North Crowley's Willie Warren hopes to someday join Tracy McGrady in the NBA.

This year, McGrady's words inspired him.

Warren recalled McGrady last season taking responsibility for whether the Rockets advanced past the first round of the playoffs.

"I feel the same way about my team," Warren said. "The only way we'd lose is if I let my team down."

Warren put his team on his shoulders when it counted most, leading North Crowley to a 38-1 record, a 5A Region I championship and the program's first state championship. Warren averaged nearly 25 points for the year but averaged 27.7 points through seven postseason games.

With wins came individual accolades. The Oklahoma signee was selected to play in Wednesday's McDonald's All-American Game and the Jordan Brand All-American Classic on April 19. He also was named the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches 5A player of the year.

Warren scored a school-record 47 points in the Region I final against Midland Lee. He was named the state championship game MVP with a 27-point, eight-assist performance against Fort Bend Dulles.

With every accolade, however, Warren seemed to grow more humble.

"We won a lot of games last year, but we didn't get past the second round," Warren said. "I said I wasn't going to celebrate until we made it to state. And when we won, that's when all the emotions came out."

Warren said playing for his teammates and coach Tommy Brakel was a motivator. Warren's return to Texas after briefly attending basketball power Oak Hill Academy (Va.) helped him realize how important his teammates were to him. Winning them back originally was his primary goal.

"From there, we all just worked hard and stayed humble," Warren said. "We knew that if we did that, good things would happen in the end."

RICKY MOON / Special to DMN

Willie Warren, an Oklahoma signee, was named the Most Valuable Player in the state-title game.

Sr., 6-4, G

Stats: Averaged 24.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 3.4 steals for 5A state-champion team

About Warren: An Oklahoma signee, Warren was the only Texan selected for the McDonald's All-American Game, which was played Wednesday. He was named the Gatorade Texas Player of the Year.

Did you know? Warren said he gets extremely nervous before every game.

Favorite player: Allen Iverson

Favorite team: Denver Nuggets

Favorite food: Mom's spaghetti

Best player in the area: South Oak Cliff's J'mison Morgan

Role model: Mom

Three people invited for dinner: J'mison Morgan, Lauren London, Meagan Good

Best part of my game: "Being able to attack and shoot the 3 the same."

Who wins the NCAA Tournament? Memphis

Favorite subject: Math

In 10 years, I'll be ...: "Hopefully in the League."

Fr., 6-6, F

Stats: Averaged 13.5 points, nine rebounds and 2.3 blocks

About Nash: Nash, highly touted after a strong eighth-grade year, didn't disappoint in his first varsity season. He is considered one of the nation's top freshman players.

Did you know? Nash said he's worked hard to increase his grade point average. He's gone from a C to a B student since middle school.

Favorite player: LeBron James

Favorite team: Mavericks

Favorite food: Pizza

Best player in the area: Lincoln's Jordan Williams

Role model: Michael Beasley

Three people invited for dinner: Michael Beasley, Michael Jordan and LeBron James

Best part of my game: Athleticism. "Everybody respects it when I take it to the hole."

Who wins the NCAA Tournament? Texas. "Always go for your state."

Favorite subject: Math

In 10 years, I'll be ...: "In the NBA playing for the Mavs."

Stats: Coached SOC from a 4-5 start to a 25-8 record, a 4A state title and the program's fourth consecutive state tournament appearance.

About Mays: Mays and the Golden Bears capped a mentally and physically draining 2007-08 season by claiming the 4A state title. The team rallied from 12 down in the fourth quarter to beat Fort Worth Southwest, 80-77, in the state final.

Did you know? Mays is a history buff. He likes quiz shows involving history, such as Jeopardy and Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?

Favorite coach: Bob Huggins

Favorite team: Cowboys

Favorite food: Fried fish

Best coach in the area: Lincoln's Leonard Bishop

Role models: Mom and dad

Three people invited for dinner: Jesus and grandmothers Lora and Mayetta Mays

Best part of coaching: "Getting the opportunity to meet and learn different kids."

Who wins the NCAA Tournament? Kansas

Hardest team to coach against: Duncanville. "They have so many weapons."

In 10 years, I'll be ...: "Coaching somewhere, hopefully at SOC."