Merced County senior brings football mentality to basketball court for Falcons
Atwater High senior Amoni Clairbore wishes she could have one do-over in high school. If Claiborne had the chance, she would like to go back to her freshman year and play football.
Claiborne grew up playing just about every sport — football, basketball, soccer and softball. In high school she played basketball, softball and track.
Claiborne played tackle football all the way through middle school. She played quarterback and running back.
“I grew up with a bunch of boys so that’s what I did,” Claiborne said. “I played football. I liked being able to hit someone and not get in trouble for it.
“I would have played my freshman year but I didn’t want to get hurt and be out for basketball,” she added. “If I could go back I would play one year of football. I would have played my freshman year.”
Claiborne’s football mentality has helped her during her four years of playing varsity basketball for the Falcons. She’s been a contributor all four years as she closes in a career milestone.
Closing in on 1,000 points
Claiborne scored 10 points in Atwater’s 77-17 win over Merced on Tuesday night to help the Falcons improve to 3-0 on the season. Claiborne is now just 152 points shy of 1,000 career points.
In a normal 27-game season, Claiborne would reach the mark easily. However, with a shortened 13-game season because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Claiborne has to average 15 points a game to join the 1,000-point club.
Claiborne’s scoring average has increased each year, from 6.9 points as a freshman, to 8.7 as a sophomore 12.5 as a junior and 15 points through three games this season.
She’s also averaging 5.6 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 4.1 steals this spring.
“She’s a silent assassin,” said Atwater coach JR Davis. “What’s unique about Amoni is her deception. She has no facial expression. You hardly ever know what she’s thinking.”
Quiet leader
In Davis’ 11 years as the Falcons coach he’s had all types of players in leadership roles. Recently he had twins Kelsey and Lexi Valencia, who were both vocal leaders as players. Davis always knew what they were thinking.
Claiborne leads in her own way.
“With Amoni, it’s like we have to pull things out of her,” Davis said. “When she speaks, everyone is like, ‘Whoa, she’s speaking,’ and everyone listens.”
“I don’t talk a lot,” Claiborne added. “I’m the type of leader that shows it instead of says it. My teammates know I’m always there for them. I played with the twins and I learned a lot from them.”
Claiborne’s leadership was on display on Tuesday night against Merced. She was like another coach on the floor, directing players were to go. With the game out of hand, Claiborne was the biggest cheerleader on the bench when she was out of the game.
She can score when the Falcons need a basket and she is usually matched up defensively on the opposing team’s best player.
Football mentality
Her football playing days have definitely carried over to the hardwood.
“Playing football helped a lot with my aggression for basketball,” Claiborne said. “I’m not scared of contact. I’m not afraid to go up for a layup if I have three girls on me. I’m not scared to take a charge.”
“When she drives to the basket it’s like she’s running up the middle,” Davis added.
The Falcons may only be three games into the season, but Claiborne knows the season will go fast. She’s not looking forward to turning in her uniform.
“Being a player at Atwater is like being a part of a large family,” she said. “It’s a second home. It’s been a pleasure to play here. If I could stay another year I would. It’s not just the varsity, it’s all three levels. It’s a program thing. It starts with the coaches. They treat us like we’re their own. It really is a family.”
Claiborne is happy she gets to play her final year and make a run at 1,000 career points.
“I feel very fortunate,” she said. “I used to run track and we have one track meet before our season was cut short because of COVID my junior year. I felt bad for our seniors because they didn’t get their senior season. I’m glad I have a chance to play my senior year.”
