It’s been a year of challenges for Henryetta senior Jordan Short. But the 6-foot-5 post man is finding ways to accomplish his goals for the Knights. One of those areas has been adjusting to being a team leader.
“It’s been different this year as a team leader because we have so many young guys on the team,” Short said. “I think me and our other senior, Austin (Palmer), have had to be encouraging for some of these kids that aren’t getting to play as much and just let them know that their time is coming.”
Jordan says he’s been playing basketball since he was in kindergarten and grew up watching Russell Westbrook play.
“He’s my favorite player and I just like the way he works so hard when he’s on the court,” said Short, who also runs the 400 and 800 meter races in track, as well as some of the relays, and is in the National Honor Society.
“Jordan was in the eighth grade when I came to Henryetta, and with his size and being a left-handed post player, I knew he had a lot of potential,” said his coach Bunyan Johnson. “He’s not really what you consider a traditional back-to-the-basket post player, but he’s more of what we call today a stretch player – a guy that can work inside but also step out and shoot the 3, and he’s one of the better 3-point shooters on the team.”
Being a good shooter is something that has come naturally according to Short.
“I’ve been a decent shooter all my life and I really like stepping out to shoot more than being in the paint,” he said. “We play a little 3-point shooting game with coach and I think that’s helped me be a better 3-point shooter this season.”
When the season started, Short established some goals for himself for his senior year.
“I wanted to average a double-double for the season and have a winning season,” Short said. “One area I knew I would have to work on is improving my rebounding and I’ve done that.”
And so far he’s just about there. He’s averaging 13.3 points and about nine rebounds per game, and at this writing, the Knights are 9-5, so the possibility of a winning season for the first time in several years is in sight. After high school, Short plans to attend college and study radiology.
