COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The beginning of a new season always brings a level of excitement that is unique to high school hoops. With an opportunity for players and teams to make a statement and begin a march to new heights, there is nothing quite like the buzz of a new season.
Let's take a look at the top scorers from Friday's packed night of hoops.
Performance: 38 points vs. Teays Valley
The 6-foot-5 Hilliard Bradley wing went buckwild on Friday, blasting Teays Valley with 38 points and 12 rebounds in a statement win. Speelman scored seven more points than the opponent's total on the night.
Performance: 36 points vs. Zane Trace
The Logan Elm Bucket Getter was back in action on Friday, dropping 36 points on Zane Trace in an 80-50 win. One of the top scoring guards of the last few years, Young is a name to remember for regional Division II programs.
Performance: 34 points vs. Canal Winchester
In a 58-51 loss to Canal Winchester, Walker put Independence on his back. Scoring 34 of the Sixers' 51 points, Walker was unstoppable from all spots on the floor, knocking down 13 shots in total, including five from three. At 6-foot-6 and growing, Walker is one of the top upside prospects in Central Ohio.
Performance: 27 points vs. Fisher Catholic
In only three quarters of slight work, Bailey put up 27 points to lead Grove City Christian to a blowout win over Fisher Catholic. Arguably the top point guard in Division IV in Central Ohio, Bailey is a warrior at the lead guard spot that should put up big numbers this season.
Performance: 25 points vs. Wellington
In a highly-anticipated matchup against reigning regional champion Wellington, Martin scored a career-high 25 points to lead Africentric to a big win on the road. Martin hit three triples, in addition to six rebounds and five assists. Attacking the defense in a variety of ways, Martin's performance was encouraging for the 6-foot-2 senior guard who has vastly improved over the years.
Performance: 25 points vs. Westfall
Leading Bishop Ready to a 72-42 win to open the season, Volini was on his a-game Friday, scoring a game-high 25 points to lead the Silver Knights. A physical 6-foot-5 forward who has been a staple of the Ready starting lineup for the last few seasons, Volini could be due for a breakout year this winter.
Performance: 24 points vs. Independence
Not far removed from the days when his older brother was scorching the nets for Canal Winchester, Snyder had his best performance yet, leading Canal Winchester to a win over Independence with 24 points. Knocking down threes and scoring at the line, Snyder's performance was enough to lead the Indians over a tough Independence team.
Performance: 23 points vs. Pleasant
In an overtime loss to Pleasant, Yoakum did nearly all he could to bring the Pacers a win, scoring 23 of his team's 49 points. The best player in Delaware County, Yoakum is likely going to end up as one of the area's top scorers when it's all said and done this season.