Outfielder E.J. Henderson experienced a high school baseballplayer’s dream a few days ago. The rising Brookhaven seniorparticipated in the Baseball Factory camp at Iowa Western CommunityCollege in Council Bluffs, IA. Henderson and 95 other players fromacross the nation competed in a week-long camp, showcasing theiroffensive and defensive skills on the diamond.

Henderson, age 16, named Ephraim Junior after his father, is theson of Desiree Harris. He flew to Omaha, Neb., for the short rideto Council Bluffs where he shared a dormitory suite with playersfrom Pennsylvania, Colorado and Hawaii. He became good friends withfirst baseman Kahai Hosaka, his Hawaiian roommate.

“I made some new friends and had a blast,” said Henderson. “Thecamp was a lot of fun and I learned a lot. Hosaka was a real powerhitter.”

The players were placed on eight teams that were named after the2010 College World Series representatives. Henderson’s team wasClemson. The players also made a trip to the CWS and RosenblattStadium where he got to meet some of the Clemson players. Hewatched Florida play UCLA.

Henderson, a 5-foot-10, 170-pound speedster, stole eight basesduring the 8-game series and his team finished third. He ran the60-yard dash in 6.42, the fastest time in camp.

At the plate, he went 7-for-12 during the tournament and collectedthree doubles plus one triple.

Henderson said he improved his baseball skills at the camp,especially his hitting. “I learned to relax my hands at bat andstay on the ball more.”

He said the New York Yankees strength coach was part of theinstructional staff and gave the players tips to improve theirtalent. “He showed us how to increase our speed and work onacceleration. It will help me with my balance and footwork infootball,” as a wide receiver for the Panthers.

Asked about his future, Henderson said he wants to play collegebaseball. “I like Mississippi State.”

Henderson said he always pulled for the Atlanta Braves in MajorLeague Baseball. “I’ve always looked up to (Atlanta’s) ChipperJones and Andruw Jones before they traded him.”

Henderson was invited to the camp after he participated in a tryoutcamp in New Orleans. He had a choice of going to the showcase inJupiter, Fla. or Council Bluffs.

He made the right choice.