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Shelton Henderson of Bellaire
MR. HOUSTON: Bellaire's Henderson next national star
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.”
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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.
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VYPE PSA: Houston Hoopers, Stay Home
There is nothing like being in an over-crowded hot basketball gym in January when the weather is crisp outside. It’s like a muggy summer afternoon after a rain shower in the inner city.
Fans feel like they are an arms- length away from the action, as coaches struggle to shout instructions over the cheerleaders and bustling student sections.
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Ooos and ahhhs fill the air with every ankle-breaking move, dunk and three-pointer. Whether it’s the Campbell Center in Aldine ISD, College Park in north Houston or Seven Lakes in Katy ISD, Houston boys and girls basketball is a vibe. It’s gritty and tough. On a Friday night, it’s friends and family hanging on every dribble. It’s playing for Houston... it’s playing for the community.
So, here’s a valid question. Why in the heck are some of Houston’s top talent LEAVING for prep schools, in Houston or out-of-state?
Recent names like John Clark of Klein Cain, Nasir Price of Seven Lakes, Chris Johnson of Elkins, Byrce Griggs of Hightower, Tyler Smith of Bush, Zion Pipkin of Westfield, Montana Wheeler of Houston Christian, Logan Alexander of CE King, Luke Cochran, Tompkins, Ashtyn Smith of Nimitz, Bryson Wheatfall of Summer Creek and Tyrus Rathan-Mayes of Langham Creek have left for so-called greener pastures.
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Should I keep going?
You wouldn’t want to leave a legacy or be the ultimate Big Man on Campus at your respective school... or play in front of no one with zero pomp and circumstance?
Look at Zion Williamson’s mix tape. Did that look like any fun?
As the girls’ game continues to grow in popularity at a historic rate, it won’t be long until H-Town’s finest start looking around at a landing spot that promises recruiting relationships with college coaches.
You are recruited at the AAU level. The high school game is for making life-long memories and relationships.
Take my advice, stay home.