Garland Owens putting up a floater over two defenders
By Jacob Bogage:
When the Springbrook Blue Devils visit the Magruder Colonels on Monday, more than bragging rights will be on the line between the perennial titans of Montgomery County basketball.
A big game for the two powerhouse’s stars, namely Magruder’s junior Nick Griffin and senior Garland Owens and Springbrook’s senior Demetric Austin, could mean a bright future for the potential Division I recruits.
Austin, the County’s third leading scorer (20.7 ppg), is mostly focused on St. Peter’s University, Washington University and DePaul University. “I really like St. Peter’s because it’s a small school and education-wise I can get more one on one help and I love the way their coaches coach,” he said. “DePaul is a big school and their program is pretty good and Washington is really good of course. I love the up and down running they do.”
Griffin leads the Colonels in points with 20.5 per game and is fifth in the County in scoring. He says his top choice is Virginia Commonwealth University because of the Rams 2011 Final Four appearance.
“VCU would probably a top target as of now due to the fact they’re one of the most winningest teams in the last 10 years,” Griffin said. “They have a great coach in Shaka Smart, who gets the best out of his players and I’m very comfortable and familiar with their staff.”
Owens, a two sport athlete at the Derwood school (he started the past two seasons at quarterback for the football team), is only interested in playing basketball in college. Nicknamed “Showtime” and the leading rebounder for Magruder, Owens has been in contact with Division I Sienna, New Hampshire University, Radford University, St. Bonaventure University, New Jersey Institute of Technology and Division III Towson University. Of the litany of schools pursuing his talents, Owens is leaning towards Sienna and Towson.
Seniors Owens and Austin must make up their minds by National Signing Day, February 2, 2012. The junior Griffin can continue to matriculate offers until National Signing Day 2013.