Improvement sits at the center of Darius Henderson’s mindset heading into the season at Sasakwa High School.
“To do better than I did last year,” Henderson said, describing his personal goal.
An 11th grader standing 5-foot-10, Henderson has already put together an impressive stat line. He carries a .472 batting average with 16 stolen bases, 13 RBIs and two home runs, along with a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage. Still, the junior centerfielder is focused on growth. The team, he said, is trending upward. “They’ve been better than ever,” Henderson said of team morale.
Part of that boost comes from increased numbers. “We added more people to our roster,” he said. Depth has also strengthened one key area. “Having a lot more pitchers,” Henderson said, pointing to what he believes is the team’s biggest strength.
After falling short of its ultimate goal last season, Sasakwa has its sights set on extending its postseason run. “To go further than we did last year and practice until we get everything right,” Henderson said of the team’s mission. From his spot in center field, Henderson studies opposing defenses carefully. “If they are playing too much on one side,” he said, explaining what he looks for when reading the field.
Preparation remains simple and disciplined.
“Resting and eating healthy,” Henderson said of how he gets his body ready for the demands of the game.
His mentality when he steps between the lines reflects a steady drive.
“To be the best version of myself,” he said.
That internal push fuels his long-term vision as well.
“The best baseball player to ever go through the school,” Henderson said of the legacy he hopes to leave at Sasakwa.
While fans see the results on game day, Henderson believes much of the story happens away from the spotlight.
“How hard we work,” he said, describing what outsiders may not fully understand about the team.
His favorite memory so far came on the road.
“When we went to Broken Bow on Spring Break,” Henderson said.
Outside of baseball, Henderson has also competed in football and basketball and is involved in PTC for EMT and the National Guard, with plans to become an EMT.
