Leadership isn’t defined by age, stats, or spotlight moments—it’s defined by how you carry yourself when others are watching. For Holdenville junior Tenetke Lowe, being that example is the foundation of his season. As he puts it, he wants to “be a better example to others on the team and help the team go further than last year.”
That commitment shows up every day inside Holdenville’s gym, fueled by a group that refuses to let energy drop. “The team morale has been great—everyone brings a lot of energy,” Tenetke says. That collective spark has already helped the Wolverines evolve. “Our physicality has increased,” he explains, a change he believes will help drive Holdenville to its postseason target. “Our goal is to make it to the area tournament this year.”
Physicality isn’t just something the team talks about—it’s their identity. “Our physicality is a big strength, especially helping us be able to out tough the other opponents.” Even though the Wolverines aren’t the biggest group, Tenetke embraces that edge. “We’re small but our physicality is what makes us good.”
On the court, Tenetke plays guard, reading defenses with purpose and precision. “Open gaps and where their eyes are looking,” is what he studies during possessions. Preparation is crucial, and for him, film is a key part of the process. “It helps watching film on how the opposing team plays defense.” His mindset going into games is simple but powerful: “I have to be more physical than them, whether they’re big or small.”
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Tenetke wants his character to leave a lasting mark. “I want to have people look up to me for always working hard.”
While basketball is the focus of this spotlight, one of his favorite memories this school year actually happened on the football field. “Getting a pick-six in a football game this year.” A 5’10” junior, Tenetke competes in basketball, football and baseball, and he still has plenty ahead of him. His future goal is clear: “I want to play baseball at the collegiate level.”
