Rae Owens 6'1 150 2021 King's Fork High School, Suffolk VA
Rae is an elite athlete, a dogged defender who changes games with lockdown defense, tenacity, and energy.' You won’t find a more fierce competitor;'one who's on-court tenacity is in complete contrast to the gentle and unassuming demeanor described by those who teach and study with him every day. King's Fork High School administrator and former Norfolk State University basketball star Derrick Bryant who played professionally in Europe for 10 seasons before a six-year stint coaching at the collegiate level, lights up when talking about Rae.' His work ethic, his basketball talent, and potential and his high character all draw rave reviews from Mr. Bryant. '
And the excitement in the voice of his demanding and highly successful high school coach Rick Hite when you ask about Rae Owens.' Coach Hite enjoyed a stellar high school playing career at Philadelphia's George Washington High School before playing on the collegiate level at San Jose State and then professionally overseas in Australia and England. Coach Hite has coached the likes of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and Kansas guard Frank Mason so he knows a thing or two about what it takes to get to the next level and about developing high-level talent.' Coach Hite also sings the praises of his defensive stopper and athletic playmaker.' Rae is a superb athlete with outstanding explosiveness both with his first step and when getting off his feet.' He's extremely quick and strong and he has a tireless motor which also serves him well as a track star on the King's Fork HS track team! Defensively he is a nightmare for opposing ball handlers!' Undoubtedly one of the best on-ball defenders in Virginia!' Rae has outstanding defensive mechanics, quick feet and excellent lateral quickness.' He's also a long 6'1 with a mammoth wingspan and long legs.' His combination of length, strength, and tenacity coupled with elite athleticism and great instincts to make him an impact defensive presence, capable of guarding either guard or wing position.' An elite-level defender, he will flat out take it from you!'
While his defensive heroics are standout strengths Rae is also a very good lead guard with a great feel, a solid handle, and very good passing skills.' His lightning-quick first step and his slipperiness off the dribble make it difficult to stay in front of him and he has a knack for finding the open man.' Rae can get to the rim and is a crafty finisher; his tenaciousness and competitiveness serve him well as he asserts his will on opponents finding ways to score whether contorting his body to score around defenders or protecting the ball and engaging contact to score.' He's a very good catch and shoot guy with three-point range and uses fakes and jabs to get a defender leaning before blowing by him creating for himself and for teammates.' He's a very good rebounding guard with incredible repeat jumping skills.' He's explosive on his first jump and gets back in the air so quickly and with great bounce allowing him to often out rebound bigger opponents.'
Rae has a great touch around the rim for stick backs and knows how to play through contact, hang in the air and get his shot off.' He has a nose for the ball and the physical tools and competitive mindset that allows him to play bigger than 6'1.' I expect he will draw the attention of college coaches this year, he certainly has the confidence and praise from two coaches in Derrick Bryant and King's Fork High School Head Coach Rick Hite with impressive basketball resumes who are happy to endorse his talents!