Henderson named to All-Region second team

ROBBY FLETCHER Sports Editor

Powhatan sophomore Matt Henderson has had quite the eventful year athletically, helping the football team’s offense move as one of their top receiving targets and then later stepping onto the basketball court as one of their go-to creators with the ball in his hands.

With basketball season recently wrapping up, Henderson saw his name featured among the top players in the 4B Region, earning All-Region second team honors. Henderson was featured on end-of-the-year lists for football as well, ending his season as an All-Metro honorable mention alongside quarterback Dylan Trevillian. Henderson, a forward for the Indians, built off an impressive freshman year by helping his team improve by two wins in Year 2, finishing off their season with an 8-15 record and notable wins that Henderson had a hand in achieving.

Finishing the season averaging 18 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game while shooting at an efficient 44.1% clip, Henderson’s rise as Powhatan’s next great basketball player took another step forward while his team continued to compete until the end of the season. Both a threat pulling it from deep and as a paint-penetrating driver to the rim, Henderson’s game evolved thanks to experience on and off the ball from his previous season with the Indians as well as experience working as a big in smaller lineups to refine his game with his back to the basket.

Some of Henderson’s best performances of the season include back-to-back double-digit scoring performances against Maggie Walker and George Wythe where he dropped 16 and 30 points, respectively, to help lead his team to victory. He also had a big role in the team’s win over Clover Hill on Jan. 4, scoring nine of his 15 points to de - liver a thrilling 57-53 win, and also was a human highlight reel against Huguenot with 10 of his 15 points coming in the fourth quarter of a 55-53 comeback victory on Jan. 25. With the next step being a regional tournament appearance, the Indians will have to replace some impactful seniors next year, but the emerging stardom of Henderson will continue to make them a team to watch when they step back onto the floor next season.