Playing basketball simply makes Lainey Claramunt happy. And it’s been that way since the opening tip of her career.

“I started playing basketball when I was in third grade, and I love how every time I play, I am always at my happiest and I can express myself though my game,” she said.

Claramunt, 15, plays combo guard for the Salem Rocks varsity basketball team and is one of the keys to the team’s success heading into the MHSAA postseason, which began with districts March 2-6.

Only a sophomore, Claramunt helps form a formidable backcourt that keeps Salem running on all cylinders. She’s also one of the team’s top rebounders.

“We had big goals this season,” she said. “Obviously we wanted to be Park champs, which unfortunately we didn’t achieve but we have a good shot at it next year. My personal goal this year was to be the leading rebounder and scorer, which so far I have achieved. We have grown tremendously as a team and are looking to make a great run in districts*.”

Claramunt said her sophomore year has been a bit of a “rollercoaster.”

“I played well throughout the season but I struggled with confidence and consistent performance,” she said. “My proudest stat so far was tying the Salem girls single game rebounds with 15.”

Claramunt also plays basketball in the offseason, playing AAU at Hoopers Clinic in Farmington Hills. It’s just another way she challenges herself to be better.

“The entire environment there is incredible,” she said. “All the coaches strive to make you better and genuinely care about each player and how they are doing. I love playing there because I get to play with my dad, sister and best friends and I get to continue to make new friends every year.”

Her high school career began on the varsity team, not an easy place for a ninth grader.

“I was on varsity my freshman year and it was definitely a learning experience,” she said. “I enjoyed getting to learn under the upperclassmen because they taught me a lot, and I think they set a good foundation for me and all the other younger girls for years to come.”

Lainey is the daughter of Kristina and Stephen Claramunt, and is a three-sport athlete at Salem. She also plays volleyball and soccer while scoring a 3.6667 GPA in the classroom. She has big goals when it comes to the sport that makes her happy.

“I want to go as far as I can in basketball,” she said. “I would love to play college basketball and even play professional basketball. I have talked to some colleges but I am still young so I am not expecting anything big for a bit.”

Claramunt is known for her dedication to the sport and being the consummate team player.

“Something that motivates me is always trying to be the best I can and always knowing there is another level I can reach,” she said. “I enjoy challenging myself to get there. I am a very competitive person so I always have to win.”

And that truly makes her happy.


*Salem opened districts with a 65-21 win over Ypsilanti before defeating Plymouth 39-24 to reach the finals. The Rocks lost to host Belleville 60-44 in the Division 1 District 16 final, which happened after this story was written.