WINTER HAVEN — Polk State Basketball's run to the FCSAA Tournament has culminated in a pair of Eagles being recognized as All-Citrus Conference performers.

Sophomore guard Ty Owens was named a first-team All-Citrus selection on Friday. Forward Fray Nguimbi was selected to the second team.

A team captain from Port St. Lucie, Owens led Polk State in several statistical categories this season, including points per game (14.8), assists per game (4.5), steals per game (1.9), 3-point percentage (.415), and free-throw percentage (.881). Owens leads the FCSAA in free throw percentage while ranking ninth in scoring and seventh in both steals and assists.

Owens routinely filled up the box score this season and was key for Polk State in clutch situations. Owens scored the game-winner in a 76-75 victory over Hillsborough Community College on Feb. 29. He finished with career-high 29-point efforts in wins over Florida SouthWestern State College on Feb. 15 and Indian River State College on Feb. 29.

"Ty is a winner, a worker, and a growing leader," Head Coach Brandon Giles said. "He lost 11 games his entire high school career and has brought that winning mentality to our locker room."

A native of the Republic of Congo, Nguimbi arrived at Polk State after beginning his collegiate career at Clarion University, an NCAA Division II program in Pennsylvania. After redshirting last season, Nguimbi emerged as a force in the paint for the Eagles this season.

Nguimbi ranked second on the team by averaging 11 points per game and finished tied for second in the FCSAA by averaging a team-best 8.2 rebounds per game. With 237 total rebounds, Nguimbi finished the regular season as the state's leader in total boards. He also leads the Eagles with seven double-doubles this season.

"Being from another country and moving around a lot, Fray has had to adjust to new places and new things," Giles added. "He's been a great addition to our team – on the court and off. He has a very bright future and I'm very excited to see what's ahead for him."

Owens and Nguimbi are a big reason why Polk State is headed to the FCSAA Tournament for the first time since 2022. The Eagles finished the regular season with a record of 19-11. They'll open the FCSAA Tournament on Thursday, March 13, in Niceville against No. 1 seed Daytona State College.

All-Citrus Conference First Team

Ty Owens, G, sophomore, Port St. Lucie, Fla.
 

All-Citrus Conference Second Team

Fray Nguimbi, F, sophomore, Brazzaville, Congo