Great competitors often separate themselves long before the scoreboard does, and for Holdenville sophomore Russell “R.J.” Lowe Jr., that edge begins with the goals he sets for himself. As he puts it plainly, “be a great teammate, average 20 points and take a lot of charges.”
R.J. brings that mentality into a Holdenville locker room that thrives on togetherness. “Everyone enjoys playing basketball with each other,” he says, a simple truth that has helped the Wolverines take noticeable steps forward this season. Their biggest leap? “Learning how to run the plays instead of doing our own thing.”
That shift in discipline is tied directly to the team’s bigger dreams. “Go to the area tournament, and have a winning season,” R.J. states. And they’re grinding for it every day. “We are working hard every practice, holding each other accountable, and never giving up.”
Ask him what Holdenville does best, and he doesn’t hesitate: “Our chemistry we have together.” On the floor, R.J. takes on multiple roles as both guard and center, giving the team versatility on both ends. When he’s reading a defense, he’s searching for one thing. “If they are not paying attention, so I can back cut.”
Preparation is a big part of his game routine. “Go over the plays with my teammates, and I shoot before the game start.” And when it’s time to step into the lights, his mentality sharpens instantly. “That no one can guard me, and I will do whatever it takes to win.”
R.J. hopes that approach shapes the way future Wolverines remember him. “To be the greatest athlete to come through Holdenville.” And for anyone watching from the outside, he wants them to know something important: “That we will never give up during the game.”
His hype song before battle is “Roses – Chainsmokers,” and his favorite memory so far has been the moment the whole gym erupted. “When I took a charge and everyone got hyped.”
R.J. is a 6’0 sophomore and competes in football, basketball and baseball. Looking ahead, his vision is clear: “I plan to play basketball at the collegiate level and get a degree.”
