Senior Trio Calls Clawson Home, Making Memories On and Off Court

High school is a special time when unique friendships are forged through activities that pull individuals together to work as a team.

Crystal Allen, and Jasmin James, the three senior members of the Clawson varsity girls basketball team, come from different cities in Oakland County but have called Clawson home during high school. The trio was honored during Senior Night before their game against Maryville High School on Friday.

Allen and Hamby met as eighth graders while James transferred to the school as a junior.

“I transferred from Marian (Bloomfield Hills) and this was the only school close enough to drive to,” said James, of Pontiac. “And this is the school I came and visited and liked it and ended up here.”

Hamby and Allen gelled early as classmates but both ended up in the Clawson school district for different reasons.

“I’ve always went to small schools,” said Hamby, of Ferndale. “Going into high school they (her parents) decided to keep me in a small school and Clawson is part of the Schools of Choice program and that’s where they sent me.”

The Schools of Choice (SOC) program allows students from neighboring districts to attend Clawson, though no busing is offered. Districts set up their own requirements for SOC admission.

Allen’s road was just as simple in getting to Clawson.

“My sister had to leave Ferndale so that meant I had to leave Ferndale,” Allen said, with a laugh. “So I just came here in eighth grade and I just stayed.”

Allen and Hamby became friends and hung out so much that Allen said, “Her house is my home.”

Trio creates friendship memories

Working together on the basketball team the trio went through a tough one-win campaign last year that galvanized them for this season as they’ve helped collect eight wins so far this year and each wants to leave the team better off.

And spending time together leads to humorous situations together. Allen recalled a pre-game dinner outing with Hamby.

“We were eating spaghetti and I accidentally poured my Arizona Ice Tea on it because I thought it was the Parmesan cheese,” said Allen, of Oak Park. “It led to an interesting game day,” Hamby said.

One of James' favorite memories happened last season and it was on the court.

“Last year in our seniors game one of our seniors, Lisa, just ran and charged at this girl at the end of the game,” James said. “That was probably the funniest thing I have ever witnessed.”

The trio has spread its athletic abilities to other playing surfaces. James has played softball in the past, Hamby excelled on the volleyball team and may compete in track this spring. Allen participates in a dance team.

Post-grad plans

Each girl has plans to attend major universities after high school with an eye on specific majors and careers. James is looking at Hampton University as well as Kent State University and will major in criminology and psychology.

“I may be a detective but I don’t have it figured out yet,” James said. “Maybe in the forensics.”

Hamby has won a full-ride Evans Scholarship to attend Michigan State University in the fall to major in kinesiology and hopefully work in physical therapy. Allen is considering South East Missouri State, Adrian College and Western Michigan. She said she would like to have a career in radiology.

School and team will miss trio

The girls' presence will be missed throughout the school, said Athletic Director Bill Shellenbarger Sr. “All three players are very positive, productive pupils,” he said. “It will be a loss to the basketball program and to when they leave.”

Head Coach Kelly Horne had some inspiring words for each player during the Senior Night presentation at Friday's game.

“Crystal has been that great player that we look to every night to run the offense, score points and guard the other team’s point guard,” Horne said. “Her commitment and intensity are contagious.”

James "is a natural leader by example,” Horne said. “Not only does she know her position but everyone else’s on the floor. Her teammates describe her as ambitious, confident and responsible.”

The coach’s praise of Hamby covered a wide gamut.

“Kayla has been the rock that has stuck this program together,” Horne said. “She is one of the most coach-able players anyone could ask for. Our younger players gravitate toward her because of her work ethic and friendly attitude.”

The trio may live in Ferndale, Oak Park and Pontiac but they say their hearts belong to Clawson.

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