(Massena) KSOM/KS95.7 Sports caught up with CAM graduate Thomas Hensley who is on the basketball team at Briar Cliff.
Hensley admits his 2nd year with the Chargers had its ups and downs, but he still calls it a good season overall. “It didn’t end the way we wanted it too, but all around it was still a good year with a great group of guys up there that I love playing with. We have work to do this summer to get back to where we want to be.”
Hensley moved up from the JV level as a freshman to a Varsity role this year. He played in nine games, earning one start. He shot 75% from the field and averaged 4.7 points per game. “I got to play a little bit, not a lot. Coach stresses that everyone has a role on this team and everyone’s role is important. As long as you can do your role to the best of your ability that’s what’s going to help our team have the most success.”
The Chargers have some big shoes to fill with their losses to graduation, so Hensley is ready to put in a big offseason and expand his role. With gyms being closed at this time, Hensley’s been doing what he can to stay sharp. “I’ve been doing the home workouts they send and shooting outside. It’s a lot harder to get the work in that you want to, but you just have to make do with what you have and make the best out of it.”
Hensley says he’s very happy with the choice he made to attend Briar Cliff and has built a lot of strong friendships. “Briar Cliff was definitely the best choice I made.” He adds, “We have a really deep tradition with a lot of really good basketball players and I’m just happy to be a part of that program.”
Hensley is one of several players from the area in the Briar Cliff program. Jake Carley (St. Albert), RJ Harris (AHSTW), Tony Bonner (Abraham Lincoln), and Jackson Lamb (Nodaway Valley) were all on the varsity roster for the Chargers in the 2019-20 season.
