Players from Small Towns who have Big Impact on the Court

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- With the 2019-2020 high school basketball season quickly approaching, it’s safe to assume there’s big talent coming to the metro OKC area. However, this year, the big talent is coming from the smaller towns of the state. Landyn Owens is a Junior at Ada high school in Ada, OK. Landyn is a small forward/point guard for Ada and, despite being just 5’8”, has a huge future heading her way. Owens, who has a tremendous amount of experience, says her dream started small, in the small Boy’s and Girls Club of her town. “I’ve been playing for roughly seven or eight years now, I remember playing at the Boys and Girls club here in Ada, and I instantly fell in love with the game.” Owens spoke. Owens has a long history with AAU team Swarm. She says it’s helped her get more familiar with bigger opponents outside of the state. “Playing with Swarm is like a family. We go out to different tournaments, face different teams from different places, and we think that’s so cool to get to compete at that level. Swarm, everyone has your back and is always so supportive throughout everything, whether that be basketball, or even just personal struggles, they’re always there for you.” Owens, who averages 10.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, and had an impressive 36 steals in just her freshman year, says she strives to be bigger, greater, and stronger. “I think if you ask just about any high school player, their goal is to win state, plain and simple. Along with that, we want to strive for more than just an appearance. I think overall we just need to grow in mental and physical toughness, which I have seen a drastic change in that. Last year we were such a young team, this year, if we just work on the little things, it’s gonna lead to big things soon, very soon.” Owens says confidently. Owens says it’s easy to get caught up in it all, but reflects on what’s gotten her this far. “When I think about why I play, I think about when we host our annual kids camp every year. Once a little girl came up to me, looked up at me and said she wanted to be just like me. That really made me realize how it’s bigger than just basketball and how much of an impact the sport, athletes in general, have on the youth.” Said Owens. Owens says her style is a combination of aggressiveness on the defensive side, along with determination on offense. “My playing style I’d say is an aggressive combo guard that can play the 1 or 2, and that can also score at all 3 levels. Beyond the 3, mid range and can finish at the rim.” Owens explained. With Ada only having a population of about 17,300, Owens says it’s practically family every time she walks on the court and battles alongside her teammates. “Playing for Ada is like family, kind of the same as Swarm, but almost completely different at the same time. I’ve grown up with these girls and some I have even gone to school with my whole life, so they’re like sisters almost. A big family in a small town is how I like to describe it.” Exclaimed Owens. Owens has been a crucial player when crunch time approaches, she says she has to keep her head up and focus on the path to victory. “When the game is close and I’m under pressure, I usually play with more intensity, as if it’s my last game, because, who knows, it might just be. I just have to remain in control of what is going on, along with being mentally tough and take care of what needs to be done.” Owens says. “I just try and be the best leader I can be, especially with how young my Ada team is. Now that I am an upperclassman, I have to make sure to set the right example and lay a solid foundation for the underclassmen. As I always say, always going 100%.”   ASHLYN SAGE// JUNIOR ℅ 2021//6,2” Ashlyn Sage is a threatening 6’2” Junior out of Weatherford, OK. Sage has nearly ten years of experience in the game. Sage has earned recognition for not only her height, but also her remarkable talent on the court. “ I’ve been playing since second grade and have loved it ever since. I knew from the start that the goal was to win a state championship. Later on I just wanted to get better, be a solid team player, whether that be for personal growth or progressing as a team. As for the championship, I’m still working on that chapter.” Sage says that basketball is her passion, but it’s her teammates that help her get through it all. “I like being around all my teammates, making new friends while traveling with AAU. I like the game, but it’s teammates and coaches that made me fall in love with the overall picture of it.” Sage says. Sage already has an offer from the University of Arkansas, but a Sage says she would like to play wherever she can. “I don’t have a dream college in mind. I want to play where the team is successful and the people are down to earth, realistic.. When it’s crunch time, I want the ball in my hands and I’m ready to do whatever it takes to help my team get the win. Simple. I think it takes a special player to be put anywhere and still find success, regardless of the division, whether it’s DI or DIII. I want to be that player. Sage explains how her height of 6’2” has helped her become a versatile player on both ends of the court “I’d say I’m someone who can score inside and outside, aggressive defender and rebounder. my goal every game is to out work every person on the court. Teamwork makes the dream work am I right?” Sage also goes on to discuss how her home town of Weatherford has helped her grow as a player and as a person. “ I really enjoy playing with Weatherford because there’s been a lot of tradition here for the past 10 years and it gives me plenty to work towards. I hope to also build on the tradition as well.” Sage says she has high expectations for this year personally, and for her entire team. “I want to be more of a leader this year since i’m an upperclassman. I just want to be a better overall player than I was last year, set an example and lead a path to the state championship.”