Shaquille Moore, starting guard for the Moorpark Raiders, led the team in points per game in his freshmen season. But what sets him apart from other players is his attitude towards basketball.

Moore grew up in Madera, a small town north of Fresno. He credited a few of his older cousins for introducing basketball to him, and remembered playing with them on his grandmas street after school. Moore said that for a long time, his cousins bested him. He kept playing, and with his natural athleticism quickly got better.

“About fifth or sixth grade is when I started owning some of my cousins,” said Moore.

Up until high school Moore played football and basketball, but chose to focus solely on basketball. He played at Madera South High School on the varsity basketball team three out of his four years. While on varsity he made the first team all league, and started in the All-star game.

After graduating from high school, Moore went to a prep school in La Jolla, San Diego for about six months. He then went to Los Angeles Preparatory school to finish off the year.

Moore has spent almost two years away from his family, from preparatory school to Moorpark. He did it for his dream of playing basketball as a career. Moore misses his family, but has still enjoyed the opportunities he’s had.

“Life itself has been…a blessing to me,” said Moore. “I’ve matured a lot quicker I think then at home, under my mom’s wing.”

Now at Moorpark, Moore looked to improve his game while he could showcase his abilities on the court. He averaged 15.9 points per game on 37.7 percent shooting, while also averaging 7.9 rebounds per game. But the stats don’t show everything he brought to the team.

Head Coach Remy McCarthy praised Moore’s attitude, saying Moore was a positive influence for his teammates.

“Everybody who has dealt with him really appreciates the kind of person that he is,” said McCarthy.

For Moore, basketball is everything. McCarthy saw that and knew that Moorpark would be good for him, and he would be great for Moorpark. The effort, attitude, and talent are what make Moore so much more than just another player.

“Basketball is very important to him, and we really yearn for guys like Shaquille who put their heart and soul into [basketball],” said McCarthy.

Moore’s drive does not go unnoticed by his teammates either. Sophomore guard Richard Thomas describes Moore’s dedication to the sport.

“Shaq is the type of person who would never settle for second place,” said Thomas. “Thats why he’s determined to reach his goals, and will work harder than anyone else.”

With one more year at Moorpark, Moore will help lead the team under the new Head Coach Gerred Link. If everything goes to plan, Moore will leave Moorpark College with an AA in Communications. He hopes to transfer and play for Fresno State where he can be closer to his family.

Moore has received Division II offers, but will not rest until he gets that D-I offer, Moore is determined to be the best he can be, as an athlete and a human being.