The Ohio Northern Lady Polar Bears are counting on Danielle Henderson to count.

In search of offensive help, Ohio Northern signed the Ironton Lady Fighting Tigers standout to play basketball for the Lady Polar Bears.

“They said I could get some playing time. I might be a strong three (guard) for them. They’re looking for me to be a scorer,” Henderson said.

A deadly shooter, the 5-foot-9 Henderson shot 48 percent from the field and 76 percent from the foul line while earning all-district honorable mention. She averaged 10 points a game and 3.8 rebounds.

A four-year letterman and three-year starter, Henderson helped Ironton to a 23-3 record last season and a regional runner-up. The previous year, Henderson was a starter as the Lady Tigers qualified for only the school’s second state tournament appearance.

Going deep in the tournament against quality teams put a lot of pressure on the team. Henderson said she plans to put the experience to good use along with the school library.

“The more pressure and the heat of being in a crunch-time game helps prepare you,” Henderson said.

“I’m excited. Their basketball program isn’t bad, but that’s not the main reason I’m attending. I’m in love with their medical program.”

Besides her scoring ability, Henderson said she takes pride in her defense.

“I think I have more pride in (defense) than I used to. I know I can do it. I’ve learned to separate (offense from defense). Everyone has their off-nights, so you have to have the effort on defense,” Henderson said.

Although Henderson signed with ONU, she talked with Longwood, Va., Cedarville, Glenville State, Wooster, Shawnee State

and Ohio Northern.

“Those were the five I looked at the closest whether it was for their basketball or their academics,” Henderson said. “I think the competition is going to get better, but I think I’m ready for this. I like a challenge.”

She settled on Ohio Northern because of its medical school program. Henderson, who graduated Summa Cum Laude and ranked sixth in a class of 138 with a 4.2 grade point average, plans to become a doctor.

Her education at Ohio Northern will get funding help. She received a four-year Dean’s Scholarship at Ohio Northern, won the seven-county Holzer Clinic Science Award, and the Dr. and Mrs Barney Osborne Scholarship Award.

Other honors included: Archie Griffin Award, Ohio Sate B of E Award of Merit, National

Merit Leadership Award, National Honor Society, German Honor Society and MU Alpha Theta Match Honor Society.

Danielle is the daughter of Cindy Henderson of Ironton and the late Ed Henderson.