Former CARIFTA track and field athlete and former collegiate basketballer Arnold Henry is now a basketball dad, and his eldest son is on track to carry on the family legacy. This week, 10-year-old Amarion Henry earned his first league win in the USA, with his team dominating their age group on the AAU circuit. On his present trajectory, the high-scoring lead guard is well on his way to carving out a future as an international basketballer.
Henry Junior dropped 38 points and provided seven assists in his first league game of the season with RISE Basketball in Alberta. He and his dad then travelled to Kansas City, Missouri to link up with the Memphis War Eagles under Coach Hassan Yocub.
The Eagles, playing in the 4th Grade Gold Division, were unstoppable.
Although their first game was won by forfeit, they won their second 50-32 over Mentality, en route to a 5-0 record in the 11th Never Walk on Hardwood Tournament. Competing at the HyVee Arena and UMKC Swinney Centre, the War Eagles beat Team Metro 46-23 for the title, after thrashing GBOD 70-22 in the semifinals.
“My son became a champion! All the hours of practice, the sacrifices, the late nights and early mornings—it’s all paid off,” said Arnold. “ Watching him play with heart, determination, and pure joy this past weekend truly showed his passion for basketball.
“But it won’t always be about the wins. There will come a time when the journey gets tough—when the victories don’t come easy, when doubt creeps in, and when the game tests not just his skill, but his heart. That’s when true champions rise. Never give up, son. Keep pushing, keep believing, and always play with heart. The road ahead won’t always be easy, but you’ve already shown you have what it takes.”
Born in Alberta, Canada, Amarion stands 5-2 and weighs in at 85 lbs. The diminutive point guard has been competing against older boys since he was seven years old. He has been training with former NBA players and assistant coaches, and got to meet USA Basketball and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry earlier this year.
Young Henry has also been pushed and supported by the Saint Lucian basketball community in the United States. His uncle Aloysius is now a collegiate coach. Former players like Frank Baptiste, Ed Desir, and Marcellus Stiede have also met up with the young hooper.
Averaging 25 points, eight assists, and six rebounds so far this year, Henry is also following his father’s footsteps off the court. The eldest of three siblings, he is an author as well, with Amarion’s Routine for Success chronicling the faulty habits and positive routines that have helped him achieve over the past three years. After penning his autobiography, Hanging On To My Dreams, Henry wrote three children’s books, the first of which was Dad’s Mini-Me.
Arnold admits that it’s been neither easy nor inexpensive to get Amarion the sort of training and exposure to high-level competition that he needs in order to become an elite athlete. They have set up a Go Fund Me to assist with airfare, accommodations, and fees for the AAU tournaments in which he will compete during the year.
Aside from their network of former players, trainers, and coaches, the Henry family leans heavily on sponsors in Canada and the USA. Ultimately, however, it’s Amarion’s drive, determination, and unmatched work ethic that will fuel his rise through the ranks.
