Warner Robins’ Tristan Warren turning the corner as key contributor

When Warner Robins head coach Jamaal Garman sat down at the Houston County media day before the season, he had a couple of names in mind as to who would step up in big roles this season.

The most obvious were Gavyn Williams and Tyler Harris, who were and still are vying to be the “top dog” on the team.

But as far as who’d contribute on a nightly basis, there were a couple of names Garman wanted to surprise the schedule with.

Junior Tristan Warren, who had a game-high 26 points in the Demons’ one-point loss to Long County, is starting to turn the corner. 

He had 11 points in the fourth quarter as Warner Robins attempted to manufacture a comeback. He put his head down and got to the rim which is something Garman has tried to get him to do consistently all season.

“He understands now that he’s gotta get downhill,” Garman said. “He’ll hit that jump shot, too, but he’s so much more effective when he gets downhill and attacks the rim. And today was one of those days where he actually started doing it.”

Warren’s scores were timely throughout the fourth quarter. He brought Warner Robins within six twice with 3:38 and 1:51 left to play.

After Ellison Dantes’ layup to cut the deficit to four Warren stole a pass and floated up a shot in the middle to pull the Demons within two with 1:20 to go.

But he also drew an and-one with 45 seconds left and drained another basket with 8.2 seconds left. Although Warner Robins wasn’t able to come out on top, without Warren putting his head down they never would have had a chance.