COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Eastmoor Academy started off January hotter than August from deep as sophomore James Nowell threatened to break a Warrior record and senior Dennis Asoro continued to grab every basketball that bounces off of the rim.

In a south division battle, Eastmoor Academy (6-1) used that sharp shooting to race out to a big lead and take down the Briggs Bruins (4-8) by a score of 70-29.

Nowell came out of the gate and buried four three-pointers in the first frame and junior Terrion Hale hit one to give the team five for the first quarter.

Briggs senior Devonte Curry drained a pair of three’s and another shot to keep the game within reach as the Warriors led the Bruins 15-10 after the first quarter.
Senior guard Aaron Lawson took charge in the second quarter and tallied seven total points in the frame to send the Warriors to a 35-16 halftime lead as Eastmoor Academy began to flex their muscle over the Bruins.

The defense of Jim Miranda’s bunch controlled the second quarter,
only allowing six total points.

A team oriented third quarter gave way to the Warriors highest scoring quarter of the game, 24 points, while holding the Bruins to another six point quarter.

The fourth quarter was all about trying to get Nowell to hit a couple more three-pointers so he could tie the Warrior three-point makes
record of nine. Nowell hit a pair of triples in the final frame before being subbed out and Eastmoor Academy walked away with the 70-29 victory.

Briggs was led in scoring by Devonte Curry and his 19 points. The senior was followed by Jordan Fleming off the bench, who scored six. Jaquise Keaton and Keion Stevens-Ford both added in a bucket a piece to round out the scoring for the Bruins.

The Warriors were led by sophomore sharp shooter James Nowell who scored 21 points on seven three’s, two away from tying Jalen Lewis’ record of nine.

Senior leader and point guard Aaron Lawson scored 13 points and had six assists to go along with it while the other senior star
Dennis Asoro only had six points but he snagged 18 rebounds and swatted away two shots.

Junior Terrion Hale came off the bench and scored 12 points to go along with five rebounds while another junior Evan Meadows came in, scored 10 points and ripped away four steals.

Tony Rice’s boys will have another tough test on Friday as they make another ride to the east side to take on the Africentric Nubians.

Meanwhile, the Warriors will slide up 104 to the Southfield part of the city to take on the Marion-Franklin Red Devils.

James Nowell (5’9 HG / Eastmoor Academy/ 2024): The sophomore got started early by nailing four three-pointers in the opening frame, getting the chatter started about him breaking at least the Eastmoor Academy record of nine. Nowell drained seven total for his team-leading 21 points. The guard is not just one of the best shooters in his class, but his first step quickness is unreal and underutilized. When teams decide to step out on him, he can get past them with that step and get to the bucket where he is a really good finisher. While Nowell did not need that skill tonight, it is there for his use. As Nowell continues to grow and develop as a player, more schools will notice the abilities and we expect this young man to be on plenty of radars very soon.

Aaron Lawson (6’0 PG / Eastmoor Academy / 2022): Lawson has gotten in amazing shape during the offseason and it has paid off as he looks like a totally different player this year. The senior leader for the Warriors scored 13 points, handed out six assists and controlled the pace of the game all night which is something that he has done all season. He has done an amazing job this season at not getting sped up and playing at his own pace which has cut down on his turnover total. His steady play has made him one of the best point guards in the City League, one that has coaches intrigued. Lawson is a scholarship guard that will leave a positive impact not only on this Warrior program but also whatever college gives him the chance.

Dennis Asoro (6’7 TB / Eastmoor Academy / 2022): While not as effective in the scoring column, Asoro’s effect on the game was undeniable as he corralled 18 rebounds and had two blocks despite scoring only six points. The paint was controlled by number 15 in white as he made sure nobody got off anything easy inside and even made numerous players think twice before the shot over of him. Asoro has been dominant both scoring and rebounding this season, averaging a double-double this season and gaining steam as the best big in the City League. While his offensive game is not totally refined yet, the soft touch around the rim combined with the ability to control everything within 12 feet of the basketball is one of the most valuable things in basketball.

Devonte Curry (6’4 SG / Briggs / 2022): Despite being one of the most slender players on the court, Curry was the most effective and consistent scorer on the hardwood for the Bruins. Curry showed that he could score on all three levels by sinking three three-point shots, hitting mid range jumpers and showing nice touch around the rim with the ability to get the ball up over the top of more length. The senior has a solid handle of the ball and made good choices on offense, trying to get his teammates involved with some impressive passes. His long arms allow him to get steals and deflections on the defensive side of the court. This was the first time getting to see Curry in person this season and he is as good as his numbers indicate.