By: Kevin Moses
Boden Howell
Twitter: @HowellBoden
Instagram- @bohowellll
Height: 6’5 185
Class of 2025
School: Owyhee High School, Idaho
Howell is a dynamic athlete who can punish a defense in multiple ways with his versatile skillset and athleticism. He is ruthless off the bounce whether he plans to knock down the quick pull-up or finish strong at the rim. Lethal from downtown with a smooth touch. Crafty with sneaky speed making him a matchup nightmare. Boden plays at his own pace which allows me to get to my spots effectively. Although he can score at a high level, the thing that his high school coach commends him the most on is the way he sees the floor and creates for teammates. Boden is an unselfish star who looks for those with a high IQ, he makes great decisions on when to pass and when to score for himself. Defensively Boden’s greatest strength is his length with a 6’8 wingspan allows him to play in passing lanes as well as stay in front of ball handlers at a high level. Scrappy and fierce this stud causes just as much chaos on defense. Gritty and tough on the boards as well on both ends.
Last season, Boden averaged 20.1 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists as he led his team to that coveted state championship last season while earning All-State tournament 1st-team honors. The most motivating thing for Boden last season was losing at the Damian Classic in December. The sour taste he felt when he left the tournament has led him to work harder than he ever had to make sure that next year he will walk out a champion. For AAU, Boden plays for Select Basketball and is hoping to help lead his team to their 2nd consecutive Pro16 Championship. This AAU season, Boden is working on getting easy buckets early on in games rather than settling for tough ones to allow me to find flow. Another main focus is finishing stronger around the rim. I think Boden wants to make a few posters. Going into next season, Boden’s main goal is to win another state championship. Along the way, he also wants to help lead his team to a Damian Classic championship and his personal goal is to win Idaho Gatorade Player of the Year.
On the court, Boden’s will to win is what fuels his fire to do everything in my power to refuse to lose. Boden’s competitive edge is something that sets him apart from others and is a primary factor in his teams’ successes. When Boden is having a bad game or things aren’t going his way, he simply thinks back on the countless hours he has spent in the gym working on my game strongly believing in the saying “What is done in darkness will come to light”, knowing that as long as he keeps playing his game, everything will work out how it’s supposed to.
Coaches should know Boden will bring unmatched effort on both ends, the thing that sets him apart from others is the control he brings to the game. He prides himself on making the right play with limited turnovers, therefore there is always a sense of security and control when the ball is in my hands. Boden currently sees himself as a mid-major Division 1 recruit. He holds an offer from the University of Portland and currently is being recruited by programs such as Saint Mary’s, Santa Clara, Washington State, and Boise State.
I saw exactly why Boden’s stock continues to rise. That tough, gritty dirty work matches the skills of a punisher on offense and defense is downright impressive to watch. He could score more but his unselfish mindset sparks everyone around him to be better as they know with the right cut or opening Boden will deliver for them and the fight in him oozes the will to win at all cost as he holds nothing back out there. He is a legit D1 talent with a high ceiling. Don’t miss his show before this summer run is done.