Normally a single athlete from an in-season team is featured in Jock Talk. But for this final issue of the semester, the Lee Clarion is giving you a special double dose.

Stephen McClellan (SM)

Classification: Sophomore

Hometown: Dalton, Ga.

Fast Fact: Hit seven three-point shots in the Homecoming game vs Montreat

Nate Minnoy (NM)

Classification: Senior

Hometown: Chicago, Ill.

Fast Fact: Brings a huge presence (literally) to the Flames’ frontcourt

 

Q: What are your personal basketball goals this year?

A: SM: My personal goals coincide with the team, which is to first win the conference championship, and ultimately the NAIA national championship. As a shooter, the coaches are wanting me to average close to 50 percent from the 3-point line, so that is my main goal as of right now.

NM: My personal basketball goal for this year is to just be the best teammate I can be. I want to lead us further than we’re suppose to go, and that takes great leadership and great trust.

Q: What school did you attend before Lee?

A: SM: I played basketball at the Air Force Academy Prep School in Colorado Springs for a year, then I transferred and played at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga for a year, then I transferred to Lee.

NM: I attended three schools before landing here at Lee. As a freshman I started at Purdue, as a sophomore I played at Schoolcraft College in Michigan and unfortunately played at Central Michigan University as a junior last season.

Q: What do you like about Lee more than your previous schools?

A: SM: I love the relationships I have already formed at Lee with my players, coaches, friends and teachers. It has a great family environment that makes you feel very comfortable.

NM: Lee challenges my religion. Since coming here, I have tried to focus more on that and finding what is best for me.

Q: Do you have a favorite pre-game meal?

A: SM: I try to always eat pasta or chicken before a game.

NM: My favorite pre-game meal is some type of spaghetti or pasta and salad.

Q: Do you have any pre-game superstitious rituals?

A: SM: I don’t have any rituals that are out of the ordinary. I have to listen to a few certain songs before I get dressed, and I always drink an energy drink before running out onto the court.

NM: My pre-game superstitious ritual would be that I love to take a shower before every game. It calms me down and gives me a chance to get my mind ready for the mental part of the game.

Q: What is your favorite part of basketball?

A: SM: I love the battle of each game. You have to work together as a team to achieve victory, and there is no greater feeling than working hard and earning the right to a championship.

NM: My favorite part of basketball is team success. It involves trust and the better your trust, the better chance you have to win and make something special happen.

Q: Did you play any other sports in high school?

A: SM: I played no other sport in high school except for basketball.

NM: In high school I played football and ran track.

Q: Do you have a mentor?

A: SM: My mentors would be my family. Each one of them has inspired me. I am where I am today because of the work and impact they have made in my life.

NM: I don’t have a mentor, but I talk to my Uncle James and my junior college coach Mike Brown before every game.

Q: What are your goals after you graduate?

A: SM: I plan to teach high school history at a private school after I graduate, but we will see what the Lord has in store for me.

NM: My goals after graduation are: first, be the best person I can be; second, get my career started; third, work on starting a family.

Q: How did it feel to lead the Flames to a win?

A: SM: After getting a technical in the first game against Tennessee Temple, it felt great to come out at Homecoming and play much better. My teammates worked hard to get me the ball, and I was fortunate enough to hit the shots for them. The Lord blessed me with a great game, and I still have areas to work on. Hopefully, that won’t be the last time I hit seven three-pointers.

NM: I believe it is an honor to have led our team in scoring in our first game last week. My teammates looked for me and when you are on a team like we have with so much talent, the lead scorer is going to change a lot, so I’m going to take it when it comes.