As the son of a high school basketball coach, Sheldon Henry was destined for athletic success. A born athlete, Henry recently graduated from Great Neck South High School. In his four years at South High, Henry was a member of the basketball team. In his junior and senior years, he served as captain of the varsity team.
Henry was around sports for much of his childhood. Encouraged by his dad and older brother, his passion for athletics began at a young age.
“I grew up with basketball as a big part of my life,” he said. “My brother played and my dad coached his team. Without them, I wouldn’t be half the player I am today.”
In the spring of his senior year, Henry notched 70 field goals, 18 three-pointers and averaged 12.7 points per game. In recognition of his outstanding play, the talented athlete received a number of honors. He was named to the Class of 2018 Nassau All-Star team and was selected to the All-County basketball team for the second consecutive year. At the season’s conclusion, Henry was recognized as the conference player of the year.
Achievement is a constant drive for the award-winning point guard.
“What I enjoy most about sports is the constant competition,” Henry explained. “No matter how good you are, if there’s a team or player working harder than you, it’ll show. There’s always a need for improvements.”
A true star, Henry was immediately recognized as one of South High School’s top athletes.
“Sheldon is quick as lightning from end to end on the basketball court,” said Thomas Umstatter, former athletic director at South.
Off the field, Henry participated in a number of social clubs throughout high school, including the African American Culture Club, on which he served as vice president.
This fall, Henry began a new journey as he embarked upon college life. He is attending the State University of New York at Old Westbury and plans to join the basketball team.
Although the student-athlete does not plan to pursue a professional career, he wishes to remain involved in the sport.
“Hopefully, when I’m older, I’ll have a chance to coach a team,” Henry aspires.
Academically, Henry’s favorite subjects in high school were social studies and math, and he is interested in studying business marketing at Old Westbury.
In his free time, he enjoys watching professional sports, working out and playing video games.
