MONTICELLO — Being the youngest of eight children, LawrenceCounty’s David Clark was used to being run over as a child. Clarkput his durability to good use during the 2004-05 basketballseason, drawing a school-record 37 charges.

Besides defense, the 6-foot-6, 195-pound Clark excelled onoffense. He averaged 28.8 points and 9 rebounds per game for theLCHS Cougars. That performance has earned Clark the title of Mr.Basketball and Most Valuable Player on The DAILY LEADER’s 2005All-Area Boys Basketball Team.

Joining Clark on the dream team are LCHS teammate Justin (J.P.)Lewis, Collin King of Wesson, Marcus Tillman and Deandre Cameron ofFranklin County and DeMarion Addison of McComb.

Clark, the 19-year-old son of Linda Clark and L.V. May, has 5older sisters and 2 older brothers. An excellent student with a 3.5GPA, he wants to major in chemical engineering in college. Hisfavorite subject is science.

“My defense was a lot better this year,” said Clark. His chargerecord eclipsed Clark’s former mark of 19, according to LCHSveteran coach Bobby Lee.

“David is an excellent player and a good citizen,” said Lee.

Looking back on Lawrence County season, Clark said, “We had agood team. There was a lot or hustle and effort on our team.”

Lee said he vividly remembers Clark’s first varsity game as aninth grader. “I remember he made his first shot versus South Pike.Somebody passed him the ball and he shot it from the right side ofthe lane.”

Clark’s offensive skills improved each year. He and Lewis bothplayed in last summer’s High School All-Star Classic.

“The stat I like best about David is that he took 37 charges forus during the season,” said Lee. “Last year he took 19. The schoolrecord up to then was 13. Then he blew it away this year.

“It’s amazing how David had the little knack for taking thecharge inside.”

Deandre Cameron (5-8 sr. ) played guardfor Coach Chris Jordan and the Franklin County Bulldogs. Cameronaveraged ?? points and “?? rebounds per game.

“Deandrea is unselfish,” said Jordan. “He is tough. Hedid well in big games.”

Marcus Tillman (6-4 jr.) led Franklin County at centerwith 14 points and 8 rebounds per game.

“Marcus was easy to coach,” said Jordan. “He is just ahard working kid.”

Collin King (6-2 sr. ) helped the Wesson Cobras posttheir best team record in 25 years at 20 (8-4). King finished with14 points and 5 rebounds per game for boys coach RonKessler.

“Collin has been a pleasure to coach,” said Kessler. “He knows the game really really well. He doesn’t back down. He isvery aggressive for his size.”

DeMarion Addison (6-0 sr .) finished up with 14 pointsand 8 rebounds per game for Coach Hilton Harrell and the McCombTigers.

“DeMarion is a hard worker,” said Harrell. “He’s a greatdefender and he rebounded the ball well.”

Justin “J.P.” Lewis (6-2 sr.) played guard for LawrenceCounty and average 10 points and 10 rebounds per game. Hisathleticism led him to sign a football scholarship with SouthernMiss.

“Justin is very athletic.,” said Lee. “He’s strong. Hisstrength for us was on the boards, in rebounding.”