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Owen, who just completed his first year as ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥â€™s head coach, led the team to a record-breaking season this year. The Bears finished 29-6, won the South Atlantic Conference Tournament Championship, the NCAA DII Southeast Regional Championship and advanced to the NCAA Division II Elite Eight in Evansville, Indiana. The latter was the first time in program history LR has won a regional title and advanced to the Elite Eight. Owen was named the Coach of the Year in the SAC and Co-Coach of the Year for the NCAA DII Southeast Region.

The team led the conference in attendance. The Bears also excelled in the classroom, earning an overall team GPA of 3.29 during the fall semester.

“Over the last year I have felt so blessed to be in Hickory and have this amazing opportunity at ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥,â€� said Owen. “The community support has been outstanding, and I am especially grateful for President (Fred) Whitt’s leadership and the vision of Daron Montgomery, our vice president of athletics. Their unwavering support of our program and to me personally has been a driving force in our resurgence and a key factor in my commitment to continue at LR. I am grateful for the confidence placed in me and look forward to strengthening our culture of excellence moving forward.â€�

Owen came to Hickory from Eastern New Mexico University, where he had served as the men’s basketball coach since May 2020.

“Brent Owen and his family are special members of our LR family and the Hickory community,� said Whitt. “His leadership and development of young men on and off the court have been exceptional. Coach Owen was my No. 1 pick to lead our program, and he is the type of person and coach I would hope my grandchildren will experience.�