Men’s basketball: Willie Warren… he’s good
I was in Crowley, Texas, Tuesday night to watch Oklahoma signee Willie Warren and his North Crowley Panthers — who, by the way, are 26-1 and ranked second in 5A — and I got to see something I haven’t seen in two years covering OU.
A 100-point game.
I don’t mean that as a knock against OU’s inability to score 100 in a game, but as a compliment to North Crowley’s talent and their ability to put up 100 points in a 32-minute game. Impressive.
Warren scored 30 with ease and NC routed Fort Worth Paschal 108-70.
For those unfamiliar with Warren, I’ll be writing about him for Thursday’s paper. But here’s the basic info: Willie is a 6-foot-3 combo guard with a strong body and great quickness. He’s rated by most recruiting services as one of the top 25 players in the country. HoopScoopOnline ranks him No. 6 among high school seniors (not including prep school guys).
Warren didn’t play much point guard in Tuesday’s win, but he hit five 3-pointers and got into the lane effectively off the dribble.
And he would’ve had the play of the night had his teammate been able to finish off Warren’s assist midway through the fourth quarter.
Warren was leading a 3-on-3 fast break. He was going slightly to his left as he crossed the 3-point line at the top of the key when he threw a left-handed (he’s a righty) bounce pass between his legs — in traffic — to his teammate who was cutting toward the basket.
The pass hit him at the chest in stride and he went up for a layup — which was blocked.
Still, it was an impressive showing and he’s an interesting kid. Look for more in Thursday’s paper.
– Scott Wright
