A Warrior Trying to Find His Way

By: JB Burgin 

Paul Woodson stands 6'7, weighs 175 lbs, and plays basketball for the Aiken Falcons a Cincinnati Public School.  What you don't know about Paul is the great journey he has been on to get where he is today. Paul is an exceptional athlete with talents and spirits to match.  He has only been playing basketball for about five years and has already flourished into one of the top players in the state of Ohio.  While he averages double figure rebounds as a constant presence on the glass, Paul has spent his time wisely by working on his game in the gym getting up jump shot after another to become more of an offensive weapon.  His first athletic success came in boxing where he was an Amateur Golden Gloves Champion.  He also is an exceptional athlete with discipline where he studied tae kwon do and was ranked #1 in the country.  When you see Paul you would never imagine a young man of his size with so much passion for the game. 

In his first year at Aiken he has found a home, becoming one of the team leaders with his longtime friend Willie Moore. Woodson and Moore have an outstanding relationship, extending past basketball, where they are like brothers. Willie was an important part of Paul attending Aiken when he decided to leave Clark Montessori, where he had spent his three previous years.  During the summer they spent their days with the Cincinnati Knights AAU organization; enjoying much success on the local, regional, and national circuits.  They enjoyed each other so much Willie suggested; "How about we go out together and try to win a State Championship".  Paul obliged and along with Willie and Austin Grime, a highly recruited junior wing, they form one of the most lethal trios in Ohio.

Paul is an exceptional role model where he takes time helping others and leads by example.  He plans to attend college in the upcoming year (but remains uncommitted and unsigned) and use his talents of playing basketball to further his education. Division II colleges Lincoln Memorial (TN), Central State (OH), University of Indianapolis (IN), and Division I schools Morgan State (MD) and Fairleigh Dickenson (NY) are recruiting him the hardest right now. Paul Woodson is still learning how to play this game that he loves and is giving it his all every day.