SIKESTON — Namarius Banks-Warren, a recent graduate of Scott County Central and a talented athlete, has signed to play at Missouri Valley College.

While the Vikings may not be a powerhouse program, they offer Banks an opportunity to continue his athletic career and pursue his dream of becoming a first-generation college graduate.

“Nobody in my immediate family has finished college,” Banks-Warren said. “I want to break that barrier more than ever, make my mom proud.”

Banks-Warren’s explosive transition game, combined with his silky-smooth ball-handling skills and finishing ability, make him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

During his senior season, he averaged 14.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game while shooting 52 percent from the field, while earning first-team All-Scott Mississippi Conference and being named to the All-Southeast Missourian Christmas Tournament Team.

Outside of basketball, he also excelled in track and field. He was a finalist in the Semoball Awards after a strong showing at the MSHSAA Class 1 State meet, placing third in the 100-meter dash (11.13 seconds), fifth in the 400 (51.09), and fourth in the high jump (6 feet, 0.5 inches).

His athletic potential suggests that he could become an even more dominant force in the years to come.

“I think I have good potential to get pretty athletic and put on some pounds in the weight room,” Banks-Warren said. “I’m going to need to get more consistent with the jumper, and I’ll need to learn how to use my slashing to create shots for others and how to set up an offense as the point guard. I definitely need to learn the game in and out to be able to pick apart defenses.”

Banks-Warren’s ability to accept and learn from criticism is a testament to his maturity and dedication to improvement.

SCC coach Tim Carlisle praised his willingness to listen, learn, and apply feedback to his game. This coachable nature will be invaluable as Banks-Warren transitions to the collegiate level and faces new challenges.

“[Banks-Warren] is just a natural-born leader,” Carlisle said. “He was not too vocal, but he led by example. He would step up and set the tone with his voice if needed. The kids naturally looked up to him. If practices were not going well, he would be quick to gather the boys up and get them back on track. He has a natural ability to take games over in clutch time.”

Banks-Warren’s leadership style is characterized by his ability to connect with teammates on a personal level and lead by example. While he may not be the most vocal leader, his actions speak louder than words.

“I’ll definitely say there were a couple of times I had to speak to teammates 1-on-1 to let them know that this is a team sport and everyone has a role,” Banks-Warren said. “I would say letting them know that sometimes they weren’t going to play as much as they wanted and I knew how they felt because I was in their shoes once.”

As Banks-Warren transitions to the collegiate level, he is confident that his leadership style will continue to serve him well. He believes that his ability to connect with teammates on a personal level, combined with his dedication to improving his game, will help him become a valuable leader at Missouri Valley

“It all comes down to listening to my teammates and understanding their thoughts on the game,” he said. “It comes back to being as coachable as possible, absorbing everything that is taught to me and putting it into action.”

Banks-Warren’s decision to pursue college basketball was solidified after a series of conversations with his high school coaches. They encouraged him to reflect on his passions and aspirations, ultimately leading him to realize that basketball was the path he wanted to follow. The support and guidance from his coaches played a crucial role in his decision-making process.

When it came to choosing a college, Banks-Warren was drawn to Missouri Valley for its welcoming atmosphere and the genuine connections he formed with the coaching staff. He appreciated their honest approach and the way they communicated their expectations for him.

Additionally, the campus environment, including the academic opportunities and the supportive atmosphere, made it feel like the right fit.

Banks-Warren’s commitment to Missouri Valley College is a slam dunk. His athleticism, basketball IQ, and leadership skills make him a formidable opponent. Expect great things from this talented player as he develops his game at the collegiate level.