Palmer's all-time leading scorer to play college basketball at Dixie State

PALMER — Clayton Southwick can breathe a sigh of relief.

Southwick, the most prolific scorer in the history of Palmer High School boys’ basketball, has found his next home on the hardwood.

Dixie State University in St. George, Utah.

Southwick, a recent graduate of Palmer High’s class of 2018, officially inked his National Letter of Intent surrounded by friends and family during a ceremony Thursday afternoon at Palmer High School.

“It’s a long process. I’m excited, really relieved to have it over with,” Southwick said. “I’m excited to be going to Dixie State.”

Southwick, a two-time first-team all-state selection, has long been seen as a Division I prospect. Palmer boys basketball head coach Chuck Martin, also a longtime coach at the college level, said it all comes down to the school that is the best fit for Southwick, a 6-foot-7 standout.

“The college experience is so important based on fit,” Martin said.

And the best fit for Southwick, Martin said, is Dixie State, which won the Division II Pac West Conference with an 18-2 mark in 2018.

“I’ve always felt like (Clayton) is a Division I basketball player. But high-level Division II basketball programs, high-level NAIA programs all have Division I players,” Martin said.

Southwick said he’s been to the campus in southern Utah during a basketball camp in the past, but was sold on the school during a recent visit.

“I fell in love with it down there, the people, the campus,” Southwick said. “It just felt right.”

Southwick said the final decision came down to Dixie State and Northwest Nazarene, another Division II program, in Idaho. Martin said UAA recruited Southwick hard, but Southwick preferred the option of playing outside of Alaska.

“I talked to my family and made the decision which felt right for me,” Southwick said.

Southwick said the Dixie State staff sees him as a small forward, with the ability to stretch the floor.

“Obviously nothing is guaranteed down there,” Southwick said. “It’ll be fun to compete for playing time.”

Southwick did just about everything during his high school career. He played the point, and was a threat inside and at the perimeter. Martin said Southwick can prosper by having more specific roles in college basketball.

“He’s a classic four at that level. He can shoot it, handle it,” Martin said.

Martin said the challenge of competing at he next level will also benefit a natural talent like Southwick.

“The best thing for him is he’s going to see really good players every day in practice,” Martin said.

Overall, Martin said he’s elated with Southwick’s choice.

“It worked out really well for him,” Martin said. “He’s going to have a tremendous experience.”

Southwick also has the opportunity to realize his athletic, academic and faith-based goals. Southwick said he plans to play basketball at Dixie State as a freshman, and serve a mission with his church the following year. After his mission, Southwick said he’ll return to school to play for the Trailblazers.

“I think it’s really important,” Southwick said.

Southwick was a four-time All-Northern Lights Conference selection, and he NLC Player of the Year in 2017 and 2018. He scored 1,700 points in his career, and is seen as one of the best to ever wear a Palmer boys basketball jersey. Southwick also finished with nearly 800 rebounds and more than 300 assists during his career. He also helped lead Palmer to an NLC title in 2016.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.