Derald Henderson knows sports and he definitely knows his way around a basketball court. While he played high school ball at Skyline on a 24-4 team, he never seemed to get tired running up and down the court. He used to say, "Players think they are tired, but they are really not."
Well, I had a chance to interview this tireless player and coach this week. Below is his story.
JL: Where have you coached?
Coach Henderson: From 2014-16, I coached Warsaw High School JV/Assistant basketball coach under Jared Wallace and Jason Ollison.
Then from 2016-20, I was the head coach at Stockton High School (57-48 in 4 seasons) and we appeared in 1 district championship game.
While there I helped 3 players get to play basketball at the college level; Drew Wheeler, Concordia University in Seward, NE; he was the all-time leading scorer at Stockton High School. There was also Gannon Kenney who went to Fort Scott Community College in Fort Scott, KS and D.J. Bays who went to Baptist Bible College. We set a team record for fewest defensive points allowed for a season twice; 2017-18, 2018-19.
From there, I coached from 2020-22 at SBU as the men’s basketball graduate assistant.
Worked under Clark Sheehy and Aaron Niven at SBU. My Responsibilities included coaching guards, regional recruiting, scouting and game preparation,video and film coordinator, observed and assisted professional basketball player workouts; Damian Prgomet (Australia), Quinn Nelson (Germany).
At SBU, in the 2021-22 season we went 21-6 and were the GLVC regular season champs.
After SBU, I came to Cole Camp. In 2022-23 I was the Cole Camp junior high girls basketball coach. We went 11-4 and now I am the 2023-24 varsity girls basketball coach.
JL: What is your favorite sport to coach? You have done almost everything.
Coach Henderson: I've coached baseball as an assistant for 3 seasons. I also played baseball in college at Lindenwood University. I’ve coached football as an assistant for 7 years. Basketball is my favorite sport to coach.
JL: You played ball at Skyline. What honors did you and your team receive?
Coach Henderson: In 2008-09, we were 24-4. We won a district title under head coach Jackie Payne. (This reporter saw Jackie play. He is a legend at Skyline.) We won the Skyline Tournament as well.
JL: What challenges are u facing rebuilding girls basketball at Cole Camp?
Coach Henderson: I think girls basketball at the high school level is seeing some issues with participation. Numbers of kids playing are lower than in the past and some teams are unable to field teams. I want to coach and teach girls basketball and allow athletes to have a positive experience.
JL: You have a longtime friendship with Cole Camp coach and administrator, Kevin Shearer. Can you comment?
Coach Henderson: Kevin coached (football and basketball) and was the principal at Skyline High School for me and my siblings. My family has always thought highly of him. He returned to Cole Camp when I was a middle school student. My wife and I both teach and were wanting to find a community we could work together in and settle in. Our relationship with Coach Shearer meant a lot in the process. We are blessed to work with great staff members at Cole Camp High School.
JL: What goals have you set for yourself?
Coach Henderson: Goal #1: Basketball is a great sport and it has impacted me in a lot of positive ways. I want to use basketball to teach girls how to compete and use the game to learn life lessons and develop high character people that will be successful in the real world. Goal #2: Improve skill development and implement the practices in the junior high and elementary programs.
JL: With the Warsaw tournament coming up, what are your thoughts about the tournament and everything involved?
Coach Henderson: The Warsaw tournament is a solid tournament and has always signified the start of basketball season. Tournaments are a great way to learn about your team early in the season and begin the learning process. I’m very excited to watch my team compete this week
JL: Thanks coach, and good luck this season.
