Prospect Spotlight: Demauri Warren (2018)
In today’s world of high school sports, there aren’t near as many student athletes that play two sports at a high level. It’s becoming a trend for kids to stick to one sport once they enter high school so they can put all of their effort and focus into that respective sport in hopes to earn a scholarship. Don’t tell that to 2018 guard Demauri Warren.
Warren shines both on the basketball court and on the football field for the Woodlawn Warriors. The 6’3 rising senior plays wide receiver in the fall and has garnered plenty of interest. Maryland, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Monmouth, and Temple have all reached out to Warren in regards to his skills on the field.
On the hardwood last season, Warren averaged 15 points per game to lead the 21-4 Warriors. Because of his history with playing football, Warren is a physical guard that embraces contact when he attacks the rim. Much of last season consisted of constant drives to the basket looking for a dunk or a lay up while drawing contact. He wasn’t necessarily confident in his jumper. This summer, Warren has specifically focused on improving his shot. Thus far in the St. Paul’s summer league that features many top players in the Baltimore area, Warren is averaging well over 20 points per game and is doing so from all three levels. In multiple games, Warren has eclipsed the 30-point mark by exploding for over 20 points in one half.
The Warriors lost their senior floor general to graduation, so Warren and backcourt mate Mark Brinkley will be counted on heavily in bringing the ball up the floor and initiating offense. His ability to corral rebounds and go coast-to-coast make him a consistent threat throughout the course of a game. If he can can carry over his shooting percentages from summer league into his senior season, Warren will likely be a top candidate for Baltimore County Player of the Year.
Defensively, Warren is above average. His football skills in terms of anticipation and toughness transition well onto the court. He often times finds himself playing the middle man in the Warriors’ full court press and getting steals by reading the passer’s eyes.
Warren has to improve on his ball handling in order to become the complete package. If he can confidently handle the ball at his size, his versatility will intrigue plenty of coaches.
Surprisingly, Warren hasn’t been contacted by any coaches for basketball. Although he is getting high Division I interest for football, Warren isn’t at all opposed to attending college for basketball.
What will a coach get with Warren?
“I’m just a humble person who will work hard,” Warren told PrepHoops. “I just do what I have to do to get it done.”
Warrens plans on majoring in physical therapy. He tells me that ensuring the college offers that specific major will hold significant weight in his decision.