WINTER HAVEN – As Polk State Basketball makes a push for a spot in the FCSAA Tournament, the early parts of Saturday afternoon will be a time for reflection.

The Eagles will hold their annual Sophomore Day as they take on Florida SouthWestern State College. Prior to the game, seven sophomores will be recognized.

"Our returning players had core values that coincided really well with the values of our program," Head Coach Brandon Giles said. "This sophomore class is full of personality. It's a very diverse group of young men. Their families have been very supportive."

This season's sophomore class features five players who are in their second year with the program. Guard Ty Owens and forward Cole White each returned after earning All-Citrus Conference honorable mention honors last season.

"The coaches have developed me to a potential I didn't think I could reach," said Owens, a native of Port St. Lucie. "I've enjoyed my professors and being a student here. Coach Giles allowing me to run the offense and putting the ball in my hands has forced me to grow into the player I am. I want to be remembered as one of the best point guards to come through this program. I have no regrets about coming to Polk."

"I've grown more as a person than as a basketball player during my time here," White added. "This season, I've tried to take more of a leadership role and guide the younger guys. I've learned lessons and what it takes to make it to the next level. My coaches have been father figures to me. They've given me advice outside of basketball – whether that's school or planning for my future. I'm blessed to be a college athlete and grateful to have had this opportunity."

Owens has filled up the box score for Polk State this season, averaging 13.3 points per game, 4.5 assists, and 1.9 steals. White is among the FCSAA leaders in field goal percentage, shooting 63.3% from the floor. Guard Karl Knighten Jr. has made one of the biggest jumps this season. After averaging just 4.2 points per game as a freshman last season, Knighten ranks third on the team in scoring at 10.5 points per contest.

"Polk State showed me how to develop my game and helped me see basketball for what it is," Knighten explained. "I've become a better player and a better teammate. What I'll remember most is how I grew off the court. JUCO is a grind. You have to go through the struggles. It really made me grow up. Coach Giles has really embraced that through his coaching. He taught me to trust the process, be patient, and know my time would come."

Though his scoring numbers have dipped slightly since his freshman season, 6-foot-8 forward Nathan Andrice has improved as a rebounder and become a more efficient scorer. What he appreciates, however, is what he's learned from his teammates and coaches.

"I'll always remember my teammates, the different cultures, and different backgrounds," the New York native reflected. "Meeting different people from different places changes your perspective. As for my coaches, they taught me things on the court that translate to real life. I've become more accountable and learned to look inward. They're great role models."

A native of the Republic of Congo, forward Fray Nguimbi is in his second season with the team, but sat last season as academic issues were resolved. Now among the leading rebounders in the FCSAA, averaging 8.1 boards to go with 11.3 points per contest, Nguimbi said he used last season as a learning experience.

"I really tried to notice what the team lacked last season and to get better at those things and fill those voids to help the team," he said. "Sitting out allowed me to work on myself, on my game, on my body. I've gotten a lot better. I wasn't comfortable doing some of the things I can do now like shooting midrange shots."

The only two sophomores who spent last season elsewhere are guards Jordan Brown and Will Stallworth. Much like Nguimbi last season, Brown spent the Fall 2024 Semester watching from the bench. During Citrus Conference play, Brown, a transfer from Sauk Valley Community College in Illinois, has provided an offensive spark, averaging 8.4 points, which included 26 against West Bay Collegiate Academy on Jan. 2 and the winning points in Wednesday's 67-62 victory over St. Petersburg College.

"Coming to Polk has been a great experience," Brown said. "I like the weather, the coaching staff, and this team. Through watching, I was able to learn a lot about my teammates and how I can help them on the court. I learned patience and the importance of schoolwork. Adjusting to a new team, their personalities, and having to sit out made me grow as a person."

A native of Lake Alfred, Stallworth spent the 2023-24 season at Palm Beach State College. The decision to come to Polk State has allowed Stallworth to be close to home.

"I wanted to bring a championship back home," Stallworth reflected. "This has been an opportunity for my family to see me play again. I've grown more mentally here – through class, basketball, and as a person. I've been able to reach out to people in this community, talk to people, and just grow."

Despite being new to the program, Stallworth was named a team captain.

"Being from here, that meant a lot," he said. "I've been ingrained in the Polk County basketball culture my whole life. Embodying that and bringing it to the court here meant a lot. My coaches held me to a high standard. I tried to pass that on to the other players."

The other team captain for the season is Owens. Tasked with being the primary facilitator for the Eagles, Owens is the team's leading assist man for the second straight season. He also leads the team in scoring.

"Being a team captain meant a lot to me," Owens said. "I felt valued. I knew that came with the responsibility of putting my teammates in the right place and doing whatever it takes for us to be successful as a team."

"Will Stallworth and Ty Owens are two of the best leaders I've had in my eight years with this program," Giles explained. "You want your point guards to be an extension of yourself on the court. They've continued to grow as leaders and as young men."

Among many things, Giles has emphasized ingraining his team into the community. With Stallworth as the only local player, others have taken notice of the bond between the program and the area.

"You're a part of the community here," Brown added. "They show love to the staff, the coaches, the players, the professors. It's different from a lot of places."

It's not unusual for athletic teams to try to embody a family culture, but for Polk State this season, it was more so the case than usual. As the College closed for several days in October as Hurricane Milton made its way to the area, families of Knighten, White, and Owens allowed teammates to stay with them rather than have to catch flights home. Giles also invited Andrice to spend Thanksgiving with him, allowing the sophomore forward to meet his extended family.

"Polk State is a family-oriented school and program," Knighten noted. "These two years have been the closest teams I've ever been a part of."

As the Eagles take the court for Sophomore Day on Saturday, a lot will be on the line. Polk State has already clinched its first winning season in three years and currently holds one of the final spots in the FCSAA Tournament. With a handful of close games and heartbreaking losses this season, Polk State has been forced to dig deep and bounce back several times, including in each of the last two games – both Citrus Conference road victories.

"What I'm proud of is how I've learned to respond to adversity," Knighten said. "You're always going to go through struggles. It's how you come out of it that matters and defines you."

Though the Eagles' focus is on getting to the FCSAA Tournament, players note that their experience at Polk State has been one to remember. They offered advice for future players and returning teammates.

"My advice is that it's not easy," White concluded. "I'm proud of the way I've improved on the court and in the classroom. Believing in yourself is more important than anything."

"You have to work hard on the court, in the classroom, and listen to your coaches," Nguimbi added. "They truly want what's best for you. Coach Giles has been a positive influence. He's taught me how to be more than a basketball player. He's taught me how to be a young man."

Giles is optimistic that this season will culminate in Polk State's second FCSAA Tournament appearance in four years. As players move on to four-year programs or the next stage in their lives, he hopes their time at Polk State will have a lasting impact.

"I hope they take to heart what we preach about being men longer than being hoopers," Giles insisted. "I hope each one of them becomes a great man, continue to be great sons, become great fathers and husbands. I hope they impact their communities and the people they com