Kaylee Clarke is an incredibly versatile 5’11” forward out of Chicago, IL, who plays with a level of grit and hustle that immediately sets her apart.
As a hybrid forward (SF/PF), she embraces physicality in the post while also displaying perimeter awareness, an increasingly rare dual-threat skill set at the high school level.
Representing St. Ignatius College Prep on the varsity squad and competing on the Full Package 17U Neon AAU team, Clarke has shown consistency and strong basketball IQ, averaging 10 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks per game over the summer AAU circuit.
What stands out most about Kaylee is her commitment to playing both ends of the court.
She doesn’t shy away from contact in the paint and thrives in physical matchups.
On defense, she’s a solid rim protector and a disruptor, reading passing lanes well and contesting shots with great timing.
Offensively, she has solid footwork and finishes with either hand around the basket.
She isn’t afraid to step outside and knock down a mid-range jumper or find open teammates from the high post.
Kaylee is also a leader off the court, participating in the Black Organization of Successful Students (BOSS) at her school, showing maturity, leadership, and purpose beyond basketball.
Her love for art and painting adds depth to her personality, demonstrating creativity that often mirrors how she plays, fluid, expressive, and composed.
In a world of specialization, Clarke’s balanced approach, gritty defense, team-first mentality, and multi-level scoring, makes her a unique and valuable prospect.
She plays older than her class, and with continued development, could easily transition to the next level as a highly recruited collegiate forward.
Strengths & Areas of Improvement
Strengths
- Strong rebounding presence
- Active shot blocker
- Tough interior defender
- Pass-first mentality
- Court vision improving
- Battles for boards
- Mid-range touch developing
- Aggressive off ball
- High motor always
- Vocal team leader
Areas to Improve
- Handle under pressure
- Consistent three-point shooting
- Quicker first step
- Reading double teams
- Transition speed burst
- Finishing through contact
- Off-hand development
- Defensive switch ability
- Creating off dribble
- Shot selection awareness
Conclusion
Kaylee Clarke brings a rare blend of power, skill, and hustle that translates across multiple roles on the court.
At 5’11”, she’s an ideal tweener, comfortable banging in the paint, yet agile enough to step outside and contribute on the wing.
Her ability to average double-digit points and near double-digit rebounds for a competitive 17U AAU team speaks volumes about her production and potential.
What makes Kaylee a standout is her no-nonsense approach to the game.
She shows up to compete, she plays hard, and she does the little things coaches love, boxing out, rotating defensively, diving for loose balls, and sharing the rock.
With a 3.5 GPA and involvement in leadership organizations like BOSS, she’s proving to be just as dependable in the classroom and community.
With skill refinement, especially her perimeter handle and jump shot, Kaylee has the tools to grow into a legitimate Division I or II college basketball player.
Keep your eyes on this rising star from Chicago. The best of her story is still being written.