TDHS Basketball Star Henry Begay Signs with Blue Mountain Community College
Photo: TDHS Riverhawk Athletics. Photo: Cole Goodwin
By Cole Goodwin
The Dalles, Ore., April 23, 2024 — Henry Begay of The Dalles High School was signed to Blue Mountain Community College today, April 23 surrounded by his family, friends, coaches and teammates.
Begay is looking forward to studying sports medicine and playing basketball as a Timberwolf. He says he chose the college because he has the best chance to get to play as a freshman.
“I want to get playing time as a freshman,” said Begay.
Henry Begay, who has been playing basketball since he was 5 years old, is the first member of his family to play sports at the college level.
Henry says he wants to set an example for his younger siblings and for other Yakama Nation student athletes by being someone they can look up to.
“For me as the youngest, looking up to him, it’s great to just see him go this far,” said Henry’s younger sister Jackie.
Henry Gabay and his sisters (right) Jackie, and Daisy, and his brother Steven. Photo: Cole Goodwin
Henry’s oldest sister Daisy, said she too was proud of him, but confided that she was nervous for him too.
The Dalles High School Basketball Coach Brian Stevens, who has worked with Henry from elementary school through high school had nothing but praise for Henry. He shared a memory of Henry’s early days in basketball with the crows, sharing that he’d witnessed Henry’s drive to succeed from a young age.
“In seventh grade at an Elite camp Henry asked me what he needed to do to be a college basketball player. I remember being a little caught off guard by a seventh grader in The Dalles asking about playing college basketball,” said Stevens.
“So, I told him if he really wants to be a good basketball player that he’s got to do what the great ones in the NBA do and that’s master the fundamentals.”
“Henry Begay, you put in the work while nobody else was looking. I’ve never seen anyone work as hard and then also know that Henry is taking everything that I have given him, Coach Cummings has given him and the other coaches and his brother and take to the gym and dial it in on his own time,” said Stevens.
“I made sure to coach Henry like I’ve coached college and professional players in the past. I treated him like an adult. I wanted to make sure that I did everything in my control to get Henry the best opportunity to showcase himself and also allow our team to have the most success,” said Stevens.
Brian Stevens (left) and TDHS Riverhawks cheer on Henry Begay.
“Henry could always score. That’s not an issue for him. For college coaches however a scorer is a dime a dozen. What they’re looking for in players is character, maturity, and Henry has both of those and I wanted him to be able to show that on the court so recruiters could see it.” said Stevens.
Henry listened to his coach's advice and focused on that goal intently to great success.
“He ended up leading our team in rebounds and was second in the conference with 11.3 per game, 22 off the overall lead. He was first in the league in assists in our conference, second in skills, and first in deflections,” said Stevens.
Stevens said he couldn’t wait to see what would be next for Henry and offered up congratulations on his current and future success.
After Stevens' speech, Henry gave thanks to his family, coaches and friends for all their support and gave special thanks to his mom for being his rock.
“I just want to say thank you to each and every one of you guys,” said Henry. “I wouldn’t be here without you.”
Stevens also spoke to the importance of family support in student athlete success during his speech.
“He was fortunate enough to have a family that supports him. And a father that made sure he got to camps and tournaments most every weekend,” said Stevens.
As Henry signed the papers, Billy Brost, TDHS athletic director announced him as “The newest Blue Mountain Timberwolf, Henry Begay.”
And for a moment, Henry smiled, a true smile, that smile of joy and hope and hardwork that finally pays off…and dear readers it was beautiful to see, but unfortunatly…my camera was not quite fast enough to catch it.
Congratulations and best of luck to Henry Begay in all your future endeavors!
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