Ray signs with Feather River College

HEMINGWAY — “I never had to push him” said Nathan Ray’s father.“ He always knew what he had to do, and he pushed himself.”
“We will miss him,” says Hemingway basketball Coach McFadden. “Hes been a starter with us for three years and that’s hard to replace. He’s been one of the team captains, and he’s led the team in steals the last two years. But this is a good opportunity for him.”
Ray signed Monday morning as basketball point guard. Feather River is a community college in rural northern California with a great reputation for sports. After two years, many of its athletes are able to get scholarships to four-year schools.
Feather River has come to favor South Carolina’s athletes and now has about 30 playing, says McFadden. “This year, they recruited two from Carvers Bay, 3 from Marlboro, and 2 from West Florence. This is good as it helps keep a connection with home for these athletes.”
He noted that South Carolina students tend to be well-mannered and hard-working.
“They know what they want,” he said. “They look for certain kids to do certain things.”
Nathan is planning to study Physical Education with an eye to becoming a teacher. But he doesn’t see himself as a coach.
He’s hoping to transfer, after two years, to a four-year college and continue to play.
Nathan has fond memories of his high school days, with the high point being his two trips to the state playoff.
He is disappointed that two of his favorite coaches have left Hemingway. - Coaches McCarty and Hawkins.