Lower Merion guard Theo Henry is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week
The 6-foot senior guard, sidelined last season with a foot injury, has returned with a vengeance this winter, grabbing 10 rebounds and scoring 16 points in the Aces’ 65-62 win against Conestoga; tallying 19 points (4-for-5 in three-point attempts) in a 59-55 win against Chester; and grabbing 10 rebounds, dishing out six assists and scoring 12 points (including six straight free throws in overtime) in a win against Garnet Valley. Lower Merion head coach Gregg Downer said, ““Theo’s comeback is a great story of determination and hard work. He is one of the finest examples of student-athlete in the history of our program – a joy to coach.”
Q: What area of your game do you feel you improved the most in the off-season?
A: I think my shooting and strength have been my biggest improvements. Shooting is essential for any guard, and I am seeing the practice pay off this season. I also did a lot of strength and conditioning this off-season. Being stronger helps me when I drive to the basket and rebound. Having a strong base allows me to either finish, or draw in defenders and set up my teammates.
Q: Tell us a little about your foot injury and the rehab. What was the biggest challenge you had to overcome during the rehab?
A: Last year, during tryouts, I found out I had a stress fracture in three bones in my foot. It crushed me to not be able to get on the floor with my teammates, and to think that all the work I had put in was not going to pay off that season. After the shock wore off, I decided I was going to make the most of it. I started lifting weights four times a week and swimming 5 times a week. While I was on crutches for six weeks, and then wearing the boot for the next six weeks, I was still able to gain strength and improve my cardio fitness.
The hardest part was watching my team from the sidelines, especially during losses where I thought I could have contributed and maybe changed the outcome.
Q: What do you think is the strongest aspect of your game? What part of your game are you working on the most currently?
A: I think the strongest part of my game is basketball IQ and communication. I know how to run a team on the court, what plays will work, how to beat a defense, and how to set up a play. Also, I know how to communicate with my teammates on offense, defense, and in the huddle to make the team’s performance the most effective. With that comes offensive and defensive success for both the team and myself.
Q: Tell us a little about your start in competitive basketball. Who have been your most important basketball mentors; and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?
A: I started competing in my driveway at age four, battling my older brothers, Oliver and Spencer. From there, I played in recreational leagues, coached by my father, Gordon. He has coached me all my life, and still does after each high school game. He has inspired my aggressive nature, and taught me how to drive to the rim. At Lower Merion, all the coaches have been supportive and helpful in my journey. Coach Doug Young has been particularly instrumental as a mentor. We have spent thousands of hours in the gym together, shooting and working out. Doug has focused on my footwork and shooting specifically, and controlling the game as a point guard.
Q: Tell us a little about your pre-game preparation the day of a game.
A: I don’t have any specific game day rituals, but I always hydrate and get in a great stretch before the game. I’m also mindful of eating healthfully to increase my energy.
Q: Who is your favorite basketball player, and why?
A: I don’t have a favorite, but I love to watch Joel Embiid. His footwork and attention to detail is incredible at his size, and his personality/fan interaction is fun to watch.
Q: You wear uniform jersey No. 15 for Lower Merion. Why did you pick this number – does it have any special significance to you?
A: 15 runs in the family. My brothers Oliver and Spencer both wore 15 throughout high school, and I just thought it fit for me too.
Q: What do you think you’d like to major in at college? Is there a career path that particularly interests you at the present time?
A: I will major in computer science or finance. I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur, and these two subjects will help me get there.
Fun facts – Theo Henry
Favorite book: The Lightning Thief.
Favorite author: Rick Riordan.
Favorite TV show: Seinfeld.
Favorite movie: James Bond – You Only Live Twice.
Family members: parents Gordon and Debbie, older brothers Oliver and Spencer.
(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)
