Former KCCA Leopard star Claire Lamunu has exceled all season for Vanguard University women’s basketball team according to Daily Pilot Newspaper Sports Writer, Barry Faulkner.
Lamunu’s team (27-2) won Golden State Athletic Conference regular-season crown with 15-1 mark.
A 6-foot-1 who was awarded a four-year basketball scholarship in 2015 by the USA University, Claire is averaging 22.9 points and 12.7 rebounds.
She has been named GSAC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year and leads the number 4-ranked Lions into the postseason beginning Saturday.
She ranks second in the NAIA in scoring (22.9) and third in rebounding (12.7), has 22 double-doubles, and is as humble as they come.
Lamunu’s head coach Russ Davis says Lamunu has had the best statistical season in the history of the program as she is a game changer on both ends of the floor, but also that she improved greatly from 2015 to 2016.
Nationally, Lamunu ranks second in scoring, just 11 points out of first place. She is eight in field goal percentage, first in offensive rebounds per game, and third in both total rebounds and rebounding average. With this award, Lamunu moves on to be in contention for National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Player of the Year.
Lamunu said she will pursue professional opportunities should they arise, but, true to form, is never one to assert her own prowess.
“I still have my insecurities,” she said. “Just the other day, I forgot some plays. My accomplishments make me happy, but every game can change. I try to stay humble, which coach really emphasizes. And I think my culture and my faith encourage me to be humble.”
She just may be NAIA Player of the Year and makes Vanguard University an national championship contender.
Additional reporting by Daily Pilot
