Basketball: Michael Clark transfers from Bogie to Lakewood

Boca Ciega junior forward Michael Clark has transferred to Lakewood, marking the first significant boys basketball move this offseason.

Spartans coach Anthony Lawrence said Wednesday that he found out Clark transferred on Monday. Lawrence said Clark lives in Lakewood’s zone.

“I did not want to get too excited about it because I have a lot of respect for Boca Ciega and their coaching staff,” Lawrence said. “But it’s a gift. Mike’s a great player and can do a lot of things for us. Of course, all that does is put the pressure on me to produce.”

Clark, a Times' all-county second-teamer, averaged more than 20 points per game for the Pirates before injuring his ankle a week before the district tournament. His departure means Boca Ciega will lose every starter from this past season.

Clark will now team with Anthony Lawrence Jr. and Jacobi Boykins on a Lakewood team that should contend for a district title.

“It should be a big year for our program,” Lawrence said.