- January 7, 2025
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FPC's Dmaghio Warren dribbles the ball up the court against Spruce Creek. Photo by Ray Boone
Azavier Fleming drives into the paint against Spruce Creek. Photo by Ray Boone
Desmond Neal finishes a layup against the Hawks. Photo by Ray Boone
Dmaghio Warren draws contact against a Spruce Creek defender. Photo by Ray Boone
FPC coach Gary McDaniel watches his team compete against Spruce Creek. Photo by Ray Boone
The Bulldogs play defense on a Spruce Creek guard. Photo by Ray Boone
FPC's Dmaghio Warren attempts a layup against Spruce Creek. Photo by Ray Boone
The Bulldogs' boys basketball team struggled in the first half of their clash with district rival Spruce Creek on the night of Tuesday, Dec. 11, at Flagler Palm Coast High School. The Hawks' Matthew Steiner opened the game with four-straight 3-pointers to give the Hawks a 14-4 lead over the Bulldogs, who were coming off of a home loss to New Smyrna Beach the day prior.
Then the Bulldogs' Dmaghio Warren made a decision.
"I told my teammates that I wasn't going to leave [Steiner]," he said. "I wasn't going to let him get shots off."
Although Spruce Creek led 30-29 at halftime, the Bulldogs surrendered only one 3-pointer to Steiner in the second half. The Bulldogs defeated the Hawks 70-60.
“They all can shoot," FPC coach Gary McDaniel said. "We changed our help so that we can get to the shooters and play less help. That’s usually what we don’t like to do, but it worked out. I don’t know if that’ll work for a second time.”
The Bulldogs were paced by their senior leader, Warren, who torched the Hawks to the tune of 31 points and 12 rebounds. Warren started the first half slow but wore the Hawks' defense down in the second half. He mercilessly fought his way into the paint, using his size and quick handles to get open shots at the rim and to draw fouls.
“My mindset was to win," he said. “With my size I rarely get tired, and if I do I don’t show it. I just keep on pushing.”
The Bulldogs' goal in 2018-19 is to win the district championship, and Warren's play will be a major factor in whether the Bulldogs will reach that goal.
“He’s grown up a lot," McDaniel said. "The biggest difference is he can play with the ball and without the ball. He understands that he’s going to get different looks. He knows his spots now where he can catch the ball and be effective and where he has to be patient.”
