UNION SPRINGS - When it comes to basketball, Julius McClary is as hungry for the game as he hopes patrons will be one day be for his cooking.

McClary is a 6-foot-4 standout that averages a double-double for the Union Springs boys basketball team. But spectators might be surprised that the hardwood is just one interest for the well-rounded forward.

The junior also plays football, tennis and recently landed a roll in Union Springs' production of “High School Musical.” He tried out for the roll of Zeke, strictly because the character likes baking.

Cooking has influenced him for quite a long time. McClary's father is a chef, and he has watched his mother cook everyday meals for years. Last summer, he took a job at Hibiscus Harbor and moved up from dishwasher to line cook.

This year McClary is taking classes in culinary arts from BOCES. Though he is becoming an accomplished athlete (he played second singles for the Union Springs tennis team in his first season) colleges that have Culinary programs are at the top of his list.

“The kid is looking out for his future a little bit that way,” said Union Springs coach Tim Darnell. “I obviously talk to our guys about how they're doing academically, and he really enjoys going to BOCES and taking that course to learn about cooking and everything else.”

Though McClary has cooked for his teammates, there are no official team dinners planned. But that doesn't mean his focus isn't on the 12-6 Wolves as the postseason looms.

McClary's stats speak for themselves. He leads the team in rebounds (11.9), blocks (3.1) and is second in scoring (12.1). Darnell believes his entire game - especially his defense - has been key for the Wolves.

“He erases a lot of mistakes that our guys make in front of him with his shot-blocking ability,” he said. “If he wasn't back there we would be giving up a lot more baskets.”

When asked how he improves his defense, McClary doesn't hesitate to bring up his brother. Bryan McClary also had success for the Wolves.

“We usually play outside in boots to make it heavier,” he said. “If you can play in boots and jeans we feel like you can play in shorts and basketball shoes.”

Despite possessing such talent, McClary isn't constantly looking for the spotlight.

“On the court I don't want to be the star, but I want to be a big part of the team” he said. “When they need me I'll be there.”

In a recent loss to Moravia, McClary was recovering from the flu and wasn't completely healthy.

“Moravia deserved to win and played better, but you could tell we weren't the same team because he wasn't at 100 percent,” Darnell said. “He needs to be there in order for us to be able to play well.”

Darnell thinks that McClary has a bright future and hasn't realized his own potential yet. As a forward with tons of speed, he is constantly making things difficult for the Wolves' opponents.

“Without Julius we probably wouldn't have done some of the things that we've done this year,” Darnell said. “He is a big part of the picture. I know we wouldn't have 12 wins if he wasn't playing.”

McClary believes that the Wolves have all the pieces the puzzle.

“When we play Union Springs basketball, I think we're a very good team,” McClary said. “We each have our own strengths so we have everything you basically need for a team.”