Huffman has set the standard when it comes to Class 4A softball here in the city. Garrett Gates is back for his fourth year as head coach of the Falcons and will get win No. 100 of his career in 2021. Huffman was primed to make a run back to the state title game in 2020 but unfortunately says goodbye to Katy Janes (HBU) and Kenzie Gates (San Jacinto).
Huffman, however, returns four starters. Shortstop Lindsey Gonzalez (St. Thomas) will be one of the top bats after hitting .315 last year. Kylen Padgett and Christin Haygood will be the forces in the circle. Padgett was 5-0 with a 0.636 ERA, while Haygood had 62 strikeouts with a 4-2 mark. Hagen Pike (.396) will also bring back her big bat to the lineup. Lainie Jensen (Ottawa University) is another name to remember. A key to success this year is to "continue to play as a family".
Recently, our team traveled to Montgomery High School for their exclusive Winter Media Day.
We caught up with Montgomery GBB Coach Kelly Savoy, detailing how he and the Bears aim to repeat their success from last year, and make another run for the playoffs.
SHELTON HENDERSON IS REPRESENTING HOUSTON MUCH LIKE TJ FORD, DANIEL EWING, DE’AARON FOX, JUSTISE WINSLOW, THE HARRISON TWINS, JARRED VANDERBILT AND QUENTIN GRIMES DID BEFORE HIM.
The aforementioned were all kingpins of Hoopston.
Now, it’s his turn as he holds Bellaire’s dreams in the palm of his hand.
“I remember my first varsity game as a freshman here and all the jitters I had,” he said. “Now, I’m the leader. The time has gone by so fast.”
The national 5-star recruit recently committed to Duke, similar to how Ewing and Winslow did previuosly.
“Honestly, it’s Duke at the end of the day,” he said. “It’s that place where every kid dreams of going when they are young. I was looking for a place with a staff that is going to really push me to be great on and off the court. I think Coach (Jon) Scheyer and his staff will get me prepared.”
Before he heads to hoop heaven, Henderson has some unfinished business.
“I know I could have left to play at a prep school anywhere in the country,” he said. “I wanted to stay home and play with the guys I’ve grown up with for so long. I want to bring a State Championship to the HISD and Bellaire.”
Basketball has taken him outside of the confines of Harris County, most recently this summer.
“I was selected to play for Team USA in Argentina,” he said. “It was a life-changing experience. I met and played with so many cool people and we brought home the gold. Everyone says it, but it is special wearing the USA across your chest.”
The laid-back floor general has a chill persona... off the court.
“Everyone really knows each other when you get to this level of AAU and varsity basketball,” he laughed. “These are all my best friends, but when the game starts and we
are between the lines, that all goes away. I’m trying to win... trying to kill. After the game, we are right back to being cool.”
If he brings home the gold this winter, Henderson will be etched in the city’s Mt. Rushmore of basketball... just the next great ambassador of Houston.
