Milford Mill junior guard Isaiah McCray enjoyed growing in 2009 and is looking to do the same in 2010.

He maintains a 3.8 grade-point average and plans to major in mathematics or accounting in college. He is in his third season with the varsity basketball team and first as a starter after being the first player off the bench last season.

The No. 6 Millers captured the Baltimore County championship last season and made a strong run in the Class 3A North region, falling to eventual state champion Lake Clifton in the final seconds of the regional title game. It has McCray and the Millers (8-2) wanting more this season.

In addition to excelling in the classroom and on the court, where he scores 12.5 points a game, McCray is a member of the National Society of Black Engineers, one of the largest student-run organizations in the country, centered on the improvement and recruitment of black engineering students. He also plans to run track this spring for the first time, aiming to improve his speed and agility.

Question: What is your role on the basketball team this season?

Answer: My role is a pretty good leadership role. [Coach Albert Holley] expects me to step up a lot and handle a lot of things that happen on the court. Now he says it's my time, so I'm going to use it to the best of my abilities.

Q: What did you learn from graduated senior point guard Xavier Drake last season to help you this year?

A: I learned a lot from him. To stay humble, to stay focused on everything you need to be focused on, to be quick with everything, stable with everything, and just lead the team by doing everything I'm supposed to do and setting an example for everybody.

Q: What's special about this year's team?

A: This team is pretty good. We have an opportunity to win a state championship this season. We're really focused and learning a lot. We still have a learning curve because we're kind of young with just four seniors and the rest juniors and sophomores. All I can say is that this year's team is really good and ... we're trying to make the most of the opportunity.

Q: How important is it to stay balanced with school and basketball?

A: It's really important because in order to get a college scholarship you have to maintain both. You have to have a great athletic side, and, at the same time, you have to have a great academic side because that's the first thing they look for. I've learned that, so I just want to follow that routine of keeping my studies up and my athletic skills up.

Q: What is the plan for 2010?

A: 2010 - state championship. Comcast [Center]! That's the main goal, that's the drive, that's what we work for all season. To me, right now, this right here, it's getting us ready for that. That's the real season. We're going to try to win that Baltimore County championship again, but to get that big one - it's the hugest thing right now.

Q: Do you have any mottos or quotes you try to live by?

A: I've had a whole lot of quotes come my way. "You're only as good as your last game" is one I just learned from a friend. I sat down and evaluated that. It's a true statement and can be based on anything in life. You're only as good as your last quarter in high school toward your education, you're only as good as your last basketball game, and you're only as good as your last relationship with somebody. It's a great quote to live by.

Q: What did you enjoy most about the holiday season?

A: Eating - lots of food. I liked the break time [from school and basketball], and it's great to hang out with family and friends. Even though I love basketball, I have to love my loved ones, too, and I like to spend as much time as I can with them.

Q: What's it like being the youngest in the family with two brothers and one sister?

A: My father says he spoils me, but I don't believe it [laughs]. It's fun being the baby. I love the experience I get to learn from my older siblings. They teach me everything I need to know to help keep me moving forward.

Q: Did you make a New Year's resolution?

A: My main resolution is to maintain. Maintain everything - maintain my grades; maintain my athletic ability; my character, social-wise; and as a person overall. I just want to be the greatest young man I can possibly be.

Q: Who is your favorite basketball player?

A: Right now it's LeBron James, but overall my all-time favorite is Len Bias. I've seen a couple of his tapes, and he was one of the best I've seen. The tragedy [of his death] is something that you learn from - it helps me stay focused. A tragic loss can help people learn at the same time.