University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) men’s basketball player Lijah Donnelly has been selected as the male Spotlight of the Month for the month of December.
The Prairie Stars moved to 9-3 overall with a 1-1 Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) play. UIS powered to a 93-69 victory over Glenville State College on Dec. 16 and an 87-51 victory over Lincoln Christian University (4-10) on Dec. 18.
In 12 games this season, Donnelly has tallied 124 points, 53 rebounds, 30 assists, eight steals and four blocks. The 6-foot-2 sophomore guard from Bloomington, IL is averaging 10.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists. He has converted 41-of-92 (44.6 percent) shots from the field and 15-of-38 (39.5 percent) shots from 3-point range. Donnelly has hit 27-of-34 (79.4 percent) shots from the free-throw line, which ranks 12th in the GLVC.
Donnelly has reached double-digit point totals in five games this season. He notched 16 points and drained 6-of-10 (60 percent) attempts from the field in a home game against Harris-Stowe State University (5-4) on Nov. 13. Donnelly recorded 17 points and hit 6-of-10 (60 percent) shots from the floor against Rockhurst University (7-4, 2-1) on Dec. 7. He provided four assists on Dec. 18 against Lincoln Christian.
Donnelly is tied for ninth in UIS Division II history with 105 career assists.
UIS leads the GLVC and ranks 19th among NCAA Division II leaders in 3-point field-goal defense (.306). Among GLVC leaders, the Prairie Stars ranks second in field-goal percentage defense (.424), second in steals per game (8.2), second in defensive rebounds per game (28.8) and third in rebounds per game (40.3).
The Prairie Stars return to action on Jan. 4 at 7:30 p.m. with a GLVC matchup against Lewis University (4-7, 1-2) at Romeoville, IL. UIS then takes on McKendree University (9-2, 1-1) in conference play on Jan. 6 at 3 p.m. in Lebanon, IL.
GETTING TO KNOW LIJAH DONNELLY
If you can have any pet as an animal, what would it be?
A baby lion
Who is your favorite band/artist?
Nav is my favorite artist.
Who on the team is the best-dressed?
Kaj Days
What is your favorite book?
The Adventures of Captain Underpants
What is your favorite candy?
Skittles (Sweet and Sour Flavor)
Who is your celebrity crush?
Megan Good
What is your favorite condiment?
Louisiana Hot Sauce
Who on the team is the best dancer?
Aundrae Williams
What is your favorite food?
Nachos
What is your favorite ice-cream flavor?
Cookies and Cream
What is your major?
Communications
Who is your inspiration?
My father would be my inspiration because he taught me to never cut corners and that when you work hard, good things will come your way.
What is your favorite memory at UIS?
My favorite memory at UIS was the first time I played at TRAC. It was exciting and it was my first collegiate game as a Prairie Star.
List a little-known, but amazing fact about yourself.
One thing that I would say that is little-known about me but amazing is that I’m left-handed. Some people always think I’m right-handed but I’m not.
Why did you choose UIS?
I choose UIS because it was very close to home and the people on campus are phenomenal. My education is important to me and knowing that in four years I could have a degree from the University of Illinois was a no brainer.
What is your favorite class?
My favorite class is Photography because I have always been into taking pictures, but this class is showing me how to take quality pictures so it’s really fun.
Who is your favorite professor?
Sharon Casner because she is really helpful, understanding of student athletes and tries to helps us be successful in any way she can.
