PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it as expected? Easy/Difficult?

Clemons: I didn’t have a lot of expectations. I went to a couple of PBR events to try to get my name out there and I trusted my summer coach, Rod Myers to put my KC Elite team in the right showcases to get noticed.  

PBR: Did location or distance from home play a factor in your decision?

Clemons: Yes, I knew that I wanted to play in the Midwest at a D1 school.

PBR: Where did Wichita State see you? How did your relationship develop with them?

Clemons: My teammate on KC Elite and fellow Shocker commit, Brady Slavens, was being recruited by Wichita State and Coach Gurss noticed me while watching our games. He invited me to their camp where I performed well and it really picked up from there.

PBR: Who is the best player you have faced in your state, and why?

Clemons: There are a lot of great players in Missouri but the best is probably my Lee’s Summit West teammate and Tennessee commit, Cameron Crain. He was tough when I faced him this summer and he some really good stuff.

PBR: What advice would you give to young baseball players striving to get where you are?

Clemons: You have to keep working because there is always somebody working harder than you. Spend a lot of extra time in the cages and on the field improving your game. Have a great attitude on and off of the field.  Don’t stress, just relax and have fun.

PBR: What do you do in the offseason to keep yourself in baseball shape and prepare for the upcoming season?

Clemons: I spend a lot of time in the cages. I also lift weights with some speed and agility training. I also play football and basketball.

PBR: What is the most memorable moment in your baseball career to this point?

Clemons: Last month I hit a homerun at Community America Ballpark (T-Bones Stadium).  That was pretty cool.

PBR: What do you like most about Wichita State and what were the key factors in making your decision?

Clemons: I really like the coaches, players and the facilities. They have a great winning tradition which is important to me.  Wichita is pretty close to home, so my family can watch me play. Wichita State was always my number one choice so when Coach Butler offered me I knew it was meant to be.

PBR: What other schools were on your short list before you made your final decision?

Clemons: Illinois, Southeast Missouri State, Southern Illinois-Carbondale, Southern Illinois-Edwardsville and Drury were showing interest in me and definitely on my list. I was also interested in Missouri State, Missouri and Kansas.

PBR: When did the recruiting process really start to heat up for you? Was there a particular game or event that you feel turned the corner for you?

Clemons: In June I played in a wood bat showcase in Decatur, IL with several college scouts there. I hit home runs in back to back games which really opened some eyes and it started heating up from that point on.

PBR: Preview your high school season for us. How do you feel your team will be? What are your expectations and goals?

Clemons: I think we are going to have a very good year at Lee’s Summit West. We are loaded at every position with a mix of talent from sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Coach Meyer will have us ready to make a very deep run in the playoffs with a chance to win State.

PBR: Where do you play in the summer? And what has been your most memorable experience with them?

Clemons: I play for KC Elite 18U. My teammates are all good players and we get along great.  Just taking the field with those guys and competing every weekend in the summer and fall is pretty memorable for me.