Owen senior takes complete game to Milligan University
How the tenacity and intelligence of Eli Lewkowicz transition to basketball success
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
April 4, 2025
Owen senior Eli Lewkowicz, front row, center right, is surrounded by coaches and teammates, April 4, as he signs to continue his basketball career at Milligan University. Photo by Fred McCormick
Eli Lewkowicz speaks about the game of basketball with the thoughtfulness and insight of a veteran coach.
“I love the game,” he said, April 4, surrounded by family, teammates, coaches and supporters in the Owen High School Media Center. “I’m not that athletic and I’m not tall, but the beautiful thing about basketball is that if you’re mentally prepared, the physical part will come.”
That approach was instrumental last season, as the senior point guard helped lead the Owen program to its best record since 2017, and one he plans to take with him to Milligan University, where he will continue his basketball career.
Lewkowicz first stepped on the court as a freshman for a 3-20 Warhorse team, before head coach Joe Valencia took over a season later. The young guard became a “cornerstone” of the program, according to the coach.
“Eli is a coach’s dream,” Valencia said. “He always brings a level of intensity to practices, and he’s willing and able to do everything.”
Lewkowicz played a key role in the 2024-25 campaign, as Owen improved to 19-7 and advanced to the second round of the NCHSAA 2A State Playoffs. Valencia described his style of play, which produced 7.8 points per game and team-leading 6.4 assists and 2 steals per game as “complete.”
“He brings the same approach to every aspect of the game, and you know he’s going to go out there and give you everything he’s got,” he said. “His leadership, in practice, in the locker room and on the court, has been huge for us. Not only is he a guy who can go out there and get it done in all phases of the game, but his mental intangibles are on another level.”
Basketball has been part of Lewkowicz’s life since he could walk, he said, but he honed his skills in the Owen Youth Sports League. By the time he attended Owen Middle School, he was ready to fully commit to the sport.
“One thing I love about basketball is that it really helps me focus, even when I’m stressed out about other things,” Lewkowicz said. “Once I started really getting into it, I just enjoyed it even more and knew I wanted to be the best player I could be.”
Owen senior Eli Lewkowicz will continue his playing career at Milligan University, following an April 4 signing ceremony. Photo by Fred McCormick
Achieving that goal required him to develop a deep understanding of the game, he added.
“So much of this game is mental, and once you get to high school most people can handle the ball or knock down open shots,” Lewkowicz said. “But, by studying the game, you start to know when somebody might drop back and leave you an open shot, or if help comes, where to find the open man. It’s a chess game, so it involves a lot strategy.”
Another key element in his growth as a player has the been the strong bonds he has formed, on and off the court.
“Most of my teammates now I’ve been playing with since youth league,” Lewkowicz said. “All of that has been a great experience, and I believe it had a lot to do with our success, as a team, this past season.”
Their shared dedication propelled Owen to a season that included a 10-game winning streak and a 10-1 record on its home court.
“This whole season was truly special for us,” Lewkowicz said. “Winning is contagious, and once we started winning, you could feel everybody bringing more energy. That was something that was missing the first couple of years I was here, but I feel like we helped create that culture.”
While building a foundation for future success was the mission in high school, Lewkowicz joins a Milligan program that won the Appalachian Athletic Conference in 2025, finishing the season with a 22-10 record.
“I’m really looking forward to working with the coaches there to take my game to the next level,” he said. “College basketball comes with increased expectations and opportunities, and I’m also looking forward to that.”
The Buffaloes will get a “tenacious player with a high basketball IQ” in Lewkowicz, according to Valencia.
“Eli really is a high-character guy, both on and off the court,” he said. “He’s a true leader, tough basketball player and makes great decisions. I’m excited to see what he does at the next level.”