[New] The 2022 sports season in photos

The year 2022 has been as eventful time for sports in Powhatan, with notable star athletes and teams having outstanding performances throughout the year.

Many of those moments were captured on camera.

From Mitchell Johnson’s historic title run in the VHSL Class 4 state championship to Faith Henderson’s appearance as a first team All-Metro honoree, there are plenty of moments to choose from, but these are the photos that encapsulate another special year for sports in Powhatan.

“Really, that versatility for me has been really helpful for either season,” he said.

Henderson’s preference does include the ball being in his hands more on the wings though, where he can operate as a driver to the rim or push the ball in transition with his rim-running teammates.

With his two favorite players currently in the often testing out their signature moves and applying them to practice shootarounds to see what might stick and come in handy in a live-game situation.

“I don’t really have a role model, but just watching basketball growing up, the flow and knowledge of the game comes pretty easy to me,” he said.

When it comes to the quintessential Matt Henderson play though, he points to his signature spin move on the drive. With a head of steam and a defender in front of him, Henderson’s drive to the right can often turn into a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it spin to his left that leaves a defender slow to react and gives the Powhatan sophomore a clear look in front of the hoop.

That play often gets opened up by his reputation as a knockdown shooter from the perimeter, forcing defenders to quickly decide whether to run him off the line and allow him to get to his spot at the rim off a drive or close out and hope he doesn’t kill them with his jumper.

What comes with that reputation as a scorer means more attention or game planning to account for Henderson, though it’s not something he’s ever worried too much about. He credits teammates like Jack DeBord and their own shooting talents with easing up the defensive attention thrown his way.

“I’d say there’s some more attention just from last year, but I don’t feel like it’s too much more,” he said. “Everyone really has their role on the team and we work well together so I don’t feel like the main target of every defense, but I can see some more attention coming my way compared to last year.” robby Fletcher can be reached at rfletcher@ powhatantoday.com.

With 14 games left on the season, Henderson is now firmly entrenched as one of the core members of the team that is tasked with closing out the season strong. It’s a big ask for the sophomore, but from the composure he’s displayed in the biggest moments of his young high school career, you’ll likely never see him display much concern on the matter.