Two sophomores play role in Morgan boys basketball’s run to state home game

Although the season ended on Morgan’s home floor in the 3A second round to Judge Memorial, the reasons that the Trojans battled back to finish with a 12-12 record were many and varied. Despite only having one senior [Derrick Tilby, more about him in a future issue] the Trojans had eight sophomores who got varsity playing time. One even led the team in rebounding and blocks. 

In small-town ball, there’s a saying – name ‘em all or none at all. In the opinion of this writer, it’s a shame that readers don’t always know all of a team’s players. In the next few issues, we’ll share more about each of the Trojans, beginning with two sophomores who worked hard. 

Trace Henderson – Mr. Motor: 

“Trace has been on the go since day one and hasn’t stopped since! He’s got a special knack for turning anything and everything into a competition. The love for all sports is natural for him; he comes from a family where it runs deep! According to him, he’s by far the favorite kid because ‘he’s the most athletic Henderson.’ When he doesn’t have a ball in his hands or at his feet, you might find him thrifting for the next ‘drippy find’ at the Bins. Trace dreams big and lives loud, and we hope he never stops!” Henderson was listed on the Trojans’ varsity roster for all 24 games and dropped two points on APA West Valley Dec. 19 in an 83-57 win. 

Mason Williams – Mr. Workaholic 

“ … has always been one to work hard at whatever he tries and is not one to ever, ever give up, even as a little boy. Mason lives up to the quote, ‘When the going gets tough, the tough get going. He is the ‘tough.’” He is the one you want when you have a hard, ugly job to do because he will be with you to the end to finish it. He doesn’t let his emotions get too high or too low and stays even keel. He is such a fun kid to be around and has a great sense of humor. He has never been a kid to play video games much or want screen time; he has always wanted to have a ball in his hand or be on an adventure with his many buddies every single second he can. He makes friends easily and values his friendships greatly. These traits have centered Mason around sports most of his life and these traits plus his long, physical stature have helped him grow in basketball over the last three years. He couldn’t be prouder to be a Trojan basketball player and he works so hard to be the best he can be!” Williams led his team in rebounding [6.3 RPG] and set a school record with 32 blocks [1.33 BPG]. 

More about other Morgan boys basketball players, next week.  λ