North Clayton High’s Dalania Clardy signed to play basketball, track at Clayton State By Luke Strickland

http://www.news-daily.com/sports/north-clayton-high-s-dalania-clardy-signed-to-play-basketball/article_9aaf878d-d023-5e9f-9502-2c971626da80.html

COLLEGE PARK — North Clayton All-Region and All-County point guard Dalania Clardy has signed to continue her basketball and track careers at Clayton State University next fall.

Clardy celebrated her decision Wednesday with a signing ceremony at North Clayton High School. She will play two sports for the Lakers next season.

The talented guard led North Clayton to a Region 4-AAAA championship this past season. She was named First Team All-Region and All-County after averaging 15 points per game. In her career, she scored more than 1,000 points for the Lady Eagles.

In track, Clardy won the Region 4-AAAA title in both the long jump and the triple jump this year.

“I am doing track and basketball and I know it’s going to be hard but I’m using them to transition from one sport to another,” Clardy said, “I’ve been doing it all my life. Plus being so close, I’ll still have that extra help from coach (Fred) Hill.”

Clardy was approached by Clayton State over the last few months and decided staying home to go to school was the best fit for her due to the vibe she got while visiting the campus.

“I decided on what school to go to basically just based on the environment,” she said. “I wanted to be at a college that felt like home, no matter the distance. I like the friendly atmosphere from all the coaches and returning players and also I get my own dorm, so that a plus.”

Clardy will graduate as one of the most accomplished female athletes in school history and will try to continue that production at Clayton State.

“It says a lot earning a scholarship, especially from Clayton State because of the type of girls they bring in,” Clardy said. “I’m extremely blessed to be given even the slightest opportunity to play at one of the greatest basketball programs.”