GROVEPORT, Ohio -- Opening up a brand new basketball facility to tip off the 2018-19 season, Groveport's group of young players played with renowned energy as the Cruisers held off a scrappy Westland squad, 65-60.

Despite leading 41-21 at the half, Groveport allowed Westland to storm back. Putting together a 28-10 third quarter which included a 22-1 run, Westland took a 54-51 lead early in the fourth quarter. However, Groveport senior and game MVP Javon Miller held off the Cougars in the final minutes, as Miller's 23 points tied a game high with Westland junior Kalil Camara, who made his area debut after moving in from Philadelphia over the summer.

Groveport features a team with very minimal varsity experience, however the Cruisers play with great energy, passion and commitment on the defensive side. Miller and fellow senior Nahki Taylor (17 points) paved the way for Groveport.

For Westland, Camara and the Cougars are on the rise. If Westland can continue to play as a team and work together on both ends, you could see this group take a major step. However, if selfish ball returns, Westland could be looking up at the rest of the OCC-Central. 

Let's take a look at the game's top prospects. 

Javon Miller (6'3 CG / Groveport / 2019): Miller had a breakout showing on Thursday, playing a near flawless game from the opening tip. A full-qualifier with a great motor, attitude and work ethic, Miller has made great progress since last season and was the most composed player on the floor. Knocking down three triples, several mid-range jumpers and making great decisions with the ball, Miller played the type of game that should warrant plenty of scholarship opportunities at the Division II and NAIA levels. Miller showed us a lot on Thursday, as he is just a little over a month removed from the tragic loss of his father, which seemed to fuel his passion on the floor. With great grades and upside to match, Miller is a late-blooming combo guard who is worth the price of admission. He will continue to improve as he is nearly young enough to be a junior. Receiving interest from Shawnee State and Holy Cross at the NAIA level, look for Miller's stock to rise this winter. 

Kalil Camara (6'2 CG / Westland / 2020): Moving in from Philadelphia this summer, there has been plenty of hype surrounding Camara since an in-school dunk went viral on Bleacher Report. Since that moment, Camara has been a center of attention on the far west side, which made Thursday's game an exciting one to see. The 6-foot-2 combo guard took advantage of his debut, playing an excellent game, finishing with 23 points, five rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block. A talented ball handler who can get into the lane at will, Camara kept Groveport's feisty guards at bay all night, while also making excellent passes on the move. When Camara was on the floor, Westland was much better, as he elevated his teammates and improved the play from a Cougars team that has struggled in recent years. An elite-level athlete who can knock down the mid-range jumper and finish at the rim through contact, Camara also showed an ability as a capable shooter from the perimeter. As he continues to put more into his game and evolve into a point guard, look for his stock to rise among area programs who are beginning to familiarize themselves with him. We see scholarship-level potential in Camara, who seems to have a great head on his shoulders. 

Nahki Taylor (6'0 G / Groveport / 2019): One of few players with varsity experience for the Cruisers, Taylor was efficient on Thursday. Attacking the rim and finishing through contact, Taylor put pressure on the Westland defense on the drive, but was also able to knock down two threes. Look for him to attract some Division III attention, as he alongside Miller are vastly improved senior guards that will give Groveport a chance to compete for an OCC title this season. 

Deshawn Evans (6'2 G / Westland / 2019): While Evans was held scoreless in the first half, he quickly redeemed himself by scoring 11 points in Westland's massive third quarter run. Evans is a confident scorer who is not afraid to put it up, as his high volume style paid dividends in the second half. Knocking in three triples and finishing an And-1. Evans' scoring ability will be vital for the Cougars as Westland is looking to change the culture this winter and it will have to start with Evans and fellow senior Gaige Holbrook. If they can learn to limit bad shots and play within the offense, Evans and Holbrook, along with Camara, can take this team to a new level. 

Elijah Hawk (6'5 PF / Groveport / 2021): Hawk had a solid outing to begin his varsity career, scoring 12 points and pulling down seven rebounds in the win. Hawk is a big bodied post with nice footwork and touch around the basket, as he was consistent in both halves. If he can learn to keep the ball high when he gets touches in the post, his game will elevate to a new level. Look for Hawk to be a breakout player in the OCC this winter and his contributions in the post are going to be highly valued for Groveport. A talented football prospect as well, Hawk has a bright future ahead of him. Look for him and fellow sophomore Terrence Kee to play big roles for Groveport, as Kee took advantage of his opportunity, scoring five points and remaining on the floor for most of the second half after coming off the bench. 

Eric Panning (6'6 WF/PF / Westland / 2020): Panning is a player who really intrigues us. At 6-foot-6, Panning has great length, moves well for his size, can run, jump and block shots, while also becoming a more efficient rebounder. Finishing with seven points and 12 rebounds on Thursday, Panning had a great second half, knocking down a corner three, hitting two free throws and playing the longest stretch of consistent ball that we've seen from him. Not opposed to contact and physicality, Panning is going to be a very imposing force as he continues to add weight to his 6-foot-6 frame. This could be a late bloomer that really shines as a senior, however, right now he is the x-factor for this Westland team and will only help them improve if he puts together more performances like Thursday.