Every year, around 180,000 athletic scholarships are given in the United States. Out of the roughly one percent of scholarships that are full ride, varsity basketball player Alantheon Winn received one for Lee College in Baytown.

Choosing from many scholarships can be difficult because every college has its own benefits. According to Winn, Lee College was his only full-ride scholarship, so it was a no brainer for him.

“But that isn’t the only reason I chose them,” Winn said. “Lee College had offered me before the basketball season started, which is rare for a program to do. It showed how much they wanted me. They’re also the number six D1 Junior colleges in the country. I’ve been to their games, and it seems like a family I want to be a part of.”

Winn said he looks forward to getting better at his game once he starts playing basketball for Lee.

“I am going to put a lot of work in,” Winn said. “I’m excited to keep the success going at Lee. I look forward to building long-term relationships with my teammates and getting constructive criticism to further my skill.”

According to Winn, he has been improving and honing his skill from his first year to now. He said he has improved in dribbling, shooting, and his overall IQ on the court.

“Coming in as a freshman, all I could do was dunk,” Winn said. “I didn’t understand or remember the plays. I didn’t have control over the ball and never took shots. Eventually through the years I have improved my skills rapidly but there is still room for improvement.”

Winn said he has gained several different supporters throughout the year, but his number one fan is his mom.

“She is always recording my games and posting them on her social media,” Winn said. “She always wants to go to any basketball-related events that I go to. She is always there for me.”

According to Winn, he is quite competitive and stays motivated by winning games.

“Anytime I’m playing basketball, I’m playing to win,” Winn said. “I always want to beat whoever is in front of me and show them that I am the better player.”

According to assistant basketball coach Andrew Daspit, who has helped coach Winn for the past two years, the senior is a fantastic athlete.

“What makes him unique was that often times he was the most athletic player on the court,” Daspit said. “It was a blast being able to coach a great kid like him. Lant has tremendous potential for the future. Signing with Lee College was a great fit for him right now and is going to give him the opportunity to develop in to a really good player. The sky is the limit for him.”

Winn has been a member of the varsity team all four years of high school and according to head coach Brad Jeffcoat, he has had plenty of memorable moments on the court.

“I thought his sophomore year in the regional quarter finals was great,” Jeffcoat said. ” We played at Lee College against Houston Washington. He played really well and had a lot of nice dunks. It was an exciting, fun game. Though, his whole career has been really special for him.”

As Winn looks forward to graduating this May and then going on to start his collegiate basketball career, one thing remains the same – his passion for basketball.

“I have a love for the game,” Winn said. “Basketball has never failed me. Even if I’m upset or facing something, I’ll pick up a basketball and get shots up. It’s my escape.”

This story was originally published on The Bear Facts on March 4, 2024.