NATCHEZ — Using the cliché “man of faith” would probably be too generic to describe Lee Swinny.

It would be much better to simply say that the Adams County Christian senior wants to give all the effort he has in everything he does in order to honor God.

Swinny had the opportunity to do just that last week as he competed in the USA Junior Nationals Basketball Conference. The conference took place July 27 — Aug. 2 in Champagne, Ill., and featured him and nine other boys as representatives of Mississippi and Louisiana.

“It’s a big deal to play in the tournament,” Swinny said. “I feel that I should represent God and my state as best as possible and do it with all my heart.”

As to be expected at a national athletic event, Swinny said the competition was fierce. He said he was grateful for that, since it helped him improve aspects of his game headed into his senior season at ACCS.

“I learned how to play defense a lot better,” Swinny said. “I feel like, because I played against better competition, that I can perform better on defense now.

“Before, I don’t think I performed up to my abilities (as a defender), but I feel like I’ve gotten better.”

With his senior season at ACCS starting up later this year, Swinny said he has to take the experience he gained from the conference and apply it for this year’s Rebels team.

“I feel like I need to step up this season and be a leader, instead of just playing to have fun and goof off,” Swinny said. “I think a lot of us don’t take it seriously enough, but that’s what your supposed to do.”

One of the main reasons that Swinny felt it was important to compete in the conference was to help get him exposure as a college basketball prospect.

Swinny said his dream is to play college basketball, and he has already begun to look at schools like Mississippi College, Millsaps College and Louisiana Tech.

“I would say that Louisiana Tech is probably my favorite right now,” Swinny said. “I’ve heard a lot of great things about them, both with education and basketball.

“I’ve looked at their Web site and feel that I can meet the qualifications to get in. It’s also close to home and family.”

Basketball is not the only sport Swinny plays. He also enjoys football, tennis and running track.

“Juggling between all the sports I play pretty much comes naturally,” Swinny said. “I do kind of struggle with my grades and everything, but this year I’m going to make sure I focus on grades first.”

Despite having a love for several different sports, Swinny said basketball is No. 1 on his list.

“I just love the game,” Swinny said. “I’ve loved it since I was in fourth grade. It’s one of the few sports you can practice with just yourself.”