Amauri Gorman blows past 1,000

Clarkton Reindeer head basketball coach Cole McBroom and Amauri Gorman Tuesday at Clarkton. Gorman was awarded a plaque to celebrate his 1,000 high school career points.

Photo by Steve Hankins

CLARKTON – It's always thrilling to see high-school athletes achieve.

The Reindeers' Amauri Gorman inspired excitement when he reached, then topped 1,000 points during a recent basketball game against a very strong South Pemiscot High School team.

“I'll be playing 'til I can't no more,” a soft-spoken Gorman said after his successful outing at Tuesday's Class1 District 1 Tournament. “For real.”

The 18-year-old senior, well-known for his aerial acrobatics on the hardwood, blasted 33 points Tuesday and was the quarterfinal round's top gun across the board.

Amauri Gorman flies by defenders Tuesday at Clarkton.

Photo by Steve Hankins

“I really didn't think I was gonna hit it,” the somewhat shy teen said of his goal against South Pem. “I was so into the game I wasn't paying any attention.

“I was so clueless,” he laughed.

An airy, 'I shouldn't be this nervous,' giggle.

“Once I heard the air horns and all the cheering, and saw my coach smiling at me, telling me good job and all, I realized what happened,” Gorman mused. “Honestly, I didn't think I was nowhere near it.

“But yes,” he added. “I was amazed. I was happy.”

Although he reached an individual milestone in sports, Gorman is cognizant of the facts.

Fact one: He didn't do it alone.

Fact two: His coaching made a difference both on and off the court.

“I love it here,” he said of his school. “I love everybody.

“My teammates especially,” he added. “I grew up with them. I love playing with them. I wouldn't want to do it with nobody else. And Coach McBroom.”

That love thing for a then-unknown guide was a mystery for Gorman. He knew and trusted his friends and teammates.

As a sophomore meeting McBroom day one, the jury still was out.

“When he first came here three years ago, everybody was like, we didn't know how he was gonna coach,” Gorman recalled. “We didn't know how he was gonna be.

“But I liked Coach McBroom from the jump,” he admitted. “I knew he probably thought I was gonna be trouble when he first got here. But I held it down. I didn't get in trouble. I played well. He's a great coach and I'm gonna miss him.”

Amauri Gorman skies for two Tuesday at the C1 D1 Quarterfinals at Clarkton.

Photo by Steve Hankins

Despite his on-court wizardry, Gorman's game day mirrors most other players'.

“I wake up and stay focused,” Gorman said of his ritual. “I listen to music most of the day if not all of the day.

“It inspires me,” he said of his sonic choices. “It hypes me up and gets me ready for the game. Young Boy for sure. That gets me right.”

Although Gorman's future belongs to him alone, he's undecided which way those winds might blow, which way his course might lead.

“I wanna work I think,” Gorman said. “I wanna earn money and help.

“School?” he asked. “Never say never.”

His passion is basketball. His strength lies in his talent. His talent lies in the game. The game is … over?

Is it Gorman's Catch 22?

Amauri Gorman in action Tuesday at the C1 D1 Quarterfinals at Clarkton.

Photo by Steve Hankins

“Sometimes I can't decide what I like to do because basketball is the only thing I love to do,” Gorman said. “But I like working, getting my hands dirty and making money, too.”

Gorman has advice for freshmen entering the Reindeer basketball program.

“Stay focused,” Gorman said. “Be aware of Coach McBroom.

“He has a lot of knowledge to share,” he added. “He's gonna run you to death. Freshmen better be ready. He's gonna make you wanna play. For sure.”