When Buffalo Valley’s Koen Howze steps onto the court, his mindset is simple but powerful. “Go 100 percent and do whatever I can offensively and defensively to win the game,” he said. That drive has made him one of the Buffaloes’ key contributors this season, averaging 18 points and 5 rebounds per game while bringing energy and leadership to every matchup.
As a versatile player who can handle multiple positions, Howze is always reading the game and adjusting on the fly. “I look for the open lane, the open shot, and/or the open guy on the perimeter or down low,” he said. His ability to adapt to different defenses and make smart decisions has helped him develop into a dependable force on both ends of the court.
Howze’s preparation doesn’t start at tipoff—it starts long before game day. “I get a good night’s rest, put up extra shots after practice, and I stretch before every game,” he said. That discipline has fueled his biggest personal goal this season. “In basketball, I want to average 20 points a game. I want our whole team to step up and get some wins this season,” he said.
Team success is a priority for Howze, who’s proud of how his group has come together. “The team’s chemistry and commitment,” he said, “have been the biggest improvements this year.” Even with changes in the coaching staff, morale has remained high. “It’s been good. We had a change in coaching staff and that is always hard, but we all know that we still have to be the best we can be and not let those affect us.”
For Koen, faith and effort are two things that never waver. “They may not know how hard we play and they may not know that we pray before every game,” he said. That bond, both on and off the floor, fuels the team’s biggest strength— “our hustle.”
Looking ahead, Howze’s ambitions go beyond high school. “I want my jersey retired,” he said with a laugh. “I want to be remembered for how hard I play and having a good attitude no matter what things look like.” After graduation, he plans to continue his athletic career in college basketball or baseball, where his commitment and competitive spirit will no doubt carry him far.
