Bigs. College coaches at every level are always looking for a high school prospect to sign that can rebound and score and defend in the paint. The search is annual and, more times than not, difficult.

The talent pool is shallow as the late signing period inches closer and the high school season continues to march on. So when a big man plays well on a big stage plays well, take note.

Columbia senior post player Micaiah Henry struck a chord with us at the Chick-Fil-A Invitational as he protected the rim for the Eagles and showed off an effective offensive attack. Well, hello 6-foot-8, 215-pound senior with good grades. Welcome to the conversation.

A little back story on Henry. He's now at his third high school. We first saw him as a sophomore at Southwest Atlanta Christian. We liked him well enough to place him into our top 30 rankings for the class of 2015.

Then he transferred to Westlake and played a limited role. Time on the travel circuit with the Georgia Stars didn't yield much productive playing time. Recruiting activity flat-lined. A move to Columbia this summer has revived things. Henry has found a spot on the floor alongside his young teammates and producing as a simple scorer and rebounder.

"That's one of my most important roles on my team," Henry said. "I have to lock down the paint for us if we want to be in a position to win. I'm the only post on the team. That's just part of what I do on defense to push us over the hump.

"It feels good to be on the court. I like the role I have with this team. It allows me to do the things that I do best. Hats off to the coaches here. They have really allowed me to play well."

As one of the few seniors on Columbia's team but also a newcomer, Henry is finding his space as a leader for the freshmen and sophomores on the roster.

"Coach is always on me about that. With so many guys on our team that don't have varsity experience, you have to show them what it means to play at this level," Henry said. "They are still learning and picking things up. I'm just going to stay on them and I know they will figure it out by the end of the season."

He's hoping to figure out his recruitment by the end of the season, too. Henry has a 3.9 grade point average and he's on pace to finish his senior year as the salutatorian. Young Harris, a strong program in the Peach Belt Conference, is his only scholarship offer.

"The door is still open. I'm not committed to anyone," Henry said. "I'm not trying to rush anything. I want to play things out and where were things are at in the end."

With a background of strong academics, how much will the classroom play into his decision in the end?

"I think it is going to be pretty important. I can get hurt and that's my body but you can never take my mind away from me. I want to always work hard in the classroom," Henry said.

Ultimately, though, Henry said he hopes to make a basketball decision.

"I like to find a school where I can play at the highest level," Henry said. "Academics are probably going to be number two for me. I want to play against great competition and I want to be able to work hard to get some court time."