WINTER HAVEN, Fla. – Polk State College’s basketball team is celebrating the success of its standout players, Ty Owens and Fray Nguimbi, who were both named to the All-Citrus Conference teams.
Sophomore guard Ty Owens earned a spot on the first team, while forward Fray Nguimbi was selected to the second team. These honors come as the Eagles prepare to head to the FCSAA Tournament for the first time since 2022.
Owens Leads the Eagles
Owens, a team captain from Port St. Lucie, led Polk State in several key statistical categories this season, including:
- Points per game (14.8)
- Assists per game (4.5)
- Steals per game (1.9)
- 3-point percentage (.415)
- Free-throw percentage (.881)
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He currently leads the FCSAA in free throw percentage and ranks among the top ten in scoring and steals. Owens has been a clutch performer for the Eagles, hitting game-winning shots and delivering impressive performances throughout the season.
“Ty is a winner, a worker, and a growing leader,” said Head Coach Brandon Giles. “He lost 11 games his entire high school career and has brought that winning mentality to our locker room.”
Nguimbi Dominates the Paint
Nguimbi, a sophomore from Brazzaville, Congo, transferred to Polk State after starting his collegiate career at Clarion University in Pennsylvania. He quickly established himself as a force in the paint for the Eagles.
Nguimbi averaged 11 points per game and led the team with 8.2 rebounds per game, ranking second in the FCSAA in that category. He also led the state in total rebounds and has recorded seven double-doubles this season.
“Being from another country and moving around a lot, Fray has had to adjust to new places and new things,” Giles commented. “He’s been a great addition to our team – on the court and off. He has a very bright future and I’m very excited to see what’s ahead for him.”
Thanks in part to the contributions of Owens and Nguimbi, the Eagles finished the regular season with a 19-11 record and are headed to the FCSAA Tournament. They will face the top-seeded Daytona State College on Thursday, March 13th, in Niceville.
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