Pearland enjoyed another stellar season in 2022 under District Coach of the Year winner David Rogers (4th year-92 career wins), finishing first overall in District 23-6A en route to a deep playoff run in which they reached the Regional Semifinals.
This year should be no different, considering this year’s roster will feature many of the same starters. Returning senior stars include reigning District MVP and lefty Caden Ferraro (Texas A&M-signee) and Newcomer of the Year Braeden Morse at third base.
First-teamers LF Brett Smajstrla (SHSU) and first-baseman Justin Ogle are back in the dugout along with second-teamer Anthony Avalos (Houston) at shortstop.
The core hopes to compete for the school’s first State Title since 1980.
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.
