS Championships! Moving onto States we won our first  game vs Lynnwood and it was a huge rush. Last night our season sadly ended vs Bonita, but nonetheless we as a team did our best; everyone showed up and represented. I too was happy with my play. You can always reflect on the things we could have done differently and learn for next time, isn't that what this is all about anyways.  As a team we are excited to get CIF SS Championship rings.  A solid season of learning, digging deep and keeping positive. No regrets!  Thanks to my SBHS Dons Coaching Crew for all their time and efforts and to my team mates.

Now onward and forward with my spring league play in LA with the Rockfish team.  Thanks to all you Coaches in California and elsewhere for  connecting with me and all your interest in my joining your rosters, and for the words of praise and encouragement, really appreciate.

Finished the season with a 32-2 record.

February 2016

Regular season ended last night as SBHS "Seniors Night" it was celebrated with pulling off a win for the Dons against Ventura.  We now are          25-1 wins/losses. We are preparing for CIF SS Play offs, looking to get to the Finals, Regionals and then States.  With a vision anything is possible. We have a great team and with us all working together in practice, in games and in school, it has made my journey as a Dons Varsity player an experience rich year.  I am proud of my game and team sportsmanship, I know I have grown and developed as a person and a player; despite relocating from Vancouver in my Senior year and facing some obstacles, I happy to say in this whole experience, I have come to find my own personal resolve, a stronger and even more dedicated focus and definitely increased patience; my belief is, life only provides one with circumstances  that will encourage growth, development and inner awareness.  

December 2015

Tournament in Carpenteria begins tonight, we play at 8pm. Looking forward to it!!

Our SBHS team has come together well. Good skill and team cohesiveness. We have won all our exhibition pre season games and we are 3 for 3 for our regular season.  A great start, Go Dons!

November 2015

My Rockfish League ball has come to an end for the fall to allow us players to focus on team practices and dedication.  As a closure to this League, this Sunday the team is going to watch the Pepperdine Team practice, and then later we are all going to go and watch the UCLA vs Cal Poly game. Should be good.

Last weekend, I very much enjoyed watching the pre season UCSB vs UCSF game, some great playing. Congrats on the win UCSB!

Throughout ball season, I will continue with P3 in santa Barbara up to 3x/ week as it is making a huge difference in my strength, endurance and hops.  The guys at P3 know what they are doing and my body before to now reflects noticeable shifts and definition.  The owner Marcus, treats me like a son.  He is so supportive and caring and wants to know how he and the team can continue to not only support physically, but mentally too; in trials and tribulations!  

I will continue to work with my one on one skills Coach Juan at the Page Center in Santa Barbara, 1-2x/week even with regular season beginning; Juan likes to physically challenge me, he knows my dream to play College Ball, he pushes me hard, which I love! He even invited Orlando Johnson to join us one practice to inspire me.  Trust me I was inspired!! My vision, my focus, my end goal, is in front of me every minute of every day!!  I have something to offer a team that is unique to me.  I trust and have faith the right opportunity  will show itself.

I have talked to and met some great College Coaches this Fall and even joined in on a local UCSD team practice; it was the best thing ever.  I was grateful for that opportunity. As a Senior in High School, one would think I would have been  intimidated.  I was, yes, a bit nervous at the beginning, but then I just hit the court, met some of the guys, and took on some play.  By the end of practice, without a doubt in my mind it was clear that one of my skills is that I can raise my ball play to any situation.  Someone said to me after the practice, that they thought I was part of the team, that it looked like I was cohesive with the guys and had good chemistry.  It felt so right.  My learnings this fall have been plentiful.  Talking & meeting with Coaches from the East and the West of USA and Canada, has revealed to me more clarity of vision.  What I thrive on is when someone says I can't do something, it fuels me to do it, and excel in it.  I am a young player, I know that, but my desire is mature.  Coaches,  I ask that you give me a chance to prove to you who I am and what I can contribute to your team for 2016.  My honest desire is to stay in California for College, and my goal where I truly see myself in the basketball arena, playing, contributing, committing, is at a D1/D2 Cali school.  

My grades to date are A+ and my focus is still Orthopaedics.

Here is to dreams becoming realities.  I have the faith!!

October 2015

It truly is hard to believe, that I am 8 weeks into my senior year. With the relocation from Vancouver behind me, and my first SAT test last weekend, I feel confident in the direction of my Academic & Basketball pursuits.  Starting a new school in my senior year has been the biggest challenge to overcome, I miss my crew back home, but  I do know that these feelings push me to be stronger and better prepared for my future team, college, job, life!  I am working daily on increasing my levels of physical play and mental play; my speed, ball handling and 3 pt shots are continuing to improve at noticeable rates, according to my coaches. My Canadian ball play  I feel has officially transitioned to US play; and for that I am very pleased.

I have been invited to watch and participate in some pre season College practices; it is so inspiring, makes me want to dig even harder.  

Thanks Coaches for those opportunities.

I am also appreciative of my skill Coaches for all their time and support on the court and off. 

September 2015

I am working out three times a week on physical and mental conditioning at P3:The Peak Performance Project, the elite training facility that provides training to professional and limited amateur athletes; located in Santa Barbara, CA.  I am also woking out privately a few times a week with Player Development Coaches Ross McMains & Glenn Marks out of LA, also SB local Coach Juan Villarruel . Sept13th I started with the Rockfish League out of LA, founder David Benezra.  I also do my own daily routines before and after school as well as being in the SBHS Basketball Academy that forms part of my school schedule.  Academically, I am in three AP Classes: ECON, STATS & ENGLISH, and also taking my Grade 11 US History, required for graduation (since being a Canadian, I didn't have to take it last year in Vancouver).  I am also volunteering at SBHS as an Academic Mentor/Tutor to kids that need support.  I have been asked to create a shirt logo for one of my classes; the VADA Art Academy at SBHS that I am in is really affording me to express myself through various artist mediums.  Balance and growth are important to me.  Living my passion and sharing it with others is a quality that I believe shows my true personality.

After a great Spring and Summer of so much basketball; from BC Provincials play, Spring league play, Summer league play and USA camps it has been a Summer of massive growth in skill development with an ever more burning passion for Basketball.  This August I  moved to Santa Barbara, CA.  I have begun school at SBHS.  I am in the gym every night shooting and working hard always on surpassing my last own personal best quotas.  I am working with a trainer for mental coaching, and doing physical strength and core training and on the court daily with various coaches on 5 position refinement.  I am excited for this year!!  My dream is to be offered an Athletic Scholarship for 2016, so I can continue to live and pursue my dreams of Basketball while taking Dentistry or Sports Physio Therapy.

Spring Leagues

BBBC U17's training has begun with preparation for the Nationals in August. It is great playing with the best U17 players in the province. Skills and development happen in front of us in seconds, as we all want to raise our game we practice and play our hardest. We are a focused and dedicated group of guys with Coach Goulet who trains us like a college coach. We played our first game yesterday against Cap University. In addition to BBBC U17's team, I am also playing in 2 recreational spring leagues for additional conditioning. This spring we will be playing a variety of tournaments in the US to name a few states, Washington, Oregon and Nevada. With much Canadian Colleges/Universities opportunities too.

March Madness:

BC Provincials are now over, we learnt some good things about winning and losing. Looking ahead to off season training.

I have a private coach and trainer that I will be working with daily.  I will also be practicing as a big with the BC Provincial team, as I have been chosen as an Alternate Player.  In addition, I will be playing league ball locally.  I have been invited to play on a US team again this summer in Europe.  I am passing on that opportunity and will do some away camps in the US instead.  I am excited about my upcoming Senior year, I am committed to making a huge contribution to my team, while maintaining above standard academics.  I also would like to do some volunteer coaching with young kids this summer.

We won the Howe Sound Tourney 74-54 (3 games straight)...I was proud of my strong play, got lots of court time and assisted well with the scoring had some great rebounds and blocks. 100% for my free throws.

**I was to be meeting some of you next week in the LA region, I am having to stay in Vancouver to prepare for the BC Provincials slated to begin March 11th. With winning the Howe Sound Tourney we are one of the top teams to participate in Provincials. I can't wait. I played in the Provincials last year as a Junior and we won; I also played up last year with the Seniors, so I have some sense of what to expect.

Our WV Highlander reg season is over and we are ranked 1st on the Vancouver North Shore as a result, we are hosting the Howe Sounds Tournament (The North Shores) we won our first game last night 68-44.  Next game Monday Feb 23rd. Stay tuned.  We won 46-43, a close one.  We are now, in the finals on Feb 25.

Happy New Year 2015!

Just finished the Basketball BC Provincial Super Camp...they already have 2 returning tall posts on the team; they offered me an Alternate position, which is great! This team is the best of the best in BC and we will play teams all over North America.  I am committed to whatever is offered to me, I am appreciative of the opportunity and know all good things come at the right time.  My faith, patience and commitment to my passion of ball couldn't be stronger!

This month regular season with the Senior West Vancouver BBall team officially begins, as starting Center I am so excited with good tournaments and travel opportunities ahead; the speed of the game and caliber playing senior is exciting.  I have been practicing hard and developing much in my physical and mental games.  I know this will be a great year.  I am looking forward to visiting some US schools in plans for my future.

November 14 Big Basketball BC Weekend!!

Participating in Basketball BC SuperCamp this weekend and looking forward to meeting the best of the best players in BC. This is the first set of try outs for the Provincial BC Basketball team for U17 with the second set of try outs scheduled for the end of December.  This weekend is also important as it is when my church group goes to the east side of downtown Vancouver and we give out food and Christmas baskets to the homeless. It is important to me that I contribute.  I have also been invited to join a European Basketball Camp in June through North American Prospects who represent the USA in this elite International Basketball Tournament in Vienna Austria; I am excited about the opportunity.

November 1st 2014 

I have been in the gym shooting every morning before school and working out after school.  My focus is always to further skill development and working on body strength and mental strength.  My Elite Basketball Training Program is going great, showing measurable results, and our season is only just about to start. SInce Grade 11 has commenced I have also been active off the court, what is important to me is giving back.  Therefore, I joined the Little Buddies Club at my high school which partners kids with challenges with other students in our school, to encourage integration and fair treatment during the lunch hour.  I have also been accepted in the YELL Program (Young Entrepreneur Leadership LaunchPad) a West Vancouver district wide program that one must apply to with limited acceptance.  I am also preparing to be an active fundraising leader with my church; in March my family and I will be traveling to a poverty stricken town in Mexico to assist  members of our church in building two homes for two families that are in need.  To date, balancing academics with athletics and giving back is all going well.

Fall Update

After a successful Summer of knee rehabilitation, I have been accepted into BCs Elite Basket Ball Training Centre for Senior boys in my division.  A large number of players tried out and 12 players were chosen.  This is a year long intensive program of Basketball development of mental and physical skills.  This is an honor to have been chosen.  My knee is feeling better then ever and I am happy to be back on my game full force, doing what I love.

 I am very grateful for all the great invites to this Spring & Summer camps and to all the Fall Prospect camps.  My love is Basketball, I want to play, lead and grow always a contributor to a successful team and to always be refining and defining myself as a player, a contibuting member of society, and always representing my family, my self and my school in the best possible way!

I have been working out daily on gaining body mass and strength; playing ball daily and refining skills.  My knee is feeling fantastic after the April surgery, I feel great and everyday I focus on my mental, physical and emotional game. The training is daily, I am ready for the season to begin!

 I made the Elite WVSS Basketball Training Centre.

Still playing ball & working out daily, preparing for a try out April 8th for an Elite BasketBall Training Academy that will run throughout the 2014/15 school year.  

Most excitingly, I have been called up from my Junior team to play with our WVSS Varsity team in their March Madness 4A Provincials Basketball Championships.  I played well and handled the pressure of playing up.

I am a very dedicated and passionate player with a vision, a dream, that I know will come true.  I am always in the gym at least 2+ hours a day either working on my handles or my jump shots. I am committed to taking 200 shots a day, consistently working on my game and I am working with a trainer on a weight building program to gain muscle & better hoops.

Recent success.  My Junior West Vancouver Basketball team, just won the finals in the BC Provincials.  We came in as the underdogs and won 5 games straight. To get to the finals, we had a very tough draw and had to beat the #1 #2 #5 and #11 best team in the province , we are now ranked #1 in BC!

My college goals and aspirations are to play post secondary basketball anywhere in the USA.  

I am a good candidate for any team because I am coachable, I can convert feedback into a change of action.  I am told by my coaches they appreciate my strong work ethic, perseverance and resilience, my ability to read the play on the court, to work with my fellow team mates and to help set up plays. I am strong in rebounds, and free throws, I am working to improve my 3 pointers.

What makes me different from other players is my true love and passion for ball.  Daily I drive to work out and challenge myself in basketball and in life overall.  I strive to learn from every situation, and not judge others for their choices.  I chose to lead vs follow, and my level of confidence in my belief system and faith is what drives me.  My family supports me unconditionally, and that provides me with the support to always do my best; should there be a learning opportunity I try to take from it what I can, and do better next time.  Daily I am getting more and more mentally tough and physically strong too, at 6'5 and growing my height adds value to any team.  I have played through an injury, despite the pain, I never gave up. My family is a positive influence in my life and they have provided me with the framework of believing in myself and all my dreams.

My dream is to be successful in all parts of my life.  I do want to play college ball on a full scholarship, but I also want to maintain great grades and social connectiveness with my family and friends. I believe we all can be who we dream to be.  I believe in myself and feel that with a balance of hard & dedicated work that anything is possible.  I love basketball and can't imagine my life without it.  I fully envision myself playing college ball in the US upon graduating from High School.