Onsted High School senior, Dayton Henagan attributes success to the work he has put in over the offseason and shares life lessons basketball has taught him.
Photo, story by Jeff Steers
Exponent special writer
Onsted High School basketball player Dayton Henagan calls himself Sideshow Day when competing on the gaming circuit.
It is in reference to his wild hair that looks like the Simpsons character Sideshow Bob.
On the basketball court, Henagan is becoming the main attraction.
The senior scored 45 points in two tournament games over Christmas break leading the Wildcats to a championship in the JJ Win’s Basketball Tournament at North Central High School in Ohio.
He was named the MVP of the tournament.
Henagan is averaging 17 points per game, nearly six rebounds, four steals and six assists for the Wildcats this season. Last Thursday against Hillsdale he dished 11 assists.
“I enjoy every aspect of the game but dishing the basketball to my teammates is my favorite part of the game,” Henagan said. “I love playing for this team because we play so well together.”
Henagan started playing basketball at age three, has been part of an AAU program in Jackson for a number of years, and quit cutting his hair in fourth grade for his trademark look.
“I have always had the long hair . . . it is a trademark now,” Henagan said.
Henagan said his summer workouts at Onsted and as a player for the AAU team at Michigan Sports Facility has helped his game this season.
“I put in a lot of work in the offseason . . . it does not happen overnight,” Henagan said.
Having a veteran coaching staff also helps the third-year varsity player at Onsted.
Onsted High School basketball player Dayton Henagan concentrates on a rebound during a game last week against Hillsdale. Photo by TJ Olsen Photography.
“Our coaches know a lot about the game and have been coaching for a long time,” Henagan said. “They tell us what to do and we do it because we trust them.”
Henagan and the Wildcats are 8-0 on the season, 3-0 in the rough and tumble Lenawee County Athletic Association. Last season the Wildcats lost by one point in the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 2 district final to Western.
“The sky is the limit for this team,” Henagan said. “I guess we will see when we get there.”
Henagan said he has learned a lot from the sport of basketball.
“Sports teaches you to keep your composure and stay calm,” Henagan said. “Basketball helps you with problem-solving and interacting with other people.”
The senior would like to play college basketball and study business.
