PLAYOFF PROFILES : It Wasn’t All a ‘50s Party

Cameron Henderson doesn’t regret scoring 52 points against Van Nuys High earlier this season, but it certainly hasn’t helped him on the court.

“I never had been double-teamed before in high school,” he said. “Scoring 52 points meant that everybody knew about me.”

Henderson, who averaged 15.3 points last season, worked during the summer on shooting, dribbling and driving to the basket. He also added 20 pounds to his 6-foot-4, 180-pound frame.

The pressure became more burdensome after El Camino Real’s fifth game. Henderson made 17 of 23 shots and sank 18 free throws.

But El Camino Real was able to adjust to the double-teams Henderson saw the rest of the season. The Conquistadores (16-9) rallied in the final week of the regular season to claim a share of the North Valley League title with Granada Hills.

The Conquistadores play host to South Gate on Friday night in the first round of the City Section 3-A playoffs.

Henderson hasn’t matched his Van Nuys game, but he’s averaging 22 points and 10 rebounds a game.

Eric Dotson emerged as an effective rebounder and inside scorer, and Jason Fox gives the Conquistadores a three-point threat.

“I was the only starter coming back,” Henderson said. “I didn’t expect much. It’s turned out to be a better season than I thought it would be.”