Getting hefty issues off the docket can make for an easier time dealing with the present. This was the case for Clarkston senior Dan Owens.
Owens, who turned 17 over the summer, committed to Ashland University on Nov. 9 in front of all his former coaches, from elementary up to current coach, Dan Fife as well as his family.
Owens said the biggest decision for him and his family was whether to play out the season and commit in the spring or to go out and sign on early.
‘I’m committed and my biggest goal right now is playing out my senior year and winning a state championship,? Owens said.
‘We decided that no matter what happens, we want to go to the school that’s going to best fit what I need academically and athletically and Ashland was it, so we decided to commit early.?
AU competes in division II basketball as part of the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The Eagles are coming off a 19-10 season and a second place finish in the GLIAC south division.
Roger Lyons, going into his 14th season as AU coach was happy to hear Owens? decision.
‘We know he comes from an outstanding high school program there in Clarkston. We know that he will come in very well phased fundamentally,? Lyons said.
‘He should be a guy who has a real good career here at Ashland.?
Owens? shooting makes him a dangerous threat on offense, Fife said.
‘Dan has probably got as good of a range on his shot as any player I’ve ever coached since I’ve been coaching in Clarkston,? he said.
‘He’s allowed to shoot NBA three-pointers and that is not often the case in high school. He’s an outstanding shooter and he’s really worked on his game to become more than a shooter.?
Owens has been a basketball fixture in the community since childhood in the McGrath league, where he would often stay after games to talk with older players, Fife said.
‘It’s hard to imagine because I’ve known him so long growing up and now he’s got the opportunity to play college ball.?
The proximity of the opposing schools, as well as AU’s relatively close distance (slightly less than 200 miles) will allow the Owens family to attend their son’s games.
‘That was a huge decision of ours, that my family could come to see most of my games because they’re all around here.?
Owens? father Jack, had helped him with his game over the years, being ever-present to discuss Dan’s play.
‘I just always kept pushing him and raising the expectations and never let him rest and stayed on him like Coach Fife did over the years,? Jack Owens said.
‘Just making sure I got the most out of him and he realized his full potential.?
Owens? mother Darlene was overjoyed for her son at the meeting. She said Dan’s success is something she planned for because of his hard work and dedication. She hopes an early signing will take pressure off her son this season.