WESTERVILLE, Ohio -- After coming off a loss to Licking Heights last Tuesday, Big Walnut responded a week on the road with a convincing 57-38 win over Westerville North behind a combined 25 points from the senior duo of Jaggar Barnett and Caleb Conard. 

Big Walnut jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead with an early five from Barnett. Westerville North started to wake up and trailed 11-9 after one. 

Big Walnut started the second quarter in the same fashion as the first, this time with a 6-0 run and were able to increase their lead by as much as 12.  At the half the Eagles led 28-19.

Westerville North came out with renewed energy in the second half. Paced by sophomore guard Semaj Council and senior Camden Ledford, Westerville North managed to cut the deficit to just one trailing 33-32 late in the third.  After three Big Walnut led 35-32.

The fourth quarter, however, told a different story as Big Walnut outscored Westerville North 22-6 in dominant fashion.

For Big Walnut, Barnett led all scorers with 14, while freshman Garrett Stover (12 points) and Conard (11 points) each finished in double figures.

For Westerville North, Council and Ledford both had 11.

Jaggar Barnett (6’3 G / Big Walnut / 2021): Barnett did a great job at running the offense. He didn’t allow himself to be sped up and made sure that every time down the floor, Big Walnut got into their sets. Known for his shot making ability from range, Barnett put the ball on floor more than usual and had some impressive finishes. He shot it well from the perimeter, knocking down two threes.

Semaj Council (6’2 G / Westerville North / 2023): Council was one of the bright spots in a rather disappointing loss. Despite not taking a whole lot of shots, he was able  score double digits. He looked most comfortable in the mid range where he knocked down three pull up jumpers. He also hit a catch and shoot three. Council is a guard to keep an eye on who showed us some flashes last year as a freshman. Council is playing with a bigger purpose this year, as the late Henry "Coach Bob" Smith was his uncle. 

Caleb Conard (6’7 F / Big Walnut / 2021): Conard had a solid game. He saw double teams on just about every post touch. He didn’t force anything and made the right passes out of the double. He showed off his shooting stroke knocking down a few jumpers. Conard did a good job of controlling the glass and blocked a few shots. Marietta was in attendance to check out the senior forward, who had some major breakout performances in our fall showcases to increase his recruiting profile.

Garrett Stover ( 6’1 G / Big Walnut / 2024): With no plays being called for him, Stover still managed to be the team's second leading scorer.  He could be found near every loose ball and made a living crashing the glass  for easy second chance points. Looking at Stover, it’s hard to tell by his physical build that he’s just a freshman, as he is a definite young prospect to keep an eye on.