"A Guard That Changes the Temperature"

Eli Owensby

@EliOwensby

IG: @eliowensby

6’3, 180lbs, Class of 2026

Maryville HS, TN

Eli plays with a nonstop edge and is at his best attacking the lane with purpose, putting pressure on the rim, forcing help, and turning chaos into good looks for teammates. His handles and speed off the bounce let him get downhill, but it is the feel for the game that separates him. He sees plays before they open, delivers the ball on time, and keeps the offense flowing. On the other end, he brings heat every possession. Active hands, strong positioning, and a competitive motor make him a problem defensively. He mixes it up on the boards, plays bigger than his size, and has sneaky bounce that shows up when defenders relax for half a second.

Last season Eli averaged 8.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.1 steals while shooting 48 percent from the field, 26 percent from three, and 79 percent at the line. This current season, the growth has been clear. He is now averaging 15 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, taking on more responsibility and checking every box. His three-point shot and ability to create his own looks have taken a step forward, opening the floor and making defenders pay for sagging off.

That edge was sharpened even more by another run to the state tournament. That experience matters. Playing on that stage brought a new level of confidence, pace, and control. Eli thrives on intensity, especially when his team comes out flying early. When facing adversity, he settles himself, trusts the work he has put in, and lets his game speak for itself. Coaches should know they are getting effort, defense, and a guard who is wired to make teammates better every minute Eli is on the court.

Rivalry games against Alcoa are circled, and for good reason. Those moments bring out his best. What drives him most is himself and giving everything he has, competing with his teammates, and keeping building those bonds that turn a good team into a dangerous one. As the season continues, he is locked in on making his three-ball more consistent and helping his team hit its stride together.

Right now, Eli does not hold any offers or listed interests, but that has not slowed his drive at all. He is very interested in playing college basketball and is committed to earning that opportunity through his play, his defense, and the way he impacts winning. The motivation is simple and steady. Keep getting better, keep showing who he is on the floor, and let the work open the right doors.

I assess that Eli’s ability to pressure the paint, defend with real intent, and create offense for others gives him value in any college guard rotation. His energy and feel for the game can immediately raise the level of a program that values toughness, ball movement, and guards who embrace both sides of the floor.

Moving forward, expect continued growth as a confident scoring option who still keeps teammates involved. His competitive nature, expanding shooting range, and defensive commitment point to a guard who will keep pushing his ceiling higher as opportunities come his way. Stay tuned.