The Aiken Varsity Basketball Team (Cincinnati, OH) will host Woodward (Cincinnati, OH) in a home conference game on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 7:30 PM.

Matchup Details:

• Teams: Woodward vs Aiken
• Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM
• Live stream: Watch Here

Aiken vs. Woodward Basketball: A Tale of Two Teams in the 2024-2025 Season

As the high school basketball season intensifies, the competition between Aiken and Woodward is catching the attention of fans and analysts alike. With both teams from Cincinnati, OH, their performances this season offer a stark contrast, making their matchups particularly intriguing. Here’s a closer look at their season so far, including their rankings, head-to-head results, and key players.

Season Overview: Woodward vs. Aiken

Woodward (24-25 Season)

• Overall Record: 1-6
• Conference Record: 0-3
• Home Record: 0-3
• Away Record: 0-3
• Neutral Record: 1-0
• Points Scored (PF): 364
• Points Allowed (PA): 491
• Win Percentage: .143 (Overall), .000 (Conference)

Woodward has struggled so far this season, with only one win to their name. Despite their efforts, they have been unable to find success in conference play, and their performances have been inconsistent, especially at home and away. The team has managed to score an average of 52 points per game, but defensively, they have allowed an average of 70 points per game, making it difficult for them to keep up with their opponents.

Aiken (24-25 Season)

• Overall Record: 9-0
• Conference Record: 4-0
• Home Record: 3-0
• Away Record: 3-0
• Neutral Record: 3-0
• Points Scored (PF): 721
• Points Allowed (PA): 511
• Win Percentage: 1.000 (Overall), 1.000 (Conference)

On the other hand, Aiken has had an incredibly strong start to their season, boasting an undefeated record. They’ve been dominant in conference play and on the road, showing their ability to perform in various conditions. Aiken’s high-powered offense has been impressive, averaging 80.1 points per game, and their defense has been solid, allowing just over 50 points per game on average.

Head-to-Head: Aiken Dominates Woodward

The most recent matchup between these two teams took place on December 13, where Aiken claimed a commanding victory over Woodward. The final score was Aiken 89, Woodward 46. Aiken came out strong in all four quarters, with a particularly dominant second quarter, where they outscored Woodward 33-16. This one-sided victory further cemented Aiken’s status as one of the top teams in the league.

The two teams will face off again on January 17 at 7:30 p.m., with Aiken looking to extend their unbeaten streak and Woodward hoping for redemption.

Team Scoring Averages: A Tale of Two Offenses

• Woodward averages 52 points per game, with a balanced, but not explosive offensive attack. They tend to score relatively evenly across the four quarters, with an average of 12.3 points in the first quarter and 14.0 points in the third. However, their offense struggles to gain consistency, particularly in the second half, where they often fall behind.
• Aiken is a high-scoring powerhouse, putting up an impressive 80.1 points per game. Their offense is particularly efficient in the second quarter (22.9 points) and third quarter (21.6 points), where they create significant separation from opponents. Their ability to maintain offensive production throughout the game makes them a formidable opponent for any team.

Key Players to Watch

For Woodward, the standout player is Jaiden Arnold, who leads the team in points, assists, and steals. Arnold averages 21.1 points per game and 5.1 assists per game, making him a key player in Woodward’s offense. However, for Woodward to find success, they will need other players to step up and provide additional scoring support.

For Aiken, Jaiden Arnold is also a leader, but there are other contributors who make Aiken’s offense even more dangerous. Tayvon Smith is a key player, contributing both offensively and defensively with 7.5 rebounds per game and 0.8 blocks per game. Aiken’s offensive depth and defensive prowess are evident in their dominance this season.

Record Breakdown

• Woodward has faced a tough schedule, struggling against both league and non-league opponents. Their win over Mt. Healthy on November 30 was a bright spot, but they’ve fallen short in most of their games, including their losses to Hughes and Taft.
• Aiken has been nearly perfect, with wins against Hughes, Mt. Healthy, and Taft. Their only head-to-head loss against Woodward this season came in their lone meeting last month, where Aiken triumphed 89-46.

Looking Ahead: The Next Matchup

As the two teams prepare to meet again on January 17, Aiken enters the game as the overwhelming favorite. Their undefeated record and offensive firepower have made them a dominant force in the league, while Woodward will be looking to turn their season around. With their backs against the wall, Woodward will need a big performance to keep their playoff hopes alive, while Aiken looks to continue their march toward a perfect season.

Prediction: Aiken 85, Woodward 55

With Aiken’s continued dominance on offense and their stingy defense, they are expected to walk away with another victory. However, the unpredictable nature of high school basketball means that anything can happen on the court. Fans of both teams will surely be in for an exciting contest on January 17.