Matt Owens signs with Lyon College

Matt Owens signs to play basketball with Lyon College. Pictured are, from left: Seated -- Garry Owens, Matt Owens, Pam Willett. Back -- Riverside coach Buster Campbell, Lyon College men's head coach Kevin Jenkins, Ron Willett and Riverside coach Kevin Hall.
(Town Crier photo/Revis Blaylock)

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Owens is a 2004 Riverside High School graduate. He is the son of Garry Owens and Pam Willett.

Owens, an honor student, has been named All Conference player for three years, All NEA for two years; All Williams Baptist College three years; All Regional and All State his senior year, and was named Best of the Best Under the Sun. His team finished the 2003-04 season with a 27-9 record.

Owens averaged 17.4 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists a game with 15 blocked shots, and shot 47 percent field goals and 67 percent from the free throw line.

Owens said he wanted to keep playing basketball and is pleased to be playing for Lyon College.

Kevin Jenkins, men's head coach at Lyon College, was present for the signing.

"We are excited to get Matt. We feel he is going to be an asset to the program. With his academic background, we are not only getting a good player, but a good student. That means a lot to me and the school," Jenkins said.

Riverside coaches Buster Campbell and Kevin Hall and Principal Kennedy Simmons were among those present for the signing.

"Coach Campbell instilled in us to work hard, be competitive and never lay down," Owens said. "Ever since I was small, I always wanted to play basketball at the next level. Lyon College is an overall good college and I am looking forward to playing there."

Coach Campbell said Lyon is not only getting a great athlete, they are getting a great kid.