This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
01/25/2017 11:00 PMConnel Henderson says that he loves basketball because it’s a sport where you can instantly redeem yourself following a mistake. That hasn’t been too much of an issue this year for Connel, who’s been nearly flawless on the floor as a member of the Old Saybrook boys’ basketball squad.
Connel, a senior point guard, grew up in a family that’s consumed by hoops. As one of the Rams’ captains this season, Connel is taking control of the court by averaging 23 points, nine assists, and four rebounds per game for Old Saybrook, which owns a record of 6-4 at the halfway point of the campaign.
“What I really like about basketball is that you can make a mistake and make up for it instantly by taking the ball back. It’s so fast paced,” says Connel. “My teammates help me in practice and give me the ball in right spots. [Head Coach Patrick Quinn] has also done a lot with helping me with my skills.”
In his first year as Old Saybrook’s head coach, Quinn says that Connel brings so many positive elements to the Rams, one of which is his ability to take on a wide variety of responsibilities.
“He is a mature leader both on and off the court. He is our floor general and just an all-around great kid,” says Quinn. “I put a lot of responsibility on him and he is happy to take on that role. He has been a blessing as a first-year coach and he truly deserves the recognition.”
Being a four-year veteran of the program, Connel worked closely alongside the captains who preceded him at Old Saybrook. Connel says they taught him about what it takes to be an effective leader by balancing emotions when communicating with teammates.
“I’ve been here four years, so I saw captains before me and how they led and helped me. I try to hold people accountable and help the underclassmen work hard. I like to be positive, but assertive,” Connel says. “It’s special to be a captain as a senior because I’ve put a lot of work into this program and it’s a lot of fun to be a captain.”
In terms of his approach to playing the point, Connel isn’t shy about taking the ball to the basket, but he also frequently dishes the rock to his teammates, whom he’s always striving to help improve.
“I’ve always been a point guard, so I know I have to get everyone involved with the ball,” says Connel. “If the No. 4 and 5 players play as good as the No. 1 and 2 guys, then that puts the team in a good position. I also try to score and get a lot of assists.”
As the Rams look to lock down their postseason berths this year, they plan on doing so with a style that’s more intense than finesse. Connel feels that approach is ignited by the way he and his teammates go all out in practice.
“We are very tough, scrappy, and fast as a team. We are undersized, but we score a lot of points,” says Connel, who thanks his family and teammates, Coach Quinn, and former Old Saybrook Head Coach Tim Arsenault. “Coach Quinn has helped us become tougher. We just have to keep working hard in practice and playing better defense. We’re getting there.”