“This (Warren) 2018 Milton product played with grit and a competitive edge that exceeded that of other prospects,” remarked NPH’s National Recruiting Analyst Elisa Sbiet, who also offer praise to fellow Bishop Reding cager Pablo Villa, a young supporting cast member of the Royals’ senior team that won the Halton title and qualified for OFSAA this past season. “He (Warren) strapped up man-to-man, was in the passing lanes for steals and finished and scored in a variety of ways.”

Playing competitively since age seven, Warren was a dominating force in his first few years of basketball — so much so that he was encouraged to play against older boys in order to stay focused and motivated.

“He was always energetic and athletic, and had a real love and instinct for the game,” said mother Sherrydawn, who along with Jalen’s older sister Chanel both played university basketball.

While best known for his knack for producing in high-traffic situations — a trait usually reserved for high school’s senior players — Warren has shown he can get it done from downtown as well.

Case in point was a tournament semifinal game three years in Rochester where he hit seven straight three-pointers en route to finishing with 37 points for the Brampton Warriors.

The Warriors have certainly benefited from his well-rounded game, having reached the Ontario Basketball Association Division 1 finals in both his Grade 6 and 7 years.

Expected to grab a high placing for his age class when NPH announces its national rankings at the end of the summer, Warren admits he was nervous heading into the Toronto showcase.

“But after 10 or 15 minutes I relaxed,” said the local teen, who’ll keep his game sharp over the next two months playing with S-Elite. “I think I did very well. I didn’t back down.”

Though recognizing the MVP award places a certain amount of expectation on his back, Warren views this as a good kind of pressure.

“I think it’ll be a good motivator… it’ll push me to do better now that people are watching.”