Athlete of the Week: Henry Ford

Sarasota Christian School’s Henry Ford has been playing basketball since he was 10 years old. Now 18, the senior forward reflects on his career as he looks forward to graduation and college.

How did you get started playing basketball?
My family is actually a football family. My dad and most of my cousins and uncles all played. It was my first sport — I played probably since I could walk. I tried playing both sports my freshman year, but I stopped after that.

How do you think the two sports compare?
It’s the same thrill to me. I like both of them. I didn’t think I liked basketball when I first started. The coaches didn’t make it fun for me.

When did it become fun for you?
After time, I got better, and different coaching helped, too.

How have you improved most during your career?
I’ve improved most as an all-around player.

What gets you pumped up the most?
When my team makes a good run, and the crowd is going crazy. I definitely feed off of the crowd.

What is your strongest point as a player?
Probably driving to the basket. I’ve always done that.

Are you an aggressive player?
I can be. I don’t start off that way.

What is your weakest point as a player?
Dribbling with my left hand. I do a lot of drills, and in the summer I do a lot of handling stuff to work on it. I’ve definitely seen improvement.

What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in basketball?
Value each possession. We had a really hard loss to Bradenton Christian, and we kind of threw away the victory. I try to keep that in mind all the time.

What advice would you give young players?
Be true to yourself, and don’t let anyone take you at your own game. Play to your strengths.

What are your plans for the future?
I’d like to go to college. My dream college is Florida. I went to a few camps there, and I met Billy Donovan. I really like him as a coach.