WEST JEFFERSON, Ohio -- Great basketball has returned to the western edge of Central Ohio. In a non-league battle between two nearby rivals, London (18-2) edged out West Jefferson (15-6) on the road in front of a packed house, 46-45.

In a back and forth slugfest, London struck the final blow as a game-winning free throw from sophomore Trey Woodyard put the Red Raiders on top for good. West Jefferson senior Ben Casey had a shot to win the game from just inside halfcourt, however, Casey's big-time performance did not end in a miracle game-winner. 

While London opened up its largest lead of the game at 40-34 with six minutes to go, West Jefferson did not back down. Responding with a 6-0 run in the next three minutes, the Roughriders were not intent on letting rival London pull away.

This was where London sophomore post Jainaz Cameron made his mark on the game. Going 4-of-6 from the line coupled with a big block over the next two minutes, Cameron's size and physicality at 6-foot-6 was too much for an undersized West Jefferson team when it mattered most.

Cameron's final free throw put London ahead 44-40 with 1:12 to go, however, as was the case earlier in the quarter, West Jefferson didn't flinch.

A three-point field goal from senior Joe Thompson combined with poor free throw shooting and ball control from London helped West Jefferson tie the game at 45 with 12 seconds remaining.

Going to Woodyard on the final possession, the 6-foot-5 wing got to the rim for a potential game-winner. While Woodyard missed the attempt, he wasted no time attacking the glass, pulling down an offensive rebound where he was fouled seconds later.

Knocking down one of two free throws, Woodyard put the game away in London's biggest road win of the year. Picking up quality momentum, the Red Raiders roll into the season's biggest matchup on Friday at home against Jonathan Alder in a game that will have title implications in the Central Buckeye Conference.

Cameron led the way with 17 points, seven rebounds, two assists and two blocks. While foul trouble kept him out of the game for most of the first half, Cameron asserted himself in the second half and never looked back. A physical presence around the rim, Cameron lived at the free throw line in the later stages of the game, taking seven trips to the charity stripe in the fourth quarter.

Woodyard added 13 points and eight rebounds, getting hot in the second half. The 6-foot-5 sophomore is a mobile wing guard who can handle, pass and shoot, all traits that make him one of the most intriguing prospects in the area.

With three players combining for all but five points on Tuesday, junior guard Isaiah Hatem added 11 points on three triples to round out the scoring for London. 

For West Jefferson, Casey was the engine of the Roughrider offense, going for 22 points and eight rebounds. Scoring 14 of West Jefferson's 20 points in the first half, Casey did everything for the Roughriders in a game that they could have easily won.

Fellow senior Joe Thompson added 10 points and three assists, while seniors Michael Fuller and Scotty Hunter rounded the Roughrider offense with seven and six points, respectively.

In a tough loss on Senior Night, West Jefferson will look to bounce back on Friday at Triad to end the regular season. 

Jainaz Cameron (6'6 PF / London / 2021): A move in to London from Lima this fall, Cameron has made a lasting impact on the Red Raider program. A major part of London's best start in decades, Cameron looked like the highly touted post prospect that he was thought to be coming into this season.

With broad shoulders and an intriguing frame at 6-foot-6, Cameron wasted no time in making his mark on the game. Attacking the offensive glass and finishing through contact with toughness, Cameron showed off a strong motor in a tough road matchup. While he is still raw and lacking a perimeter game, Cameron has a big body, intriguing athleticism and a frame that will allow him to put on weight. 

With the 6-foot-6 Cameron and 6-foot-5 Woodyard in the program, London is as good as they have been in the last 20 years. 

Ben Casey (6'3 WG / West Jefferson / 2019): Matching up with Cameron on both ends of the floor on Tuesday, Casey had an excellent two-way game. Dominating on the offensive end, Casey scored it on three levels, knocking down two triples, hitting a few mid-range jumpers and showing intriguing finishing ability of the bounce.

An impressive athlete who excelled against a big and athletic defender in Cameron, Casey was able to get places off the bounce and insert himself into the game in both the half court and transition settings. The 6-foot-3 guard has a shifty handle and solid first step, as he was able to get by defenders into the lane, where he created for himself and others. Casey battled Cameron tough underneath, while also showing the ability to move on the perimeter and defend guards and wings.

With Capital in the house to see him on Tuesday, Casey should be a high priority recruit for Division III programs, as he offers size, shooting ability, athleticism and toughness. 

Trey Woodyard (6'5 WG / London / 2021): One of the more intriguing prospects in the sophomore class, Woodyard rebounded from a slow start to the game with a big second half. A long wing with a handle, knockdown shot and strong motor, Woodyard stepped up when London needed him most.

Woodyard showed an ability to score it off the bounce, finishing a few tough attempts through traffic, while knocking down a spot-up three from NBA range to begin the game. With a versatile skill set and legitimate length, Woodyard is perfect for positionless basketball, as you can play him at the 1-5 at the high school level. We were impressed with his feel, as he picked his spots well and didn't take any low percentage shots. 

Able to defend speedy guards, as he did on Tuesday, Woodyard showed versatility on defensive end, as he has all the tools to become a Division I player in time.