AUSTIN, Texas – Stephen F. Austin High’s Jade Clack has made for herself on the hardwood. The sophomore helped lead the Maroons to a district title. Clack’s communication and hustle stood out in the team’s run to the playoffs.

“On the court, I’m a really big communicator. I might not be scoring the most points or getting the most points, but I’m calling inbound plays. I’m calling this. I’m calling that,” Clack said. “I’m really big about hustle. If I do the little things, then my teammates will notice that.”

That attitude comes from her basketball parents. Former UT star basketball player Kris Clack and Austin High head coach Emerald Amen have both left their marks on the basketball up-and-comer. Amen has groomed Jade into a leader.

“That’s something I wanted to imprint on her at an early age,” Amen said. “I would hope that watching me all these years has shown her how to be a leader and even though you yell at somebody, they can respect you.”

Jade also picked up some of her father’s skills on the court, such as his ambidexterity.

“I write with my right hand. I kick with my right foot. I play volleyball all with my left hand, and I’ll finish and dribble on my left side,” Clack said.

“I’m left-handed but I drove right a lot. I was able to use both hands. Even the fact I wrote with my right hand and I shoot left-handed and throw left-handed,” said Kris Clack.

Those skills combined with intangibles are giving Clack the opportunity to play at the next level. It's a vision both parents share.

“I would love for her to go to a D-1. I don’t strain her to Texas. She has goals and most of them are not here. I’ll miss her like crazy but I hope those top two schools she has on her list, that she’s able to go to those school,” Amen said.

“My hopes are for her to get a scholarship and if basketball doesn’t work out, then hey, maybe we can get an academic scholarship. I would love that as well," Clack said.