The Times Athlete of the Week: Streator boys basketball’s Matt Williamson

Streator High School senior Matt Willaimson won 84% of the vote for the honor on a ballot that also included runner-up Paxton Giertz (Seneca boys basketball), Marlie Orlandi (Ottawa girls basketball) and Hunter Hopkins (Marquette girls basketball).

Weekly ballots go online Mondays and are accessible via Facebook (The Times Sports) and Twitter (@jtpedelty), with voting going through midday Wednesday.

Williamson had solid games against Peotone (14 points, five rebounds), Manteno (11 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists) and East Peoria (21 points).

Here is sportswriter Brian Hoxsey’s Q&A with this week’s winner:

Do you have any nicknames?

Williamson: Some people call me “Matty Ice” or just “Matty.”

How old were you when you started basketball, and what or who got you into the sport?

Williamson: I was probably 3 or 4 when I got into playing basketball at the YMCA. My dad coached me and my friends.

What do you enjoy about the game of basketball?

Williamson: I like competing, but above all I love winning. Winning is the most fulfilling thing in all of sports. I love the process that it takes to get to a winning level.

You’re off to a strong start this season. What’s been working for you?

Williamson: My shots have been falling, and our team is playing with a lot of confidence. I’m just trying to do my best to do what the team needs. Whether I have to defend forwards and play the “4” or run the point and facilitate for the team.

What goals do you have for yourself as the season continues?

Williamson: I want to be a regional champion by the time the season is over. That’s the only goal that matters to me.

What’s your favorite subject in school?

Williamson: Social studies.

If you could sit down for dinner with three historical figures (dead or alive) who would they be and why for each?

Williamson: Donald Trump because he’s the President of the USA and I bet he’s got some great stories. Plus, he’s rich so he’d probably pay for dinner. My second would be Abraham Lincoln because he used to be a boxer, and he was also a great president. Then I’d pick King Arthur because he was a king, and I want to hear what it was to be a king.

What’s the best Christmas present you’ve ever received?

Williamson: I got a new phone when I was 13 or 14.

What was the best present under the tree for you this Christmas?

Williamson: My parents bought me a plane ticket to Florida.

You and the team just scored a big victory and are going out to dinner to celebrate. Where are you going, and what are you ordering?

Williamson: Bob the bus driver takes us all to the closest Culver’s and I’m getting a burger and fries with a vanilla shake.

Is there something about you that people who only know you through sports might find surprising?

Williamson: I’ve always liked to read books.

Do you have any college plans? Do they involve sports?

Williamson: I don’t know whether or not I’m going to college or the military. And if I go to college, I’m not sure if I’m playing football or not. It’s a big toss up right now.