From IU-Kokomo to Division I at SEMO for Alonzo Clawson-Smith

KOKOMO — Lafayette Jeff graduate Alonzo Clawson-Smith let the 5 a. m. training workouts with Oklahoma City guard Brooks Barnhizer, his older brother Braxton and his high school coach Mark Barnhizer speak for itself.

There wasn't a thought about being a true starting freshman at IU-Kokomo, an NAIA school. Clawson-Smith trusted an opportunity would present itself. "My coaches all preseason had faith in me," Clawson-Smith said.

More: Lafayette Jeff forward Gavin Pritzel learns from past mistakes More: Jeff wrestling coach Tom Miller gets final curtain call at home Clawson-Smith scored 17 points, grabbed seven rebounds and dished eight assists in his debut off the bench against University of Michigan-Dearborn on Nov. 1 and set the stage for what was to come. Bigger things await for Clawson-Smith, the 2025 Journal & Courier Big Schools Player of the Year, who will play Division I basketball at Southeast Missouri State University.

He recently signed wit the Redhawks out of the transfer portal. At IU-Kokomo, he was named as a North selection to the first NABC All-Region Team by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Clawson-Smith averaged 19.