ROLAND’S DAMONTE OWENS HOPES TO LEAD
Written by Michael Bray
Leadership.
That is a virtue that Damonte Owens wants to exhibit and improve on as he helps lead Roland into a new campaign on the basketball court.
“I wasn’t much of a leader last year,” the 5-8 sophomore guard said of his performance in the Rangers’ Class 3A state tournament season. “Did I play, yes, but looking back at that I feel like I need to be a better leader and a vocal leader on the court.”
The main improvement that he wants to attain is his attitude in game situations.
“There were times [last year] when we were losing that I had an attitude and wasn’t a vocal leader,” said Owens. “I was in my own world not talking to my teammates. I need to be the type that talks to my teammates and encourages them to get better.”
Roland head coach Ed Lewis mentioned the biggest asset for Owens.
“We need him to lead by example and work hard everyday in practice, so the other kids will jump on board and follow him,” Lewis said. “I think that will be the best way to show his leadership.”
Another key asset the Rangers have in Damonte Owens is his ability with the ball. Last year he averaged 21.4 ppg, 3.5 assists and 2.6 steals.
“Damonte is an excellent scorer. Also he can find the open man when he is covered,” Lewis said. “He is very athletic, has great court awareness, great range and can finish at the rim.”
Owens’ drive and determination stem deeper than basketball, though. For him, it starts with family.
“I think about it like my family is not just wealthy but not just poor either and I think about that every day,” he said. “I got to go make something for my family. That is just my drive for it.”
His inspiration?
“I would definitely say my dad [Daryl Owens]. When he was in high school he was a really good player, some people say he was better than me. He had a chance to go play major ball but he chose not to. He always wants me to do better than him and that’s why I look up to him.”
