Aiken vs Walnut Hills- Scrimmage Report

Just returned from watching Aiken scrimmage with Walnut Hills, after three ten minute quarters when they decided to clear the score Aiken was leading 45-42. CPHR's thoughts on the progress of the two teams:

Willy Moore is looking to take his game to
another level in his senior year with the Aiken Falcons

• Aiken: Playing without a pure PG, with senior Landen Gaulden absent, the team had to turn to senior SG Willy Moore and junior SF Austin Grimes to handle the ball. Both of them were a little sloppy at times in the fullcourt but did a very nice job of running Aiken's new motion offense in the half court. Moore, Grimes, and junior SF Mikey Thompson were effective attacking the rim and finding open teammates for good looks. Willy Moore in particular was able to rack up a lot of points by using his body to seal the smaller Eagle guards and score over them once he got in the paint. Senior SG Stevon Nelms is a name that City League fans should get familiar with; after playing a small role last year Nelms is ready to explode this year as a strong guard with a nice all around game. The Falcons got good inside play from a potential transfer '12 PF, who if he decides to enroll will really make this team a scary opposition. The other transfer that Aiken officially has landed is '13 PF Antonio Campbell, a 6'6 shooter with nice athleticism that should come out in a big way from under the radar. Campbell left Cincinnati College Prep Academy. The final piece of the puzzle tonight for Aiken was sophomore PG Correy Cavvins who looks to have really improved his jumpshot while learning to handle the ball on the varsity level. 

Isaiah Johnson will be one of the FAVC player
of the year frontrunners this season at Walnut Hills

• Walnut Hills: Turned in a very impressive effort tonight with their lineup of 5 juniors. The only real area for concern with Walnut is their depth; they play very hard on the defensive end and are a patient team with a nice inside-outside offensive gameplan. Junior C Isaiah Johnson continues his growth as a force inside with several tough finishes through fouls tonight. Johnson just keeps improving; his passing, rebounding consistency, and footwork are all at an all time high. The three guard attack of Sterling Gilmore, Kyree Burton, and Ricardo Hill (all of whom saw significant varsity action last year) is going to improve this year as well. All three are tenacious defenders and tough competitors who have the ability to see the floor, drive and score with floaters, and can really stroke from deep. Walnut's fifth stater, PF Kodey Jackson, brings the athleticism that they need to guard athletic opponents and runs the floor fluidly for the guards to find. 

Stay tuned to CPHR as we intend on bringing you coverage from Xavier's team camp this weekend, where several local teams are scheduled to play.