Athlete of the Week: Calhoun stands out for Warriors boys basketball team

In what has proven to be a difficult season for the Fallbrook High School varsity boys' basketball team, 6-foot-3 junior Joel Calhoun shined brightly for the Warriors.

As of press time, the Warriors are 0-16 on the season, 0-4 in Central League play.

But the three-year varsity athlete leads the team in scoring, rebounds and assists, inspiring Head Coach Ryan Smith to nominate Calhoun for Athlete of the Week.

Calhoun, who hopes to play in college one day, said he first picked up a basketball at age 4.

"When my family first moved to Fallbrook," he said. "It all started in the backyard with a miniature 6-foot-high hoop.

"Growing up, I was always a little bit taller than most kids my age up until high school, so with my given height advantage, it made the game easy and fun for me and it has stuck ever since," Calhoun said.

He said he also plays baseball and spent hours on a small baseball field his father made for him on a small lot near his house. But basketball is his favorite.

"Due to its fast pace and energy a crowd can put into a game," Calhoun said. "The feeling is like no other when you can't hear your own voice because the crowd is so loud.

"Basketball appeals to me because it is much more energetic than most sports; it requires quick decision-making skills, energy, and passion. Overall, it is something anyone can be good at with hard work," he said.

Calhoun said his favorite memory has been tying the school record with eight 3-point shots made in a game at Ramona High School last season.

He is hoping that the Warriors can still sneak into the playoffs this year.

"If that proves unsuccessful, another goal would be for everyone to improve as a unit leading into summer and next season," he said.

Following his senior season, he said he hopes to play in college, but if that doesn't work out, "my goal is to enjoy the moment while it lasts and have as much fun as possible doing so."

Calhoun said his favorite subject in school is history.

"It is interesting to me to learn about the accomplishments and mistakes of the people born before me, and also learn about the causes of major events that have happened in the last 100 years," he said.

After school, he plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in business, earn a real estate license and eventually start his own family.