Henry’s Talent is Unmistakable

Darion Henry-PF Cincinnati 2020

As a key piece to Malcom Walters’ successful King James Shooting Stars team last year, Cincinnati’s Darion Henry (6’5”/PF/2020) is poised to have a breakout season in 2016.  “Darion was one of our keys to success last season,” said Coach Walters.  We’ve seen Henry excel on both the AAU circuit as well as at our Buckeye Prep Elite Showcases, where he’s a fixture on the showcase all-star teams.  When he has taken the floor against other elite players, Henry has not disappointed.  Consequently, he is ranked among the top ten in our class of 2020 rankings, and is an early favorite to receive an invitation to the prestigious Buckeye Prep Ohio North vs South All-Star Game in September.

Blessed with a combination of a linebacker’s frame and a solid skill set, Henry proved to be highly productive and efficient last season.  Despite his size and strength, Henry can put the ball on the floor and take it rim to rim, or he can step away from the basket and knock down the mid-range and three point shot. That’s not all, as Henry can play with his back to the basket, while also rebounding at an elite level. Henry has confirmed he will be retuning to Walter’s NEO Shooting Stars team for next season.  As constructed, Henry’s team will be ranked among the top 2-3 teams when we release our power rankings in a few weeks.

So far this season, Henry is one of the key pieces on his undefeated [4-0] Princeton Middle School team, averaging about 18 points per game.  Although he took a break from football this past season for the first time since he was in the 5^th grade, Henry has excelled on the grid iron as well, and intends to return to the sport his freshman year in high school.  According to Antwon Young, Henry’s father, “Darion wanted to give his body a rest and concentrate on basketball for 1 year.”  Because of his size and power, “Darion always played up a grade in football,” said Young.  Henry reminds us of a young Adolphus Washington, who was also an elite player on the hardwood from an early age, but who eventually wound up as a stud for the Ohio State Buckeyes football team.

Not only has Henry established a solid athletic reputation; he is also a great student, as evidenced by his 3.0 GPA and a schedule full of honor classes. Currently, Henry

plans to attend the academic-centered Princeton Highs School next year as he prepares himself to study and compete at the next level. By most accounts, Henry projects as a D-1 athlete, and may have to choose between hoops or a football career. Look for regular updates on Henry’s progress and development over the next several months.

Buckeye Prep Individual 2020 Rankings