COLUMBUS, Ohio -- What was a 13 point lead to start the final quarter, dwindled down to as little as two before the Warriors put away the Scots after an Aaron Lawson floater and subsequent free throws. Eastmoor used a big time effort from a bench player who has become a vital part of the offense and another window cleaning outing from Dennis Asoro to get the 59-50 victory. 

Eastmoor used the second quarter to buckle down and gain a lead, only allowing the Scots to score six points in the frame and taking a 26-18 into the locker room at halftime. After the break, the Warriors had their best quarter, scoring 18 points as a team in the quarter, but Walnut Ridge did not go away as they fought back late and gave themselves a chance entering the final quarter. 

In the fourth quarter, the road team showed why you can never count out any team in a rivalry game. They clawed their way back into the game, on the back of a seven point quarter from 2024 point guard Dominique Aekins. When the score got to 52-50, the Scots could not convert on several attempts as the Warriors got the rebound and began to bleed out the clock. 

The Warriors used an excellent performance from their energy ball off the bench, senior Tramon Hairston and his 17 points. Hairston hit two first quarter three-pointers, including one at the buzzer that electrified the crowd. Senior Dennis Asoro was his usual dominant self inside the paint, scoring 19 points and grabbing 18 rebounds.

Sophomore guard James Nowell, who was hampered by foul trouble early, hit a trifecta of three pointers for his nine points while senior leader Aaron Lawson had eight points and a number of steals along with timely shot making. Terrion Hale, Alonzo Thorpe and Jalen Glenn each put in a basket a piece to round out the scoring for Eastmoor Academy. 

The gritty Scots were led in scoring by senior Zion Blevins and junior Lamariyon Smith who both scored 12 points. Sophomore Dominique Aekins added 11 points, his classmate Na’Varion Adams added five points while senior Tyree Morgan poured in the same. Freshman Bryden Hodge also added five points and Chip Francis scored a bucket to set the scoring for Walnut Ridge. 

Eastmoor (2-1; 1-1 City League) will travel to West High School on Tuesday while Walnut Ridge (0-3; 0-2 City League) goes home to battle Briggs.

Dennis Asoro (6’8 F / Eastmoor Academy / 2022): Another game, another forceful performance in the paint from the rising star of a senior. Asoro grabbed a career-high 18 rebounds, had five blocks, and seven steals to go along with 19 points. Asoro also challenged and contested shots on the perimeter. He even started the game with a corner three, showing his improved range over the seasons. The senior continues to show soft touch around the rim, finishing in traffic with layups at the rim the touch nothing but net. He shot 10 free throws which shows his toughness and craftiness around the bucket, causing fits for defenders due to his size. 

Tramon Hairston (5’10 G / Eastmoor Academy / 2022): The spark plug for the Warrior team so far this season, Hairston comes off the bench and brings energy to his team. He was also an amazing football player and he brings those instincts to the court with the way he can read what the offense is doing while on defense and using his aggressive nature to attack the basket. Confidence and swagger are two things this young man does not lack, his quickness with the ball in his hand along with his shifty handle makes him a threat off the Warrior bench each and every game. Teams will have to figure out how to control him if they want a chance to beat Eastmoor Academy. 

Dominique Aekins (5’9 G / Walnut Ridge / 2024): A fearless ball handler that gets into the paint seemingly at will, Aekins made life tough on the Warrior guards with his quickness. The sophomore is shifty with the ball in his hands, allowing him to free himself from the ball pressure other guards apply. His quickness allows him to get into the paint where he uses his floaters to score over height very well. His seven point fourth quarter got his team back into the game, and despite coming up short Aekins showed why he will be one of the city’s best point guards for a few more years. 

Zion Blevins (6’4 G / Walnut Ridge / 2022): One of the best pure shooters in the Columbus City League, Blevins hit two early one’s then proceeded to strike fear in the hearts of every Warrior fan whenever the ball left his hands after that. Eastmoor coaches understood his ability and made a concerted effort to deny him the ball on the last few possessions. His size will continue to confuse defenders, he can create space because defenders are worried about him driving to the basket and that allows him to rise up and shoot over anybody. Blevins is one of the most interesting prospects in the City League, the way he spaces the floor will be important at the next level.